January festivities to watch out for

By Ed Biado

We ARE a country full of celebrations. And one of the months that is jam-packed with events and merrymaking is January. The month is more than halfway through but there are more occasions to celebrate. With the ground still warm from the Sinulog vibe, here are more festivals and cultural events from all over the country keeping the next week and a half convivial:

1. Dinagyang Festival (Iloilo City) ? Celebrated every fourth weekend of January to commemorate the Christianization of the natives and to honor the Holy Child Jesus, this year?s celebrations kicked off on Jan. 16. Today and tomorrow are reserved for the 1st Iloilo International Dragon Boat Race. More events will take place until the 25th.

2. Dinagsa Ati-atihan Festival (Cadiz City, Negros Occidental) ? A spectacular fluvial parade where the Infant Jesus is carried aboard a fishing boat around the river, out to sea and back. ?Dinagsa? connotes the sudden surge of good things washed ashore, such as the generous catch of fish and other sea foods, which Cadiz is famous for. Festivities are from Jan. 24 to 30.

3. Hinirugyaw Festival (Calinog, Iloilo) ? An annual festivity of Calinog?s devotion to Sr. Sto. Ni?o, it is a nine-day event and its activities consist of an opening salvo, food fest, live Sto. Ni?o contest and the Search for Lin-ay Kang Hinirugyaw. This happens from Jan. 30 to Feb. 6.

4. Altavas Sto. Ni?o Festival (Altavas, Zamboanga) ? Aside from being devoted to the Sto. Ni?o, Jan. 22 also marks the end of the Fil-American war in Altavas. It is being celebrated as an Annual Thanksgiving and Armistice Day in the town.

5. Ibajay Ati-ati Municipal and Devotional Fiesta (Ibajay, Aklan) ? A religious feast in honor of its patron saint Sto. Ni?o, held by transferring the holy image of the patron from Ibajay Cathedral Rectory and enthronement at St. Peter Parish Church, by way of carrying the image from where it was originally discovered and brought to the church, this will be celebrated on Jan. 24 and 25.

6. Sto. Ni?o Festival (Malolos City) ? The biggest expression of devotion of the Holy Child Jesus in Luzon, this festival is celebrated every last Sunday of January, this year on the 30th. It begins with an exhibit and culminates in a grand procession of hundreds of folk, antique and new statues of the Holy Child.

7. Feast of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (La Carlota City) ? This features cultural shows and traditional fiesta activities like procession, traditional games and cultural presentation. It will be observed on Jan. 24.

8. Sana-aw Festival (Jordan, Guimaras) ? Primarily a celebration of the economic endeavor that made Jordan what it is today, Sana-aw, which takes place on Jan. 28, also pays tribute to the skillful artisans and the enduring workers in an endearing characterization through dance drama.

9. Balot sa Puti Festival (Pateros) ? One of the highlights of the Pateros Town Fiesta celebration, this annual event draws attention of people not only from Pateros, but the rest of Metro Manila and tourists alike. It happens this year on the 31st.

10. The 17th Boracay International Fun Board Cup (Bulabog Beach, Boracay) ? The only non-cultural happening on this month?s roster, this is the country?s biggest windsurfing event that has participants from all over Asia. This goes on from Jan. 31 to Feb. 5.