BY BENZ FELIX P. SEDUCO, University of Antique Intern
CAPIZ – In commemoration of the province’s 124th Founding Anniversary, Capiztahan 2025 will return from April 1 to 6 and 15, displaying the vibrant local culture and rich history.
Ahead of its opening on Tuesday, the provincial government unveiled the exciting schedule of activities that includes cultural extravaganza, entrepreneurial activities, sports fests, musical shows, and local food and agricultural displays, among others.
One of the highlights of the opening day is the Saot Capiz: A Capisnon Folk Dance Competition in front of the provincial capitol.
Now on its fifth year, this folk dance competition will feature 17 locally published rural folk dances by renowned dance researchers Jose Balcena, Crisostomo Barrera, Caster Capunan, Nydia Punsalan, and Petronila Suarez.
In 2023, the Saot Capiz program, which includes the folk dance competition as one of its components, was hailed as first runner-up for Best Program for Culture and the Arts by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines and Department of Tourism (ATOP-DOT) Pearl Awards – a significant achievement for the province’s folk dancing community.
Hangaway kag Lin-ay sang Capiz grand coronation will take place on April 3 at the Capiz gymnasium of the Villareal Stadium in Roxas City. Prior to this, the festival attire competition will be held at Robinsons Roxas on Sunday, March 30.
On April 5, the Maragtas Sang Capisnon Historical Parade will reintroduce the province’s pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial stories.
A three-part historical narrative that includes sugidanun (epic), sugilanon (folktale), and maragtas (history) of dramaturg and history consultant Dr. Vicente C. Villan will be performed through a dance drama.
Moreover, locals and visitors may also witness other events such as the Farmers’ Market, sTreat Party, Negosyo Capizeño Trade Fair, Jambayan sang Maragtas Street Food Market, jobs fair, football tournament, Surumbaw Seafood Fest, pyromusical show, Kapuso Night, and torch parade.
Come April 15, a thanksgiving mass in commemoration of the 124th Founding Anniversary of the Civil Government of the Province of Capiz will be held at Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral at 8 a.m.
A wreath-laying ceremony for the 77th death anniversary of former President Manuel A. Roxas will follow at his monument to give respect and honor his leadership and contributions to the province and country.
In 2024, Capiztahan was recognized at the ATOP-DOT Pearl Awards as first runner-up for Best Cultural Festival (provincial category)./PN
