Anilao's Banaag Ignites Bright Gala of Festivities

Dancers flittered their way through the dark in the culmination of Banaag's gala night.

The 14th Banaag Festival of Anilao after having been dubbed the Grand Winner of Best Tourism Event (Festival Category, Municipal Level) in the 19th Pearl Awards of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines-Department of Tourism (ATOP-DOT) held in Cagayan De Oro earlier this month, assures more vibrant gala and dazzling performances this year.

The panorama of radiance in line with Anilao’s 79th Foundation Anniversary this year ignites reasons to celebrate after this one-shot, momentous victory for the town. The week-long festivities culminate in the Dance Drama Competition among eight competing tribes who will vie for the championship with their own unique stage interpretation of the town’s rich history.

It is expected that more people across the province of Iloilo will flock to the bright town of Anilao to witness the much-awaited festivities -- the Anilaonon’s very own Banaag Festival. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Banaag is a cultural tradition in Anilao, Iloilo inspired by local bamboo watchtower sentinels during the Spanish era who warned residents of incoming pirates by lighting the torch as a signal to flee. Thus, the torch became a symbol of unity for the Anilaonons, and this beautiful burning light has become the source of pride and inspiration for the people throughout the ages.

Acting out Anilao's rich cultural history with the iconic Banaag flambeau.

Gracing this year’s Banaag Festival to lead the symbolic lighting of the torch on October 31 is Iloilo 4th District Congressman Ferjenel “Dok Ferj” Biron, who joins the Anilaonons’ celebration and commits to giving national awareness to this great victory among the people in his district. He will be joined by Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque and Barotac Nuevo Mayor Braeden John Biron in igniting an even brighter and culturally enriching future for Anilao and for the whole province of Iloilo as well. Here are the remaining activities and schedule for this year’s Banaag Festival: Opening Program and Banaag sa Langit (October 29, 7:00 p.m., Anilao Municipal Centennial Park), Balik-Anilao and JAD Excellence Awards (October 30, 7:00 p.m., Anilao Municipal Centennial Park), Dance Drama Competition (October 31, 6:00 p.m., Anilao Covered Gym)), and Thanksgiving Mass (November 1, 2:00 p.m., St. Rita of Cascia Parish.