Julianne Danielle S.

Ding BSBA-Marketing Management-2 10/11/2023

Festival Dance

1. What are Festival dances?

Festival dances are traditional dances performed by a group of individuals from the same
culture to the upbeat rhythms of percussion instruments. Usually, people do this to honor their
patron saint or to express gratitude for a bumper crop.

2. Importance or Relevance of Festival dance.

Festival dances are a way to celebrate cultural diversity since they unite people of various
religious and cultural backgrounds. People can learn about and develop an appreciation for many
religions and cultures through this approach.

3. Identify and Describe 3 Festival dances in the Philippines.

a. Ati-Atihan – Kalibo
Kalibo's Ati-Atihan, known as the Mother of All Festivals in the Philippines, is the
nation's oldest celebration. The celebration culminates on the third Sunday in January and
lasts for two weeks.You will hear drumbeats in December as participants get ready for the
big event. People wear traditional fabrics for their costumes, and they congregate in the
street to dance to the rhythm of the drums during the celebration. They have darkened skin
to symbolize the "ati," the original settlers. Melodic chants of "Hala Bira! Pwera Pasma!"
and "'Viva! Santo Niño!" are audible alongside the steady beat of tribal music. The first
line pays homage to the infant Jesus, while the second is an exhortation to stay well in the
intense summer heat.

b. Dinagyang – Iloilo City

The Fourth Sunday of January, precisely one week later, is also the day for the
same religious and cultural celebration in honor of the Child Jesus in Iloilo City. A river
procession, vibrant parades, and a contest for the most elaborate costume and spectacular
dance are all part of Dinagyang. To witness the spectacular exhibition more clearly, you
must get tickets for any of the multiple stages located across the city.

c. Kadayawan Festival – Davao City

Mindanao is also home to opulent celebrations, such as the Kadayawan Festival in

Davao City, which takes place every year during the third week of August. The streets are
decked with freshly collected fruits and vegetables as a way to express gratitude for a
bountiful harvest. Vibrant floats filled with flowers and fresh produce are paraded down
the street during the celebration. The city also hosts boat races, horse races, and beauty
pageants in addition to the customary street dances.
 References

Festival Dances. (n.d.). Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/document/439535223/FESTIVAL-DANCES

Go. (n.d.). 11 Most colourful festivals in the Philippines not to miss. 12Go.
https://12go.asia/en/philippines/festivals

What is the importance of festival dance? (n.d.). CourseHero. https://www.coursehero.com/tutors-

problems/Creative-Writing/29733732-What-is-the-importance-of-festival-dance-Why-
do-you-think-festival-
da/#:~:text=Festival%20dances%20serve%20as%20a,as%20well%20as%20appreciate%
20them.