Cordova is a small town in Cebu where the third bridge crossing the Mactan Channel will be built. This small island town is currently connected to Mactan through two bridges. It is also home to a number of tourist spots, including the Gilutongan Marine Sanctuary and the Nalusuan Marine Sanctuary. Another special attraction to the place is a mangrove forest that can be accessed through the Day-as Boardwalk and Marine Park. The main source of livelihood of the residents is through fishing. Due to this, it is not surprising that the annual festival of the town is the Dinagat Festival.
Dinagat Festival – image source: cebu-bluewaters.com
Bakasi Festival
While the Dinagat Festival started in 1999, it went through a reinvention in 2005. During this time, the local government of Cordova launched the “Bakasi Festival.” The term “bakasi” is the Cebuano word for the exotic eel that is abundant in the area. The Bakasi Festival was considered as a unique reinvention of the Dinagat Festival.
While the Dinagat Festival started in 1999, it went through a reinvention in 2005. During this time, the local government of Cordova launched the “Bakasi Festival.” The term “bakasi” is the Cebuano word for the exotic eel that is abundant in the area. The Bakasi Festival was considered as a unique reinvention of the Dinagat Festival.
Bakasi – image source: tenminutes.ph
The local government decided to focus on the bakasi since it was peculiar to the town, particularly in Barangay Buag-sung. The six basic dance steps for the festival were conceptualized by Val Sandiego of the famous Sandiego dance troupe. He was also asked by the mayor to conduct a research on the concept of the festival.
Dinagat Festival – image source: gallery.sunstar.com.ph
Dinagat Festival
However, the name was changed back to the Dinagat Festival in 2013 to take into account the other marine resources of the town. It showcases the livelihood and fishing culture of the residents of the town. The festival also celebrates the feast day of San Roque, the patron saint of the town. While the feast day of the saint falls on August 16, the festivities start a few days earlier. The term “dinagat” refers to anything and everything associated with the sea. The word dagat means “sea.
However, the name was changed back to the Dinagat Festival in 2013 to take into account the other marine resources of the town. It showcases the livelihood and fishing culture of the residents of the town. The festival also celebrates the feast day of San Roque, the patron saint of the town. While the feast day of the saint falls on August 16, the festivities start a few days earlier. The term “dinagat” refers to anything and everything associated with the sea. The word dagat means “sea.
Dinagat Festival – image source: cebu-techcellar.net
One of the highlights of the festivities is the street dancing competition with representations from different barangays of the town. The lively dance steps can easily entertain the locals and visitors alike. In addition to the street dancing competition, the festival also features variety shows and a beauty contest.
Dinagat Festival – image source: choosephilippines.com
Have you witnessed the Dinagat Festival of Cordova already? Tell us about your experience on the comments section below.
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