The Kabkaban Festival is a celebration of Cebuano culture and tradition that takes place annually in the municipality of Carcar, Cebu, Philippines. It is a colorful and vibrant event that showcases the town’s rich history, folklore, and heritage through various activities and events.
In this blog post, we will dive into the origins and history of the Kabkaban Festival, the activities and events that take place during the celebration, the preparations made by the locals, the festival’s schedule and location, and its impact on the region’s economy and tourism.
Origins and History of the Kabkaban Festival
The Kabkaban Festival has been celebrated in Carcar since the early 1990s. The festival was created to honor the town’s patron saint, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, whose feast day is celebrated on November 25. The name “Kabkaban” is derived from the Cebuano word “bakbakan,” which means to fight or to engage in combat. It is said that the festival was named after the town’s fierce warriors who fought against the Spanish colonizers.
Over the years, the Kabkaban Festival has evolved into a celebration of Carcar’s culture and tradition, with the focus on showcasing the town’s unique and colorful history. The festival’s organizers have incorporated elements of Carcar’s folklore, traditions, and customs into the festivities, making it a truly unique and authentic celebration.
Activities and Events during the Festival
The Kabkaban Festival is a week-long celebration that features a variety of activities and events that highlight the town’s culture and traditions. Some of the main events during the festival include:
Street Dancing and Parade
One of the main highlights of the festival is the street dancing and parade. This event features colorful and vibrant costumes, traditional music, and dance performances. The participants, who are mostly students from the local schools, showcase their talents and skills as they dance and parade along the town’s streets.
Rituals and Ceremonies
The festival also features various rituals and ceremonies that pay homage to the town’s patron saint, Saint Catherine of Alexandria. These rituals include the Novena Mass, the Fluvial Procession, and the Blessing of the Palayok (a traditional clay pot used for cooking).
Beauty Pageants
The Kabkaban Festival also includes several beauty pageants, including the Miss Carcar pageant and the Binibining Kabkaban pageant. These events showcase the town’s most beautiful and talented young women, who compete for the title of the festival queen.
Food Festivals and Contests
Carcar is known for its delicious and unique cuisine, and the festival features several food festivals and contests that allow visitors to sample the town’s culinary delights. Some of the most popular food events include the Lechon Festival, the Chorizo Festival, and the Tostado Festival.
Sports Tournaments
The festival also includes various sports tournaments, such as basketball, volleyball, and football. These tournaments allow the locals and visitors to bond over their love for sports and competition.
Preparations Made by the Locals
The Kabkaban Festival is a community effort, and the preparations for the festival start months before the actual event. The locals play a crucial role in the preparations, with everyone coming together to ensure that the festival is a success.
The preparations for the festival include the creation of the elaborate costumes for the street dancing and parade, the construction of the stage and other festival venues, and the organization of the different events
