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. In the olden times, it was the name of Naval. It 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.
Bagasumbol Festival Summary
Name | Bagasumbol Festival |
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Celebration | Culture, Founding, Religious |
Country | Philippines |
Duration | 11 days |
admin@biliranisland.com | |
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Location | Naval, Biliran |
Organizer | City Government of Naval |
Patron | Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Website | www.biliranisland.com |
References
- Sarwell Meniano and Lizbeth Ann Abella. Biliran’s capital festival, street party to draw visitors. Philippine News Agency. September 28, 2018. Retrieved August 18, 2022
- President Aquino declares September 26 as special non-working day in Naval, Biliran in celebration of its 153rd Foundation Day. Office of the Press Secretary. September 12, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2022
- Naval Town Fiesta 2021. BiliranIsland.com. 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2022
- Desacada, Miriam Garcia. Biliran’s capital staging its Bagasumbol Festival. The Freeman through PressReader. September 29, 2018. Retrieved August 18, 2022
- Jackson, Flor. Biliran celebrates 136th Naval pueblo day. Philippine Information Agency. October 4, 2005. Retrieved August 18, 2022
- Sabalza, Gerico. Biliran capital restricts movements during fiesta. Philippine News Agency. September 26, 2020. Retrieved August 18, 2022
- Jackson, Flor. Naval town turns 150 years old. Philippine Information Agency. September 26, 2010. Retrieved August 18, 2022