The festivals or fiestas in the Philippines have come a long way from being a simple thanksgiving for the blessings residents receive each year. These festivals are now among the tourist attractions of the different cities and towns in the archipelago. The festivals feature street dancing competitions or dance presentations with the members of each contingent wearing colorful costumes.
Lapyahan Festival – image sources: Municipality of San Remigio Facebook Page
The island of Cebu has its share of festivals with the biggest and grandest one being held every third Sunday of January. Even as the Sinulog Festival is the most popular festival in the island, the different cities and towns also have their own festivals in honor of their respective patron saints. The northern town of San Remigio celebrates the Lapyahan Festival in honor of San Juan Nepomuceno.
Lapyahan Festival – image sources: Municipality of San Remigio Facebook Page
San Remigio
San Remigio is home to the longest shoreline in the island of Cebu. It features white sand beaches that can rival the best in the country. The old name of the town is “Kanhagas,” which is the name of a tree that is abundant in the area. It was once a part of Bantayan before it became a town. The town came under the spiritual administration of Bogo when Bogo became a parish. It officially became a town in November 21, 1863.
San Remigio is home to the longest shoreline in the island of Cebu. It features white sand beaches that can rival the best in the country. The old name of the town is “Kanhagas,” which is the name of a tree that is abundant in the area. It was once a part of Bantayan before it became a town. The town came under the spiritual administration of Bogo when Bogo became a parish. It officially became a town in November 21, 1863.
Lapyahan Festival – image sources: Municipality of San Remigio Facebook Page
Lapyahan Festival – image sources: Municipality of San Remigio Facebook Page
Lapyahan Festival
The word “lapyahan” is Cebuano for shoreline or seashore. The Lapyahan Festival highlights one of the features of the town of San Remigio, its long shoreline. It symbolizes development and progress of the town. It also served as a venue where residents posted guards against Moro raiders.
The word “lapyahan” is Cebuano for shoreline or seashore. The Lapyahan Festival highlights one of the features of the town of San Remigio, its long shoreline. It symbolizes development and progress of the town. It also served as a venue where residents posted guards against Moro raiders.
Lapyahan Festival – image sources: Municipality of San Remigio Facebook Page
One of the highlights of the Lapyahan Festival is the street dancing competition where visitors can see the colorful costumes and props of the dancers. The participants of the competition are the students of the different schools of the town. The atmosphere is festive, which is reminiscent of all festivals all around the country.
Lapyahan Festival – image sources: Municipality of San Remigio Facebook Page
The dance steps of the Lapyahan Festival reflect things associated with the sea. These include the waves, the seashells glistening during low tide, swimming, and the sea breeze, among others. It also shows how the people express their gratitude for the bounties of the sea. The sea plays a major role in the lives of the residents of the town.
Lapyahan Festival – image sources: Municipality of San Remigio Facebook Page
Lapyahan Festival – image sources: Municipality of San Remigio Facebook Page
Getting to San Remegio
You can go to San Remigio by getting on a bus headed for the town at the Cebu North Bus Terminal. You can also ride a bus headed to Bogo City where you can catch a jeepney headed to the town. The trip takes around three to four hours depending on the traffic.
You can go to San Remigio by getting on a bus headed for the town at the Cebu North Bus Terminal. You can also ride a bus headed to Bogo City where you can catch a jeepney headed to the town. The trip takes around three to four hours depending on the traffic.
Lapyahan Festival – image sources: Municipality of San Remigio Facebook Page
The Lapyahan Festival is one of the most anticipated events in San Remigio. It does not only showcase the talents of the residents, it also gives them the opportunity to show their gratitude for the blessings they receive each year. Festivals like the Lapyahan Festival also reflect the faith of Cebuanos and the Filipinos as a whole.
Lapyahan Festival – image sources: Municipality of San Remigio Facebook Page
Have you experienced the Lapyahan Festival of San Remigio already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.
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