CAPIZ – The Province of Capiz is set to mark its quasquicentennial, or 125 years since the establishment of its civil government, with the celebration of Capiztahan 2026 from April 13 to 19, 2026.
The annual festival will highlight the province’s rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence through a series of activities designed to honor Capiz’s history, traditions, and creative talents.
Festivities will officially kick off today, December 16, with a grand opening ceremony at the New Capiz Provincial Capitol in Pueblo de Panay, Roxas City.
The public is invited to join a weeklong celebration featuring a variety of activities, including the Maragtas Street Food Market showcasing Capiz’s local delicacies; the Maragtas Cultural Show highlighting traditional performances; and Sine Maragtas, a large-scale projection mapping presentation that brings the province’s history to life.
Live band performances by Little Story and Kreonz Band Iloilo are also slated, along with Hinampang, a series of traditional Capisnon games that celebrate community spirit and heritage.
Capiztahan commemorates the founding of the province’s civil government during the American period while honoring its enduring cultural legacy. Last year, the festival gained national recognition after being named Best Cultural Festival – Grand Winner at the 2025 Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards.
Strengthening Capisnon arts and culture
In preparation for Capiztahan 2026, the Capiz Provincial Government, through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), conducted a seminar-workshop on December 6, 2025 aimed at strengthening the local creative sector.
Titled “Mamugnaon: Establishing the Capiz Association of Choreographers and Creatives for a Vibrant and Sustained Capisnon Arts and Culture,” the workshop gathered choreographers, tourism officers, and creative practitioners from across the province.
The activity was facilitated by arts consultant Chris Millado, known for his work in major cultural festivals such as Sinulog, Dinagyang, and Aliwan. Discussions and hands-on sessions focused on choreography, cultural preservation, innovative performance techniques, and the importance of sustaining cultural continuity.
The establishment of the Capiz Association of Choreographers and Creatives marks a significant step toward fostering collaboration within the local arts community and ensuring that festival performances remain both high-quality and deeply rooted in Capiz’s cultural identity.
The provincial government said it will continue to support the newly formed association through a series of follow-up workshops aimed at enhancing both artistic and organizational skills of its members, further enriching the cultural programming for Capiztahan 2026.
As preparations gain momentum, the Province of Capiz invites the public to take part in the festivities celebrating 125 years of heritage, talent, and community spirit—promising a memorable tribute to the province’s history for both residents and visitors./PN
