ILOILO — Thousands of spectators converged in the town of Pavia on Sunday, May 3, as the 54th Carabao-Carroza Festival opened with a grand showcase of culture, competition, and community pride, underscoring the enduring role of agriculture in local life.
Now on its 54th year, the festival has evolved into one of Iloilo’s most prominent cultural events, drawing participation from all 18 barangays and reaffirming the carabao’s central place in the town’s farming identity.
Festivities kicked off with a vibrant Carabao-Carroza Parade, where barangays transformed the streets into a moving spectacle of color and creativity. Elaborately decorated bamboo carrozas, draped in fabrics, flowers, and indigenous designs, were paired with carabaos adorned in traditional accessories and garlands.
The celebration quickly shifted to high-stakes competition during the much-anticipated Carabao-Carroza Race at the Pavia National High School grounds, where speed, discipline, and training took center stage before a roaring crowd.
Brgy. Ungka 1’s Niel Malones emerged champion with a winning time of 12.4 seconds, securing his first victory after three years of competing.
“Three years na ako ga intra, pero last year indi ako ang champion. First time ko nag daog subong. Preparasyon ko, importante gid nga manami ya lawas ka akon nga carabao gid eh, pati ako man. Kag na training ko man ang carabao,” said Niel Malones, Champion of Carabao-Carroza Race.
Brgy. Balabag’s Jimrey Malones placed second with a time of 13.86 seconds, while Geovani Deriada of Brgy. Purok 1 finished third at 15 seconds.
Beyond the race, artistry and craftsmanship took the spotlight in the Best Decorated Carabao-Carroza competition, with Brgy. Balabag securing first place, followed by Brgy. Tigum, Brgy. Mali-ao, Brgy. Anilao, and Brgy. Ungka 2.
Top honors for Best Parade Groups went to barangays Balabag, Mali-ao, Cabugao Sur, Pagsanga-an, and Tigum, recognized for their coordinated performances and visual impact.
First held in 1973, the Carabao-Carroza Festival has grown into a defining tradition of Pavia, celebrating not only the strength and resilience symbolized by the carabao but also the unity and shared heritage of its people.
As festivities wound down, the strong turnout and spirited participation signaled the festival’s continuing relevance, reinforcing its role in preserving the agricultural roots and cultural identity of Pavianhons for generations to come./PN
