Categories
Cebu

Banig Festival

Banig Festival is a cultural and religious festival in the town of Badian, Cebu, Philippines. It celebrates the town’s weaving industry, craftsmanship and tradition. Its schedule is held annually every 25th of July to coincide with the festival of St. James the Apostle, the town’s patron.

It is also one of the cultural fests in Pasigarbo sa Sugbo.

Etymology

Banig Festival comes from banig, the local word for a native hand-woven sleeping or floor mat. In the Philippines, it is believed that indigenous weaving tradition began as early as the 13th century.

History of Banig Festival

Banig Festival was launched in 2000. The fest was put on hold of six years and restaged in 2023.

This annual celebration gives an ode to the traditional weaving culture and practices in the municipality of Badian, with banig playing “…a pivotal role in the municipality as an economic driver of its tourism and cultural assets.”

The native banig is made from various leaves of rattan, palm, pandan, and other plants. In Badian, weavers use the leaves of pandan (Pandanus amaryllfolius) that grow abundantly in the upland areas.

The leaves are first harvested and their thorns removed. They are cut into strips, a process referred to as lilas, and then they are are laid out under the sun.

When the leaves are dry, they are treated with acid such as vinegar or extracts of citrus fruits to strengthen the fiber. As a result, the leaves become brown and several are handpicked to be dyed in various decorative colors. Temperature plays a crucial part in the process. The leaves become brittle and are no longer pliable to be used for weaving when they are exposed to high heat.

Next, weavers interlace the leaves to produce the banig. It can take about a day or two to produce one mat depending on the expertise of the weaver. Artistry is also expressed through combination colored leaves, creating interesting patterns.

Presently, the hand-weaving technique is not only applied in the production of banig. Other personal and household items are produced such as bags, purses, trinkets, and other accessories.

There were 80 local weavers who received support from the local government for tourism, product development, and training. In 2012, the municipal government earmarked 12% of its budget to tourism and culture including the weavers.

Devotion to St. James the Apostle

Christianization of the town of Badian began during the Spanish conquest. Its church was founded by the Augustinians and dedicated to the patronage of St. James the Apostle. It was part of the parish of Carcar beginning in 1599 and then of Barili in 1614. It was declared a parish on August 26, 1825.

Activities of Banig Festival

Among the activities of Banig Festival are cultural dance showdown, Badian Banig Festival Queen, and Banig Sa Badian competition.

How to reach Badian, Cebu

From Mactan International Airport, take a bus or taxi to South Bus Terminal in Cebu City. Next, grab a bus ride to the southwestern town of Badian.

References

Banig Festival Summary

NameBanig Festival
CelebrationCulture, Religion
ChurchSt. James the Apostle Parish Church
Contact0965 957 1349
CountryPhilippines
DateJuly 25
Emailbadianturismo21@gmail.com
Established2000
Facebookweb.facebook.com
LocationBadian, Cebu
OrganizerLocal Government of Badian, St. James the Apostle Parish
PatronSt. James the Apostle
ReligionRoman Catholic