ILOILO City – Preparations for the 2024 Paraw Regatta Festival are “70% complete”, with organizers confident of a smooth execution of the annual maritime event from February 23 to March 2.
Festival chairperson John Lex Bayombong assured in a press conference on February 6 that planning has been progressing well, with only minor adjustments needed for the side events. The festival, which celebrates Iloilo’s maritime heritage, features the iconic paraw — a traditional wind-powered double-outrigger sailboat used by local fishermen and coastal communities.
The highlight of the festival is the 30-kilometer paraw sailing competition, where participants will navigate the waters from Villa Beach, Arevalo district, to Guimaras and back. Sailors will showcase their skills in maneuvering, stabilization, and sail control in this annual race.
With this year’s theme, “Sailing Blue Waters on this Green Earth”, the festival will commence on February 23 with a Holy Mass at Arevalo Parish.
Key activities include the Aquathlon Paraw High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Sinamba sa Regatta on March 1, leading to the main race day on March 2.
The final day will feature the Paraw Main Race, Pinta Layag, Pinta Tawo, Sinamba Street Dancing, the Lighted Paraw showcase, and the Lechon Parade and Contest.
The festival also emphasizes cultural preservation, with vibrantly painted sails turning the horizon into a display of Ilonggo artistry.
Dr. Roberto Somosa, chairperson of the sailing events, described the decorated paraws as “butterflies in the middle of the sea”.
To sustain the festival for future generations, organizers have introduced enhancements such as increased prize incentives, a “go green” initiative promoting environmental awareness, and the “Eat-and-Sail” experience, which offers tourists a mix of maritime and culinary attractions. A new Slalom Race category has also been introduced, with a junior division for boys aged 12 to 16, aiming to cultivate interest in traditional sailing among the youth.
“Paraw Regatta is more than just a competition — it is a legacy that requires community support. It is not just the responsibility of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) or the private sector to sustain this festival,” Bayombong said, encouraging public participation.
Festival organizers are coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard to ensure the safety of participants and spectators, with marine notices to be issued to coastal communities along the race route. Dr. Somosa assured that all necessary precautions are being taken to maintain safety while preserving the event’s competitive nature./PN
