TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — This capital city of Leyte is now all set to celebrate its 127th Fiesta celebration on June 30, in honor of its patron Senor Santo Niño de Tacloban, with its famous Sangyaw Festival.
The festive atmosphere, in tandem with religious fervor, has actually started on June 1, as a month-long celebration done in partnership with the city government and the Santo Niño Parish Church.
Buntings, banners and tarpaulins have adorned the city streets, while various activities-socio-cultural fairs, food and music festivals, ballroom for balikbayans, Miss Tacloban 2016 beauty pageant, awarding of outstanding Taclobanons, and the Sangyaw Festival Parade of Lights, among others-filled the roster of fiesta events for June.
The culmination of the fiesta will also coincide with the oathtaking of Mayor-elect Cristina Romualdez and other city councilors, as well as the Pontifical Concelebrated Mass with Archbishop John Du as the main celebrant.
Taclobanon balikbayans are also coming home to join the fiesta celebration, with so many scheduled school reunions booked for the pre and post-fiesta flurry of fun, including the Balik Tacloban Night 2016 for ballroom lovers.
Twelve candidates will vie for the Ms. Tacloban 2016 pageant crown today, while the 8th Sangyaw Awards on Monday will honor outstanding Taclobanons in the fields of arts and literature.
The centerpiece event, Sangyaw Festival Parade of Lights on Tuesday will have 10 barangay contingents and 10 schools participating.
After the Feast Day Mass on Thursday, there will be a fluvial procession, followed by a land procession around the city. (FREEMAN)