"SALAKAY TA MIAGAO"

Salakayan Festival goes beyond recreation. It was coined from the native word "salakay" or "to attack. It goes beyond the functional purposes of the celebration. It is an awareness presented through cultural performances that tells a story; serves religious, political, economic, or social needs that gives spectators an experience that is pleasurable, exciting, and aesthetically valuable. The festival honors and commemorates the bravery of its ancestors. With the tribe presentation as the festival highlight, performers dance depicting the frequent Moro raids that caused panic throughout the community as Muslim raiders attacked the town's coastline from their bases.
And because of the importance of its harbor, Miag-ao became a victim of frequent raids by Muslim pirates---a seafaring group of landless warriors who sought fame and fortune through plundering, trading, or demanding tribute from fearful residents in the areas and around the coastal and river areas. The natives initially fragmented in response to these waves of attacks by developing new alliances. And in 1754, they defended their town through fierce fighting. With the annual celebration of the Salakayan Festival, Miag-ao's culture and history are preserved for subsequent generations. Though a variety of special events are available, generally the festival will leave much to be desired.

 Salakayan Tribe Competition
Encounter other ancient sites like the Kuta or Moro watchtower built mainly for the people in the area wanting to secure their community for defense against the frequent Muslim raids was built in Barangay Baybay Norte, Poblacion; the old Taytay Boni built in 1854 in Barangay Igtuba, is considered as one of the nine surviving Spanish bridges in the Philippines; and the Miag-ao Catholic Cemetery built in 1857, were constructed using the same material with that of the church.

Salakayan Festival 2010 list of participants which came from different high schools in Miagao
1. Tribu Tabun-ak (competing tribe from Palaca Damilisan National High School)
2. Tribu Salagyawan (competing tribe from Alejandro Firmeza Memorial National High School
3. Tribu Kabugwason (competing tribe from Miagao National High School)
4. Tribu Bantalaan ( competing tribe from San Rafael National High Schol)
5. Tribu Kirayanon (competing tribe from Kirayan National High School)


Salakayan Festival is a one week celebration every second week of February. Saturday is the highlights of the celebration as well as the awarding of the winners. Foodfest is part of the celebration too.In a first day of the week there is a Street dancing or a merry making. It is A "Salakayan tribe competition".There is 3-4 stages were the audience can set down and enjoy watching the contest. You can avail a ticket from every stages at 100 to 300 pesos.

Come and witness Salakayan Festival at Miagao Iloilo Philippines

for more information and details please visit our website www.salakayanfestival.com.