GUIMARAS – After a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Palayag Festival of Buenavista, Guimaras, is back with the theme, “Balik Palayag”.
“Palayag” is boat sailing with the use of a “layag” (sail).
The 10-day Palayag Festival kicks off today with a grand parade and float competition, agri-fair and exhibit, a cultural presentation, and an entertainment band.
Mayor Samuel Gumarin said the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now manageable in the entire province thus his municipal government decided to revive the festival.
“Palayag Festival is back. Kabahin ini sang handum naton nga ibalik ang kasadya sa banwa sang Buenavista. Most of all, aton ginalauman nga ang pagsaulog sang Palayag Festival makabulig agud mabuhi liwat ang ekonomiya sang aton banwa nga lubos naapektohan sang pandemya,” Gumarin said.
Celebrated every third Sunday of January, the Palayag Festival displays the use of the rich cultural tradition of the oldest municipality in the province of Guimaras.
The celebration is in honor of Senior Sto. Niño, the town’s patron saint.
“Magluwas sa pandemya, gin-igu pa ang Buenavista sang sea tragedy, oil spill… gin-agyan sang Typhoon Odette, With this year’s celebration, we are hoping nga makabangon ang aton ekonomiya kag mahatagan paglaum ang aton mga pumoluyo nga makabangon sa mga epekto sang nag-agi nga mga panghangkat,” Gumarin said.
The other festival activities are sports competitions such as taekwondo, mountain bike race, volleyball, and dance sport.
Entertainment bands will treat festivalgoers every night. Meanwhile, actor Wowie de Guzman will grace the Zumba Dance Party.
A new “Lin-ay sang Buenavista” will be crowned, too. She will represent the municipality in the province-wide Search for Manggahan Queen.
The festival culminates on Jan. 15, 2023, with a cultural presentation that will showcase the history of the town of Buenavista.
A fireworks display, an air show, and a foam party will cap the festivities.
The Palayag Festival is an effort in:
* encapsulating the history, culture, and heritage of the past that need preservation, the dreams and vision, the plans and efforts of ancestors, and the beauty of the environment;
* celebration of the unified efforts that all Buenavistahanons had contributed towards the progress and prosperity that are enjoyed today
* a renewal of the bond between Buenavistahanons with jubilant thanksgiving, expressing joy through dancing, singing, and gathering together as one community.
* a festival of beauty and hospitality of Buenavistahanons which can only be experienced by others if they travel, trek, and tour into the beautiful town of Buenavista./PN
