The Camotes Islands is a group of islands off the northeastern coast of the island of Cebu. It is also known as the Lost Horizon in the South and is home to some of the most magnificent beaches in the province. In addition to these beaches, the islands are also known for their festivals where residents take time off from life and celebrate a significant event in the town as well as the feast day of their patron saint.
Tagbo Festival – image source: philippinebeaches.org
One of the festivals celebrated in the Camotes Islands is the Tagbo Festival. The festival is celebrated in the month of January and is held in honor of the patron of the town of Poro, the Santo Niño. While the Sinulog may be considered as the grandest festival honoring the Santo Niño, the Tagbo Festival of Poro in Camotes is equally colorful albeit on a smaller scale.
Tagbo Festival – image source: youtube.com
Tagbo
The Tagbo Festival in Poro also commemorates the foundation of the town. The term “tagbo” is a Visayan word that means “to meet or to converge.” It celebrates the time when Poro was recognized as the first town on the island of Poro in 1780. The story behind the “tagbo” revolves around the meeting of two tribes, the farmers who came from sitio Tag-anito and the fishermen from sitio Mactang. Sitio Tag-anito is now the town of Tudela while sitio Mactang is now one of the barangays of Poro, Barangay Esperanza.
The Tagbo Festival in Poro also commemorates the foundation of the town. The term “tagbo” is a Visayan word that means “to meet or to converge.” It celebrates the time when Poro was recognized as the first town on the island of Poro in 1780. The story behind the “tagbo” revolves around the meeting of two tribes, the farmers who came from sitio Tag-anito and the fishermen from sitio Mactang. Sitio Tag-anito is now the town of Tudela while sitio Mactang is now one of the barangays of Poro, Barangay Esperanza.
Tagbo Festival – image source: cebu-tourism.techcellar.net
When they first met, the two tribes were belligerent towards each other. This changed after Panganuron, a wise man, advised them to make peace with each other and unite against a common adversary, the Moros. After they united, they established a settlement called Pulo. When the Spaniards came, they mispronounced the name and called it Poro.
Tagbo Festival – image source: youtube.com
The Tagbo Festival
The Tagbo Festival features street dancing and ritual competitions. The contingents participating in these events are clustered to reduce expenses. It also encourages unity among residents of a particular cluster. The Tagbo Festival was initiated to allow residents to relive their rich history since it highlights the events leading to the foundation of Poro. The festival also shows visitors the cultural heritage and spiritual values of the residents. Preparations for the festival start months before the actual event. Residents make sure everything is ready for the biggest festival of the town of Poro to ensure everything goes smoothly.
The Tagbo Festival features street dancing and ritual competitions. The contingents participating in these events are clustered to reduce expenses. It also encourages unity among residents of a particular cluster. The Tagbo Festival was initiated to allow residents to relive their rich history since it highlights the events leading to the foundation of Poro. The festival also shows visitors the cultural heritage and spiritual values of the residents. Preparations for the festival start months before the actual event. Residents make sure everything is ready for the biggest festival of the town of Poro to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Tagbo Festival – image source: news.pia.gov.ph
Have you experienced the Tagbo Festival of Camotes already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.
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