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Biliran

Bagasumbol Festival

Bagasumbol Festival is a cultural and religious festival in the municipality of Naval of the province of Biliran, Philippines held every 6th of October. It lasts for two weeks with opening activities beginning in the last week of September. It is held in honor of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary and as a founding anniversary celebration.

History of Bagasumbol Festival

Bagasumbol Festival comes from the word Bagasumbol, the name of Naval in the olden times. The town is presently the capital of the province of Biliran. Bagasumbol Festival is conducted to venerate Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, the patroness of the town. It is likewise a celebration of the town’s “culture, history, and legend” and its foundation day is commemorated every 26th of September.

Bagasumbol Festival Schedule of Activities

Bagasumbol Festival has many activities of fun, entertainment, cultural shows, and religious activities. Novena prayers begin in the last week of September and are said every day for nine days until the day of the fiesta. There is a town parade, Miss Naval (beauty pageant), Festival Queen, and sportsfest in various events like basketball, volleyball, e-sports, etc.

Here are some of the highlights.

Pueblo Day

Pueblo Day is the foundation day celebration. It remembers the establishment of Naval as a town. It is scheduled every 26th of September. Various activities are held including the Pueblo Night, which caps off the day with presentations that depict the history of the town.

Tsinelas Party

Tsinelas Party comes from tsinelas, the local word for slippers or flip-flops. Considered the people’s party, it welcomes revelers regardless of their social and financial background since 2007. It was also the same year that the festival was rescheduled back from January to October. As an event, it was established as a response against exclusive, invitation-only events in previous festivities.

How to reach Naval, Biliran

One can book a flight to Tacloban Airport and ride a bus to Biliran. Sea-based travels are also available and shipping vessels embark at the port of Naval and other ports in Leyte.

References

Bagasumbol Festival Summary

NameBagasumbol Festival
CelebrationCulture, Founding, Religious
CountryPhilippines
Duration11 days
Emailadmin@biliranisland.com
Facebookwww.facebook.com
LocationNaval, Biliran
OrganizerCity Government of Naval
PatronOur Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
ReligionRoman Catholic
Websitewww.biliranisland.com