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Cebu

Sugat Kabanhawan Festival

Sugat Kabanhawan Festival, also known simply as Kabanhawan Festival, is a cultural and religious festival in Minglanilla, Cebu, Philippines every Easter Sunday. It is an annual reenactment of the rendezvous between the Resurrected Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Resurrection also opens a a new liturgical calendar.

Sugat Kabanhawan Festival is one of the fests in Pasigarbo sa Sugbo.

Etymology

Sugat is derived from the local word for welcome, and kabanhawan means resurrection.

Sugat Kabanhawan Festival

In the morning of Easter Sunday, Catholics remember the events leading up to the astonishing discovery of an empty tomb and the appearance of the Risen Christ to Mary and the disciples.

In Minglanilla, the tradition of staging a public reenactment of the Resurrection began in 1889. In the olden times, the number of participating angels accompanied the slaughter of corresponding number of carabaos, a ritual that was stopped with the decline of the population of the said animal.

Over the years, the staging of the Resurrection became known and drew people from other towns that Minglanilla is touted as the Sugat Capital of the South. In 2000, organizers decided to transfer the presentation from the church grounds to the sports complex to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.

Kabanhawan Festival was launched in 2005.

The introduction of secular activities in the schedule of the festival brought about untoward developments. A dance party known locally as a disco saw the rise of misdemeanors, drunkenness, and behaviors not in keeping with the solemn tone of the religious event. In 2014, the Holy Mass was moved back to the church and the disco was stopped.

In 2020, public gatherings were discouraged and so the activities were live-streamed online. The fest was likewise suspended in the following year.

In 2022, the local government imposed a limit on the number of visitors to witness the activities. The

An ethnographic study of Sugat Kabanhawan Festival revealed that the annual event has heightened sense of pride, ingrained the spirit of gratitude, affirmed collective identity and community involvement, nurtured faith and creativity, and bolstered the local economy and tourism.

Sugat Kabanhawan Festival Activities

Activities of Sugat Kabanhawan Festival are a blend of faith, street theater, and merry-making.

The reenactment is the most-awaited highlight that takes place in the early hours of Easter Sunday. It depicts biblical stories surrounding the Passion and Resurrection of the Christ, the epic fight between St. Michael and the Fallen Angel, and the meeting of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin.

This public dramatization involves participation of the community in various roles as the flock of angels and characters from important events of the Scriptures. Its presentation is known for the use of harnesses, flights of winged characters, elaborate costumes, and grand production.

Other activities include Easter egg hunting, street dancing and ritual showdown, sports, fireworks display, cultural presentations, and a showcase of culture, local crafts and trade.

How to reach Minglanilla

From Mactan-Cebu International Airport, take a ride to the South Bus Terminal and then take a bus or jeepney to Minglanilla.

References

Sugat Kabanhawan Festival Summary

NameSugat Kabanhawan Festival
CelebrationCulture, Religion, Holy Week
ChurchArchdiocesan Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
CountryPhilippines
DateEaster Sunday
EmailMinglanillalgu@gmail.com
Established2005
Facebookwww.facebook.com
LocationMinglanilla, Cebu
OrganizerLocal Government of Minglanilla
Other NamesKabanhawan Festival
PatronRisen Christ
ReligionRoman Catholic