Iligan Diyandi Festival

By: BeYoung

Lets face it, each breathing human being has their own culture; beliefs and practices that they
call "theirs". It is a mark of uniqueness and individuality that has been preserved all throughout
the years. Iligan City's culture can be seen not only in their history that has affected their daily
lives but this said culture is shown in their own festival called, the "Diyandi Festival". This festival
is celebrated every 29th of September, a festivity of colours, religious commemoration, dancing
and music of ancient times. The word Diyandi came from an all-female group who dances in the
presence of their patron saint, Saint Michael de Archangel during the Pagpakanaug - a tradition
where a statue of the saint is being brought down from his altar and presented to the Iliganons
(a term used to call the people that are living in Iligan). Along with the gongs that the Diyandi
sways and the chants they utter, this tradition has been passed from generations to generations
as to preserve the time where, (the story say) that Saint Michael de Archangel came down from
the heavens and riding his gallant steed. He was wearing a very elegant colorful armour with a
spear, a helmet and a shield and trotted around the mountains of Iligan. It is said that he was
guarding the City from invaders. He then presented himself to the Diyandi of whom were the
female group that were harvesting in a particular place during that time. From then on, the
Diyandi dances during the Pagpakanaug, offering him their harvests. After the Pagpakanaug,
the Government of Iligan City holds a contest of dancing groups that will predict the life of Saint
Michael when he defeated Lucifer during the heavenly fight. This festival upholds the culture of
Iligan; their thanksgiving to their Saint that contionously protects and blesses the City even of
today and showing their art and skills during this celebration.