Sinulog Festival - Kabankalan - TravBuddy

Kabankalan City is located a few hours south of Bacolod City. Every third Sunday of January, they hold a festival which is well worth the drive. This is my favorite festival in Negros Occidental.

Dancers are covered in soot as they parade around downtown to the beat of the drums. Each group is followed by their own drummers. They wear colorful costumes designed as if they are going on a hunt.

According to Kabankalan City's website, the Sinulog is "...held in commemoration of the triumph of the townspeople against the moro pirates through the intercession of the Sto. Niño."

"During the early days, according to tradition, the Christian Filipinos, especially those living along the coastal areas, were subjected to attacks and harassment by the moro pirates. The encounters more often resulted in the bloodbath between the Christian and the pirates, bringing untold miseries and destructions, particularly to the townsfolk. It was in one of these encounters that the Sto. Nino intervened and saved the Christians from further attacks."

This is definitely a show to see if you can make it to Kabankalan in January. As usual, there are plenty of food, beer and music.