BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ANTIQUE – Eighteen kiosks are participating in the food festival of this year’s Binirayan Festival at the EBJ Freedom Park in the capital town of San Jose de Buenavista.
The food festival showcases Antique’s culture and tradition through local cuisine and food products.
According to Gov. Rhodora Cadiao, the 18 concessionnaires are all Antiqueños.
Some are overseas Filipino workers who saved money abroad to establish businesses here to support the needs of their families.
“We want everyone to be happy and filled — not only their hearts but also their stomachs,” Cadiao said.
The food festival is until Dec. 28.
The 49th edition of the Binirayan Festival, themed “Banas Kang Maragtas, Dalan Kang Tumandok Nga Antiqueño Sa Pag-Ugwad Nga Mahulas,” kicked off on Dec. 1 with IDLAK, or Opening of Lights, and a fireworks display.
According to the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs, “biray” means sail, and “binirayan” literally translates to “the place where they sailed to.” The festival commemorates the legend of the arrival of the 10 Bornean datus on the island of Aninipay, now known as Panay. On Dec. 18, there will be a re-enactment of their arrival and settlement.
Binirayan Festival will cap on Dec. 20 with the Malay-Ati Competition, Sadsad, and fireworks display./PN
