Festivities in Occidental Mindoro

            Filipino culture is noted for its revelry and celebrations. Festivals are so deeply ingrained in the Philippines' cultural ethos that there is at least one festival held every month of the year. Tourists flock to this country to engage in its cultural celebrations and joyful ecstasies during various festivals.

Let's have a look at some of the merriest festivals in the Occidental Mindoro that showcase the province culture's grandeur and mirth.  

            ARAWATAN FESTIVAL  

                                                               arawatan festival - Bing images

Each year, the people of Occidental Mindoro, the student, professionals, businessmen, government officials, and even the ordinary rural folk and indigenous peoples participate in activities organized by various sectors, to commemorate the provinces' foundation day.

Arawatan Festival", which is a native term among the Mangyan that connotes “unity”, “cooperation” and “helping each other”. This is an annual historic event in Occidental Mindoro where the people of this province of various religious congregations, beliefs, and political differences, varying ethnically & indigenous people, customs and traits are strongly “unified.” The usual celebration highlights an exhibition of this province’s natural attractions, agricultural, coastal, and marine products, street dancing, fairs, sports, competition, a parade of beauties, and recognition to achievers or outstanding performers of the province. It is celebrated every 11th day of November in celebration of the Province of Occidental Mindoro’s founding anniversary.

            DUGOY FESTIVAL 

 Photo grabbed from ragarabeach.org                    dugoy festival in occidental mindoro - Bing images

     Every January 18, the Dugoy Festival is held in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. This event celebrates the Mangyan tribe and its rich cultural history, which many visitors admire during the festivities.

    Dugoy Festival, like any other festival, includes a variety of activities such as street dances, exhibits, cultural events, and other sorts of entertainment. This event provides an excellent opportunity for residents to demonstrate their talents through performing. The festival is also a platform so that people in Sablayan can let the people know of the different ethnocultural groups present in the festivity. The revelry, although it is about the harmonious relationship of cultural groups, also instills a modern nature which adds life to the celebration. The music used in the festival is usually done using indigenous musical instruments, but it also makes use of modern songs. The costumes that the participants use are also made more colorful so as to relate to the celebration.  

    The primary purpose of the Dugoy Event is to strengthen Sablayeo bonds by showcasing their culture in their own festival. They also wish to honor the "Dugoy spirit," which is still vibrant and hopeful, as evidenced by the success of their yearly festival. Apart from relying on their natural tourist spots, this festival is a terrific approach to increase their tourism.

    So, if you're a history buff who wants to understand more about Mangyan culture, come to Dugoy Festival and be amazed by this amazing celebration. Come to Occidental Mindoro.