Ani-anihan Festival is a cultural, harvest, and religious festival in Tabuelan, Cebu, Philippines every June 24, coinciding the fiesta of St. John the Baptist.
Ani-anihan Festival is part of the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo.
Etymology
The name of the fest originates from ani, meaning harvest.
History of Ani-anihan Festival
It is unclear when the festival was first launched. An article mentioned that it held its 7th edition 2009 and assuming that it was held annually since, it can be estimated that it debuted was organized in 2003.
One of its mainstays is the Mardi Gras-like street dancing with movements that reflect planting and harvesting, farming being one of the leading livelihoods in this largely agricultural town.
Devotion to St. John the Baptist
St. John the Baptist was installed as the patron of Tabuelan when Catholicism was introduced. Its name has several proposed origins, Tubgokan (an octopus), Taboan (market), or Tabukan (transport).
For the longest time, its church was a visita of the Tuburan Parish, and it only became a parish in 1940.
How to reach Tabuelan, Cebu
From Mactan-Cebu International Airport, get a ride to the North Bus Terminal and then a bus to the northwestern town of Tabuelan.
References
- Sarah Nengasca. Try Tabuelan. Freeman. January 9, 2016. Retrieved September 12, 2025.
- Celebrate the vibrant Ani-Anihan Festival. Cebu Provincial Tourism. June 19, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2025.
- Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu. Retrieved July 7, 2022 Balaanong Bahandi: Sacred Treasures of the Archdiocese of Cebu. Cathedral Museum of Cebu, Inc. and University of San Carlos Press. 2010. ISBN 978-9715390187. Retrieved September 12, 2025
- Elizaga, Troy. The Formation of Towns and Parishes in Cebu, Philippines. Retrieved via Academia on September 12, 2025
- Oaminal, Clarence Paul (January 3, 2015). Tabuelan, Cebu. Retrieved September 12, 2025
Ani-anihan Festival Summary
Name Ani-anihan Festival Celebration Culture, Harvest, Religion Church San Juan Bautista Parish Church Country Philippines Date June 24 Established 2003 Facebook web.facebook.com Location Tabuelan, Cebu Organizer Municipal Government of Tabuelan Patron St. John the Baptist Religion Roman Catholic
| Name | Ani-anihan Festival |
|---|---|
| Celebration | Culture, Harvest, Religion |
| Church | San Juan Bautista Parish Church |
| Country | Philippines |
| Date | June 24 |
| Established | 2003 |
| web.facebook.com | |
| Location | Tabuelan, Cebu |
| Organizer | Municipal Government of Tabuelan |
| Patron | St. John the Baptist |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |