The banig is a handwoven mat used mainly for sleeping. While buri or palm leaves are used in making the banig, it can also be made of pandanus or sea grass leaves. The material used depends on which part of the country it is made. This humble product, which is normally seen in the rural areas, takes the center stage in an annual festival in the southwestern town of Badian.
Banig Festival – image source: cebu-bluewaters.com
Banig Festival
The Banig Festival of Badian showcases the culture and traditions of the residents of the town. In addition, it also highlights the products offered by the town, including the humble banig. Majority of the wives of the farmers in Badian make an honest wage through banig-weaving.
The Banig Festival of Badian showcases the culture and traditions of the residents of the town. In addition, it also highlights the products offered by the town, including the humble banig. Majority of the wives of the farmers in Badian make an honest wage through banig-weaving.
Banig Festival – image source: cebu-tourism.techcellar.net
The Banig Festival features a parade where groups from different parts of the town dance along major roads. Each group chooses its own theme as long as the theme is related to the festival. Floats featuring an image of the patron saint of the town also join in the parade.
Banig Festival – image source: cebu-tourism.techcellar.net
Aside from the parade, contests are also held during the town festival. Beauty contests, dance competitions, and even a banig-weaving contest are among the competitions people can join during the Banig Festival in Badian.
Banig Festival – image source: cebu-bluewaters.com
Making a Banig
The process of producing a banig is not easy. It starts with harvesting the leaves of the pandan plant. The pandan plant is the source of the material for the banig made in Badian. The thorns on the leaves are then removed before the leaves are left out to dry for a few days. After the leaves are dried out, they are cut evenly and treated with natural dyes. The dyes give the banig its colorful appearance. The dyed leaves are then weaved into the banig. Aside from weaving the material into a sleeping mat, it can also be made into bags, table mats, tissue holders, and decorations, among others.
The process of producing a banig is not easy. It starts with harvesting the leaves of the pandan plant. The pandan plant is the source of the material for the banig made in Badian. The thorns on the leaves are then removed before the leaves are left out to dry for a few days. After the leaves are dried out, they are cut evenly and treated with natural dyes. The dyes give the banig its colorful appearance. The dyed leaves are then weaved into the banig. Aside from weaving the material into a sleeping mat, it can also be made into bags, table mats, tissue holders, and decorations, among others.
Banig Festival – image source: cebu-bluewaters.com
The Banig Festival of Badian is usually celebrated on July 3. Have you witnessed the Banig Festival of Badian already? Tell us about your experience on the comments section below.
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