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The Pasayaw Festival of Canlaon, Negros Oriental


A combined word of “Pasalamat Pinaagi sa Sayaw” (a thanksgiving through dance). This Pasayaw expresses the joys and jubilations in praise and thanksgiving to the Almighty God through the intercession of St. Joseph. The “Pasayaw Street Dancing & Parade” is participated in by 12 contingents from the 12 barangays.

by Rosevie Decio on August 17, 2012

 

A combined word of “Pasalamat Pinaagi sa Sayaw” (a thanksgiving through dance). This Pasayaw expresses the joys and jubilations in praise and thanksgiving to the Almighty God through the intercession of St. Joseph. The “Pasayaw Street Dancing & Parade” is participated in by 12 contingents from the 12 barangays.

Dancing has been a part of Filipino life since early times.  Some ethnic tribes dance to express gratitude and give thanks to their gods for seasons of bountiful harvest. Some groups use ensembles of huge drums to produce loud sounds to express their thanksgiving. These sights are all evident in the celebration of the Pasayaw Festival.

The Pasayaw Festival takes place in the splendid city of Canlaon in the province of Negros Oriental. Canlaon city was named after Mount Kanlaon, a volcano that can be found in Negros.

Pasayaw Festival is a combination of Cebuano words, “Pasasalamat Pinaagi sa Sayaw” or thanksgiving through dance, which was performed by different tribes of the locality to show joy, elation, and thanksgiving for the grace of God that kept them away from chaos and famine.

This festival starts on the 17th of March and it was participated in by 12 barangays:

  • Aquino
  • Bayog
  • Binalbagan
  • Bucalan
  • Budlasan
  • Linothangan
  • Lumapao
  • Mabigo
  • Malaiba
  • Masulog
  • Panubigan
  • Pula

Each barangay sends their best dancers, young and old, to participate in the dance competitions.  They come in  extravagant and colorful costumes and have their own unique dances.

Other events and activities during the festival include:

• Food festival

• Exhibit of exotic pets

• Fireworks display

 

How to Get There:

From Manila, there are daily flights to Dumaguete which take one hour and 15 minutes of travel.  From the airport, ride a tricycle to Canlaon City or take a bus from the terminal in Dumaguete City to Canlaon.

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