Just by All Saints Day or All Souls Day, while the people went to the cemeteries and lit up some candles for their loved ones, the people of the small town Anilao in the central Philippine province of Iloilo celebrates their town foundation, not only of candles lit in the cemeteries but also a celebration of light and fire, the Banaag Festival.
The said festival, usually held in the first weekend of November, is the town’s way in celebrating its foundation. “Banaag” or blazingly bright in Hiligaynon vernacular means “blazingly bright.” It is a celebration of valour and honor of their ancestors, triumph of light over darkness and the utilization of the light and fire in their everyday life in Anilao as farmers and fishermen.
Usually, before the dance presentation, there is the fire torch parade being held…No, they are not reliving the Inquisition and searching for aswang (poltergeist) after Halloween, but a tradition starting the main part of the festival.
Truly, the Anilaonons play fire with fire. Lights were either synthetic or really hot and bright fire while doing a highly choreographed dance presentation which interprets a story and drama of folklore or life as an Anilaonon. The drum beats dominate the surroundings, creating the throb that fire and light consumes…Talagang nag-iinit ang performance nila because of their creativity playing with these two seemingly uncontrolable elements which is their main attraction.
Nagahampang sang kalayo kag suga (Playing with fire and light) in an action…
More photos of last year’s Banaag Festival, click here.
Tips:
Going there. Just take a bus bound for Estancia, Concepcion, Barotac Viejo or Sara, Ajuy. Tell the conductor to stop over at Anilao town plaza. It’s about P40 to P50 more or less and about 1 hour trip from the Iloilo City North-Central Bus Terminal at Tagbak, Jaro District.
Accessibility Problem. Since the festival is done during night time, there is a possibility that you might not go back to Iloilo City because the last trip would be at least until 8PM. Try bringing a car (rental, owned or borrowed) instead. If your a backpacker, before you proceed there, call the Mayor’s Office at +63(33)362-0434 or +63(33)362-0401 for assistance in case you may find somewhere to accommodate you for the night after the festival.
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