babaylan
Posted by on April 5, 2006
Featured Aliwan Fiesta Contingent:
The Babaylan Festival of Bago City
Negros Occidental
A festival that is unique, and one of a kind. That is Babaylan Festival of Bago City, Negros Occidental. The festival is held every February 19 on the charter day anniversary of the city. Bago, is approximately 20 kilometers south of the province’s capital, Bacolod City.
The festival tells a story of a unique character that has existed way before the colonial period. These people are called the “Babaylan”. They are the rural area’s doctor, herbalist, priest, and a leader all rolled into one.
This year, the organizers of the Babaylan Festival has decided, for the first time, to showcase their unique festivity on a grander scale. They will be joining this year’s Aliwan Fiesta 2006. As one of the organizers said, they are not after the 1 Million Peso grand prize. What they want is just to present to the Filipino people a festival that is unique, and one of a kind. A festival they call “The Babaylan Festival”.
