Koronadal City takes pride in its rich culture, traditions, and beliefs. It is the capital city of South Cotabato and popularly known to the local population as Marbel. What is amazing about this city? Despite the people's different religions and beliefs, they are united as one and living together in peace. They respect each other’s beliefs.

The rich cultural diversity of the Koronadal people is mirrored through their festivals. The colorful and lively festivals of the city are one of the major attractions of the tourists. One highlight is the Koronadal City’s Hinugyaw Festival or the “Araw ng Koronadal”.

Why is it dubbed as the “Festival of Festivals”?

Hinugayaw Festivals is dubbed as the “Festival of Festivals” because it presents the Southern Mindanao's very meaningful and colorful arts, food, culture, and tradition. Starting on the first week of January, It is a week-long celebration of Marbeleño Mardi Gras where different festivals all over Mindanao join in this big event. The festival is also a tribute to the first settlers who came to the city before the Japanese invasion of the Philippines and tells the historical story of how the fertile valley of Koronadal became a rich melting pot of cultures.

What are the activities of the event?

Originating from the Hiligaynon language, “Hinugayaw” means “merrymaking”. From its definition, it tells that the festival has a lot of activities that bring joy to spectators and participants alike.

A theatrical play called “Handurawan” is presented by the Hinugyaw Dancers during the opening day. It is reminiscence of the arrival of the first Christian settlers and their heroism against the Japanese invaders.

Hinugyaw sa Dalan is the much awaited event in the festival. It is a street dancing competition wherein the contingents are from all over the city and its neighboring towns; they go dancing around the city and compete with each other. It also shows the festive spirit of the people of Koronadal with street dancing and street parties.

Other activities are the following:

• Celebrity Night
• Band Explosion
• Beer and food festivals
• Foam party or Disco sa Kalye
• Search for Mr. and Ms. Koronadal
• Concerts and musicals
• Fun fare and trade exhibits
• Blazing fireworks display
• sports competitions (motocross, practical shooting, mountain biking, and golf)
• Fun-run
• Farmers’ festival
• Tree planting
  

How can you get there?

• By Air: Accessible via Cotabato City and General Santos City airports
• By Sea: Accessible via General Santos Seaport
• By Land: Accessible by buses and air-conditioned vans, Cotabato to Koronadal City is two hours' drive while GenSan to Koronadal is just a one-hour drive.

Why go to Koronadal today?

The city is the perfect getaway where you can explore and appreciate various points of interest. It is a must-visit place and you will see the wonders of its natural beauty and rich historical traditions.