While many of the festivals in the archipelago were established decades, if not, a century ago, there are also some festivals that were instituted only recently. Even as these festivals are rather young, they still give residents and visitors to these towns something to look forward to each year. One of these festivals is the Sikoy-Sikoy Festival of San Fernando.
Sikoy-Sikoy Festival – image source: youtube.com
San Fernando
The Municipality of San Fernando was once called San Isidro Labrador. This southern town was one of the barangays of the town of Naga. It was given the name San Fernando in honor of one of the best-loved parish priests of the town, Fernando Sanchez. The town was established after it merged with other barangays in the area under the leadership of Juan Diyong or Juan Magdidiiyong.
The Municipality of San Fernando was once called San Isidro Labrador. This southern town was one of the barangays of the town of Naga. It was given the name San Fernando in honor of one of the best-loved parish priests of the town, Fernando Sanchez. The town was established after it merged with other barangays in the area under the leadership of Juan Diyong or Juan Magdidiiyong.
Sikoy-Sikoy Festival – image source: sanfernando.gov.ph
Sikoy-Skioy Festival
The term “Sikoy-Sikoy” is the informal term used for the Cebuano word “panikoy,” which is a fishing practice where fishermen throw their nets into rough seas. The Sikoy-Sikoy Festival symbolizes the vitality of the people of San Fernando wherein the waves are the challenges they face and the fish are the blessings they receive each year. The festival also aims to unite the people of San Fernando as well as keep the young away from vices.
The term “Sikoy-Sikoy” is the informal term used for the Cebuano word “panikoy,” which is a fishing practice where fishermen throw their nets into rough seas. The Sikoy-Sikoy Festival symbolizes the vitality of the people of San Fernando wherein the waves are the challenges they face and the fish are the blessings they receive each year. The festival also aims to unite the people of San Fernando as well as keep the young away from vices.
Sikoy-Sikoy Festival – image source: instagom.com
Similar to other festivals around the island, the Sikoy-Sikoy Festival also features a street dancing competition and a ritual showdown. In addition, the town also has numerous activities leading up to the day of the festival itself. These activities include a talent night for the Miss Tourism San Fernando.
Sikoy-Sikoy Festival – image source: flickr.com
The Sikoy-Sikoy Festival was first celebrated in 2008 and was created in response to the call of provincial officials for the promotion of festivals in the towns of Cebu. The festival is essentially a thanksgiving ritual as well as a petition prayer for protection, guidance, and blessings for the people of San Fernando. The Sikoy-Sikoy Festival coincides with the town fiesta, which is celebrated in honor of the patron saint of the town San Isidro Labrador.
Sikoy-Sikoy Festival – image source: commons.wikimedia.com
Getting to San Fernando
You can get to San Fernando by getting on a bus headed to the town at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Just tell the driver or conductor that you want to get off the town of San Fernando.
You can get to San Fernando by getting on a bus headed to the town at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Just tell the driver or conductor that you want to get off the town of San Fernando.
Sikoy-Sikoy Festival – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
The Sikoy-Sikoy Festival of San Fernando is just one of the festivals celebrated in the island of Cebu. While the festival is relatively young, it is one way for the residents of the town to come together and express their gratitude for all the blessings they receive each year.
Sikoy-Sikoy Festival – image source: youtube.com
Have you experienced the Sikoy-Sikoy Festival of San Fernando already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.
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