Bolho Festival is a cultural and religious festival in the town of Boljoon, Cebu, Philippines every November 9. It is organized in time for the annual fiesta of Nuestra Señora Patrocinio de Maria, the patroness of the town.
It is one of the cultural fests in Pasigarbo sa Sugbo.
Etymology
Bolho Festival comes from the Cebuano word bolho, which refers to springs of water. The word can also mean the way water moves as it runs along rivers, streams, brooks, and tributaries.
These bodies of water served the people of Boljoon throughout history, from the pre-colonial times and Spanish period to the modern times. They are sources of food and livelihood, a channel for transporting goods and people, important for farming, and others.
The word bolho is also the origin of the town’s name, which was first recorded during the colonial period.
History of Bolho Festival
Bolho Festival was launched in November 2008. The celebration was attended by constituents grouped into clusters of barangays. In 2009, the festival held the first cultural dance competition participated by different schools.
The festival dance was also conceived. The dance is an encapsulation of the town’s identity (as expressed through its local history, culture, and heritage), a celebration of the abundance of its natural resources, public merrymaking, and expression of gratitude for the blessings received from the town’s patroness.
Its choreography consists of three steps. The first is called kaayohan (translates to good or goodness), and it is a way to say thanks to God. The second is talidhay (laughter) that represents joy and optimism. The third is tubig-buswak which is inspired by the movement or flow of water.
Devotion to Nuestra Señora Patrocinio de Maria
Christianity in Boljoon was introduced by Augustinian missionaries in the 16th century. Its church existed as early as 1599 as part of the Parish of Carcar. On October 31, 1690, it seceded and became its own parish.
In 1737, the Augustinians were replaced by the Jesuits. However, the Augustinian took over the administration of the parish when the Jesuits were suppressed in 1768. In post-war years, the Augustinians handed over the reins of the parish to the secular with Fr. Leandro Moran as the last Augustinian priest.
The coastal town was vulnerable to seaborne attacks in the olden times. Its early church was put to the torch by pirates in 1782. Fr. Miguel Otero began the construction of the present-day coralstone church and it was continued by Fr. Manuel Cordero in 1794. It was finished in 1841.
Boljoon Church is a National Cultural Treasure (2001) and National Historical Landmark (1999). Additionally, it was part of the list submitted by the Philippines to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to be considered as a world heritage site and also included in the list of Baroque Churches of the Philippines (extension).
The image of the patroness, Nuestra Señora Patrocinio de Maria, was given pontifical coronation in 2022.
How to reach Boljoon, Cebu
From the airport, take a ride to the South Bus Terminal and get on a bus to the southern town of Boljoon.
References
- Bolho Festival 2010- Boljoon, Cebu. Pasigarbo sa Sugbo. August 10, 2011. Retrieved July 1, 2025
- 50 towns, cities to compete in Pasigarbo sa Sugbo. Here’s what their festivals are and the order of performances. Sunstar Cebu. August 27, 2023. Retrieved July 1, 2025
- 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 July 21, 2025
- Tocino, Kevin (August 3, 2018) Boljoon Church: A Future UNESCO World Heritage Site. Y101FM. Retrieved July 21, 2025
- Cebu’s Patrocinio de Maria image granted pontifical coronation. Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. February 21, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2025
Bolho Festival Summary
Name Bolho Festival Celebration Culture, Religion Contact 0932 507 9045 Country Philippines Date November 9 Email boljoontourism23@gmail.com Established November 2008 Facebook web.facebook.com Location Boljoon, Cebu Organizer Local Government of Boljoon Patron Nuestra Señora Patrocinio de Maria Religion Roman Catholic Simultaneous event Religious fiesta of Nuestra Señora Patrocinio de Maria
| Name | Bolho Festival |
|---|---|
| Celebration | Culture, Religion |
| Contact | 0932 507 9045 |
| Country | Philippines |
| Date | November 9 |
| boljoontourism23@gmail.com | |
| Established | November 2008 |
| web.facebook.com | |
| Location | Boljoon, Cebu |
| Organizer | Local Government of Boljoon |
| Patron | Nuestra Señora Patrocinio de Maria |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Simultaneous event | Religious fiesta of Nuestra Señora Patrocinio de Maria |