The Diyandi Festival in Iligan City is a vibrant celebration that showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the region. This month-long event, held in honor of St. Michael the Archangel, features a variety of folk dances, rituals, and performances that draw both locals and tourists alike. With its roots in the 1980s, the festival has grown into a major tourist attraction, highlighting the unique blend of Maranao, Higaonon, and Christian cultures.
The Diyandi Festival traces its origins to a ritual performed at the Cathedral during the Pagpakanaug, before each novena, and prior to the start of Komedya or Comedia de San Miguel. This folk stage play depicts the celestial battle between good and evil, symbolizing the courtship between a Maranao male and a Higaonon female. The ritual culminates in a symbolic union and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest to St. Michael the Archangel. This event underscores the harmonious coexistence of Iligan's tri-people: Maranaos, Higaonons, and Christians.
In 1986, the local fiesta committee recognized the need to popularize Iliganon's folk-dancing styles. This led to the birth of a road dancing festival aimed at preserving and promoting traditional art forms. Named KASADYA, this event showcases a variety of cultural traditions, including the original Diyandi, Eskrima, and road drama. Over the years, KASADYA has evolved into a major tourist attraction, drawing crowds of up to 50,000 people.
The San Miguel Fiesta, centered around KASADYA, has gained international acclaim. BBC Vacations, a monthly consumer magazine published in Britain, endorsed the festival as a top tourist destination. The publication highlighted the tribal pageantry, Christian piety, and the unique Yawa-yawa miracle play, which depicts Lucifer's failed revolt against God. Other national and local publications have also recognized KASADYA as a significant cultural event.
In 2004, the Iligan City Council officially named the month-long celebration the Diyandi Festival. This move aimed to promote the city's cultural identity and honor its patron saint, St. Michael the Archangel. The term "diyandi," meaning "celebrate," was researched by the globally renowned creative director of the Integrated Arts Guild (IPAG), making it an ideal trademark for Iligan's extended festival celebration.
The Diyandi Festival in Iligan City is more than just a celebration; it is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and unity of its people. From its humble beginnings in the 1980s to its current status as a major tourist attraction, the festival continues to evolve, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you're a local or a tourist, the Diyandi Festival is an experience that should not be missed.
For more information on the Diyandi Festival, you can visit BBC Travel and Philippine Tourism.
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