Many of the festivals of the towns in Cebu are named after a resource or delicacy in their locality. These festivals include the Cassava Festival of Camotes, Queseo Festival of Compostela, and Budbud Kabog Festival of Catmon. There are also some festivals that were named after the old name of the town or city. The Hinulawan Festival of Toledo City is one of these festivals.
Hinulawan Festival – image source: youtube.com
Toledo City
Toledo City was once called Hinulawan, which is the same name of a river in the area. The name is supposedly a combination of two words: ”hinaguan” or fruits of labor and “bulawan” or gold. It was renamed after one of the provinces in Spain. The town of Toledo was established under the leadership of Fermin Poloyapoy.
Toledo City was once called Hinulawan, which is the same name of a river in the area. The name is supposedly a combination of two words: ”hinaguan” or fruits of labor and “bulawan” or gold. It was renamed after one of the provinces in Spain. The town of Toledo was established under the leadership of Fermin Poloyapoy.
Hinulawan Festival – image source: en.wikipedia.org
Hinulawan Festival
The Hinulawan Festival is one of the most anticipated events in Toledo City. It is celebrated on the 12th of June each year. The festival is inspired by the Hinulawan River of the city. The cultural dances performed during the festival highlight the history of the city. In addition, the dances also portray present-day Toledo City. The four main features of Toledo City are also depicted in the dances: Golden Friendship, Golden Faith, Golden Harvest, and Golden Treasure.
The Hinulawan Festival is one of the most anticipated events in Toledo City. It is celebrated on the 12th of June each year. The festival is inspired by the Hinulawan River of the city. The cultural dances performed during the festival highlight the history of the city. In addition, the dances also portray present-day Toledo City. The four main features of Toledo City are also depicted in the dances: Golden Friendship, Golden Faith, Golden Harvest, and Golden Treasure.
Hinulawan Festival – image source: youtube.com
The Hinulawan Festival also has a religious aspect since it is celebrated during the feast day of the patron saint of the city, St. John of Sahagun. While the religious procession during the festivals passes along the major streets of many towns, the religious procession of the Hinulawan Festival is held in the sea. Boats adorned with religious symbols participate in the procession, which is held close to the port of the city.
Hinulawan Festival – image source: everythingcebu.com
Other Activities
Similar to many festivals in Cebu, trade fairs and cultural nights are also held in the days leading to the festival. In addition, the city also holds a beauty pageant, government employees’ night, and talents night prior to the big day. Since the festival falls on the same day as the Philippine Independence Day, a flag-raising activity is typically held in the Toledo City Hall. Activities related to the festival start at around noon.
Similar to many festivals in Cebu, trade fairs and cultural nights are also held in the days leading to the festival. In addition, the city also holds a beauty pageant, government employees’ night, and talents night prior to the big day. Since the festival falls on the same day as the Philippine Independence Day, a flag-raising activity is typically held in the Toledo City Hall. Activities related to the festival start at around noon.
Hinulawan Festival – image source: youtube.com
Getting to Toledo City
Toledo City is located around 50 kilometers away from the Queen City of the South. You can reach Toledo City by getting on a bus headed for the city at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Since Toledo City is one of the gateways to Negros Island, you will not have any problems in getting a ride to the city, unless it’s a weekend. During this time many residents of Toledo working in Cebu City may decide to go home for the weekend.
Toledo City is located around 50 kilometers away from the Queen City of the South. You can reach Toledo City by getting on a bus headed for the city at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Since Toledo City is one of the gateways to Negros Island, you will not have any problems in getting a ride to the city, unless it’s a weekend. During this time many residents of Toledo working in Cebu City may decide to go home for the weekend.
Hinulawan Festival – image source: iluvcebu.com
The Hinulawan Festival of Toledo City is just one of the many festivals in the island of Cebu. Similar to other festivals in Cebu, it gives residents the chance to express their gratitude for the blessings they received in the past year. The festival also gives visitors a glimpse of the history and culture of the Copper City with a Heart of Gold.
Have you experienced the Hinulawan Festival already? Share to us your experience on the comments section below.
Have you experienced the Hinulawan Festival already? Share to us your experience on the comments section below.
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