FESTIVAL | Balbagan Festival of The Municipality of Binalabagan
The Municiplity of Binalbagan possesed a rich historical, cultural and folkloric events regarding the origin of the place. In old times, Binalbagan is abundant in shrimp productions, in which it is exported to nearby towns. During that time shrimp often got spoiled when being traveled. The locals found remedy to preseved shrimp while in transit. Traders would beat barks from a tree and place it over the basket of shrimp. It produces a liquid that acts and believed to be a preservative. This process is called "Balabag" which some locals believed the place was derived.
Another folklore about Binalbagan origin was about the huge snake that blocked the mouth of Binalbagan river. Believers called it "binalabagan" or blocked, which evolved later on into Binalbagan.
These rich historical event is manifested through the festival called Balbagan Festival. It features the seven basic movements of a serpent imitates by the dancers during the ritual dance. Meanwhile, shakers produces sounds mimicking the hissing of snake that added another great way to innovate the balbag ritual. Additionally, bamboo sticks, bass drums, bamboo tultugan were being used to conceptualized the true balbag essence.
Dancers were clad in either fabric or body painted in red, orange , yellow, blue and green which represents the color of a snake. Added with colorful accessories and headdresses to give more innovation.
The festival falls every 15th day of May. It is an annual town celebration. The highlight is celebrated with street dance along the Poblacion streets. Dancers stop over at certain stations to perform the Balbag ritual dance. The main arena dance competition is held in Mayor Pedro T. Yulo III Sports and Cultural Center. The main attraction during this event is the Golden Unity Serpent that represents Binalbagans' aspiration for peace, harmony and prosperity.
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| Courtesy by: flickriver.com |
Another folklore about Binalbagan origin was about the huge snake that blocked the mouth of Binalbagan river. Believers called it "binalabagan" or blocked, which evolved later on into Binalbagan.
These rich historical event is manifested through the festival called Balbagan Festival. It features the seven basic movements of a serpent imitates by the dancers during the ritual dance. Meanwhile, shakers produces sounds mimicking the hissing of snake that added another great way to innovate the balbag ritual. Additionally, bamboo sticks, bass drums, bamboo tultugan were being used to conceptualized the true balbag essence.
Dancers were clad in either fabric or body painted in red, orange , yellow, blue and green which represents the color of a snake. Added with colorful accessories and headdresses to give more innovation.
The festival falls every 15th day of May. It is an annual town celebration. The highlight is celebrated with street dance along the Poblacion streets. Dancers stop over at certain stations to perform the Balbag ritual dance. The main arena dance competition is held in Mayor Pedro T. Yulo III Sports and Cultural Center. The main attraction during this event is the Golden Unity Serpent that represents Binalbagans' aspiration for peace, harmony and prosperity.
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