As city kicks off fiesta activities Carcar to show off heritage, growth

CEBU, Philippines -  Carcar City Mayor Nicepuro Apura will lead the opening of the city's fiesta today starting with a street parade, as well as daily and nightly activities.

This year's fiesta theme is "Carcar:  Sabakan sa kabilin, larawan sa kalambuan."

City information officer Candice Acuña said the city, which is known as the Heritage City of Cebu, boasts of the presence of old structures, grandiose church and rich historical background.

"We came up with the theme 'Carcar: Sabakan sa kabilin, larawan sa kalambuan' because we are the seat of heritage but progress is mirrored in the industries that rise in the city," Acuña said.

Carcar is 40 kilometers south of Cebu City.

After the opening at 3 p.m. today, the city will sponsor nightly activities such as fashion show and talents night of Ms. Carcar 2014, DepEd Students Night and Teachers Night, Carcar Academy Night and St. Catherine's College Night, as well as the first-ever Mayor Nice Apura Legal Drag Race.

On November 23, schools will be competing for Kabkaban Festival street dancing competition.

"Kabkaban" is a ritual dance that is believed to drive away bad spirits when performed.

This annual activity is one of the highlights of Carcar's fiesta in honor of its patroness St. Catherine of Alexandria.

Aside from the heritage and old structures, the city is also known for its shoes, bolo making and basket weaving, wooden furniture manufacturing and antique reproduction.

Carcar was established as a municipality 414 years ago.  (FREEMAN)