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| The colorful Sangyaw Festival, held every June 29 in honor of Señior Sto. Niño de Tacloban, is set to return to the streets of Tacloban following the pandemic hiatus. Photo: AirAsia SuperApp/Facebook |
TACLOBAN CITY – A reminiscing scenery is yet to be seen again in the streets of Tacloban City as the Sangyaw Festival returns following a pandemic break. Spectators will witness the colorful event and parade once more, complete with marching bands, costumed dancers, and young ladies carrying the image of the Child Jesus in the city streets.
Almost three years have passed since the last major Sangyaw celebrations occurred due to the pandemic; the fiesta is back to honor Senior Santo Nino in a customary manner, with contingents competing for the grand prize.
According to the City's information office, City Tourism Coordinator Annabelle Bardot Atillo said that the staging will take place on June 29.
There are fifteen contingents comprised of schools, barangays, and community dance groups competing for the grand prize in this festival. They are as follows:
- Brgy. 36-A Imelda Village
- Brgy. 12 Palanog
- Brgy. Paraiso San Jose
- Brgy. 39 Calvary Hill
- JE Mondejar Computer College
- Brgy. 52 Esperas Avenue
- Brgy. 85 San Jose
- Kasirangan Festival Dancers Metro Tacloban (KFDMT)
- Brgy. 92 Apitong
- SK 74 Tribu Siete Quatro
- Youth Org. (SOS) Brgy. 106 Sto. Niño
- Brgy. 43 Quarry
- Brgy. 62-A Sagkahan
- Brgy. 63 Sagkahan
- Alliance of Barangay Young Leaders (ABYL)
As suggested by both the City Health Office and the IATF, contingents were restricted to no more than 30 dancers in order to comply with minimum health protocol.
The contingents, comprised of participating schools and barangays, are scheduled to begin performing in various malls on June 20. In the meantime, judging for the street dancing and Festival Queen contests will occur on June 29.
Atillo urges the general public to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols so that the event can proceed as scheduled. —iTacloban (Source: TCIO)