The Kahilwayan Festival in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, honors the town’s role in the Philippine Revolution, especially the first raising of the national flag outside Luzon, symbolizing freedom. It features a dance drama reenacting historic events and figures like Gen. Martin Delgado, with live music and the “Marcha Libertador” enhancing its impact. The festival promotes community pride and cultural identity, involving all barangays in parades, performances, and ceremonies such as flag-raising and wreath-laying. Local government offices, schools, and residents serve as cultural bearers, while knowledge is passed through workshops, rehearsals, and community participation. Though well-preserved, the festival faces challenges in training choreographers and managing large performances. Safeguarding efforts include non-formal education, documentation, and promotion to ensure its continuity and relevance.
Location/s:
Iloilo, ,
Photo Credit/s:
LGU Santa Barbara
Mappers:
Cheryl M. Luis
Tags:
, choreography challenges, community pride, Cultural Identity, dance drama, festival preservation, Filipino freedom symbol, first flag raising outside Luzon, flag-raising ceremony, Gen. Martin Delgado, heritage performance, historical celebration, historical reenactment, Kahilwayan Festival, local government involvement, Marcha Libertador, non-formal education, Philippine Revolution, , schools as cultural bearers,
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