Every January people flock to Cebu to witness the biggest and grandest festival on the island, if not the entire archipelago. While the Sinulog may be the biggest crowd drawer when it comes to the festivals in Cebu, there are also a number of other festivals that have gradually attracted the attention of Cebuanos and people from other parts of the country. One of these festivals is the Mantawi Festival of the City of Mandaue.
Mantawi Festival – image source: cebu-bluewaters.com
Mandaue City
The City of Mandaue is one of the three highly urbanized cities on the island of Cebu. The name of the city supposedly came from the mantawi plant, which is a type of vine that was abundant in the area in the past. The city was once a village ruled by Apo Noan, as indicated on the records of the Venetian chronicler Pigafetta. The place once served as a bulwark for the church in the northern part of the island by the Jesuits in 1638. It was later converted into a pueblo by the Spaniards in 1839. The city is home to a number of industries and business process outsourcing companies that have contributed to its growth and development.
The City of Mandaue is one of the three highly urbanized cities on the island of Cebu. The name of the city supposedly came from the mantawi plant, which is a type of vine that was abundant in the area in the past. The city was once a village ruled by Apo Noan, as indicated on the records of the Venetian chronicler Pigafetta. The place once served as a bulwark for the church in the northern part of the island by the Jesuits in 1638. It was later converted into a pueblo by the Spaniards in 1839. The city is home to a number of industries and business process outsourcing companies that have contributed to its growth and development.
Mantawi Festival – image source: everythingcebu.com
Mantawi Festival
The Mantawi Festival of Mandaue showcases the heritage and identity of the people of Mandaue. The festival highlights the history and culture of the city through street dancing, floats, dioramas, a trade fair, and sports events. Similar to the Sinulog, the Mantawi Festival is a colorful celebration where people from all over metro Cebu witness every year.
The Mantawi Festival of Mandaue showcases the heritage and identity of the people of Mandaue. The festival highlights the history and culture of the city through street dancing, floats, dioramas, a trade fair, and sports events. Similar to the Sinulog, the Mantawi Festival is a colorful celebration where people from all over metro Cebu witness every year.
Mantawi Festival – image source: tourganize.com
The Mantawi Festival was first celebrated on the charter day of the city n August 30. But, the date was changed to the last Sunday of August since it overwhelmed the celebration of the charter day of the city. It was eventually moved to May 7 to 8, which is also the same date as the annual fiesta of the city. The annual fiesta of Mandaue City is celebrated in honor of the patron saint of the city, St. Joseph the Worker.
Mantawi Festival – image source: choosephilippines.com
The festival was conceptualized to promote the historical value of the city. It also promoted the economic significance of Mandaue. Visitors can look forward to a grand parade of diorama floats showcasing the culture and heritage of Mandaue.
Mantawi Festival – image source: cebu-tourism.techcellar.net
The Mantawi Festival of Mandaue is just one of the many festivals celebrated on the island of Cebu. While it may not be as grand as the Sinulog, it does give residents and visitors to the city something to look forward to each year.
Mantawi Festival – image source: youtube.com
Have you experienced the Mantawi Festival of Mandaue already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.
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