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Cebu

Dagitab Festival

Dagitab Festival, also called Festival of Lights, is a cultural, religious, and Christmas festival in Naga City, Cebu, Philippines every December. Its calendar of events begins on December 8, the feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, and runs through the Christmas season.

Dagitab Festival is one of the cultural fests in Pasigarbo sa Sugbo.

Meanwhile, the provincial government of Mindoro also celebrates the Salong Dagitab Festival.

Etymology

Dagitab Festival is derived from dagitab, a local word that means light or electricity.

History of Dagitab Festival

Dagitab Festival launched during the tenure of Valdemar Chiong as mayor in December 2008. The event is “a reflection of Naga’s strength, spirit, and commitment to a brighter future. It celebrates the city’s role as a beacon of light, power, and progress in the Visayas.”

The festival is a celebration of the key aspects of the city such as light (representing its power industry), progress, industry, tourism, economic development, and employment. The city is the site of big energy companies such as KEPCO and SPC Power Corporation, also known as Therma Power Visayas) in Colon, and it is the considered the “primary source of electricity in Cebu.”

In 2018, it was put on hold and its fund allocated to aid families and victims of the landslide triggered by quarrying activities and rains.

In 2020 and 2021, the fest was put on hold due to Covid-19 pandemic. It was revived in 2022.

In 2024, its cultural fest contingent won the grand prize of the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo.

Dagitab Festival Activities

Parks and streets are decorated with Christmas lights that transform these public spaces in the city with a festive ambiance and a worthy destination during the Yuletide season. Among the picture-perfect spots are the St. Francis of Assisi Ocean Park, Baywalk, and Boardwalk.

Moreover, the event also draws visitors to witness the spectacle of street dancing and ritual showdown where dancers are garbed in luminous costumes and props. Participating contingents are public schools, private institutions, and guest dance troupes.

Other activities include search for Festival Queen,

How to reach Naga City, Cebu

From Mactan-Cebu International Airport, take a ride to South Bus Terminal and then get on a bus or jeep bound for Naga City.

References

Dagitab Festival Summary

NameDagitab Festival
CelebrationChristmas, Culture, Religion
Contact(032) 268 3010
CountryPhilippines
DateDecember 23
Emailcityofnaga.information@gmail.com
EstablishedDecember 2008
Facebookweb.facebook.com
FounderValdemar Chiong
LocationNaga City, Cebu
OrganizerCity Government of Naga
Websitecityofnagacebu.gov.ph