The bamboo or kawayan is a common sight in the rural areas of Cebu. Since it is adaptable, it has become a major source of income for many residents in the southern town of Alegria. To pay homage to this flexible and handy plant, the town celebrates the Kawayan Festival every year.
Kawayan Festival – image source: cebu-bluewaters.com
Alegria
The town of Alegria is located on the southwestern coast of Cebu. It was once a barrio of neighboring Malabuyoc. During this time, it was known as Tuburan. The town was established in April 1850 following a petition by leaders of the barrio. The name was later changed in September 1850 to avoid confusion with barrios in Bogo and Balamban with the same name.
The town of Alegria is located on the southwestern coast of Cebu. It was once a barrio of neighboring Malabuyoc. During this time, it was known as Tuburan. The town was established in April 1850 following a petition by leaders of the barrio. The name was later changed in September 1850 to avoid confusion with barrios in Bogo and Balamban with the same name.
Kawayan Festival – image source: Alegria Cebu Tourism Information Portal Facebook Page
Kawayan Festival
The Kawayan Festival is a way for the residents of Alegria to promote the humble bamboo. It is one of the major sources of income for the town. Kawayan is the Cebuano term for bamboo. Numerous events are held during the festival, including a street dancing competition.
The Kawayan Festival is a way for the residents of Alegria to promote the humble bamboo. It is one of the major sources of income for the town. Kawayan is the Cebuano term for bamboo. Numerous events are held during the festival, including a street dancing competition.
Kawayan Festival – image source: cebu-bluewaters.com
The Kawayan Festival of Alegria started in 2006 when former Governor Gwen Garcia encouraged towns to hold their own festivals to spur tourism. The festival was made to coincide with the fiesta honoring the patron saint of the town, St. Francis Xavier. The town celebrates the annual fiesta every December 2 and 3.
Kawayan Festival – image source: youtube.com
Similar to many festivals on the island, the street mardi gras is the highlight of the Kawayan Festival. It attracts both local and foreign tourists who eagerly wait for this part of the festival. The participants of the event wear costumes inspired by the kawayan or bamboo. These costumes portray the culture, history, and livelihood of the town. The participants dance along the major streets of the town. The parade also features floats showcasing the bamboo products the town produces. Among these products are bamboo beds, home decors, and furniture made of bamboo.
Kawayan Festival – image source: youtube.com
Getting to Alegria
You can reach the town of Alegria by getting on a bus headed south at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. You should get on the bus passing through the Bato/Barili route since it will pass through the town. You can tell the driver or conductor to let you off at the town.
You can reach the town of Alegria by getting on a bus headed south at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. You should get on the bus passing through the Bato/Barili route since it will pass through the town. You can tell the driver or conductor to let you off at the town.
Kawayan Festival – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
The Kawayan Festival may have started off as an answer to the call of a former governor to Cebu, but it has become one of the most-awaited events in the town of Alegria each year. It gives the people of the town the chance to take some time off from the daily grind and have fun while promoting the humble yet dependable kawayan or bamboo.
Have you witnessed the Kawayan Festival of Alegria already? Tell us about the experience on the comments section below.
Have you witnessed the Kawayan Festival of Alegria already? Tell us about the experience on the comments section below.
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