Tagbo Festival is a cultural and religious celebration in honor of Sto. Niño de Poro in the town of Poro, Cebu, Philippines every third Friday of January. It commemorates the fabled beginning of the town, which was established upon the unification of formerly feuding tribes. When the Spaniards came, its people began their fervent devotion to the Holy Child.
History of Tagbo Festival
Tagbo Festival comes from the word tagbo, which translates to rendezvous or meeting. It recalls what was the origin of the town according to oral tradition.
In the past, the island was divided into two groups, the farmers who lived in Tag-Anito and the fisherfolks of Maktang. They had been at odds with each other for time immemorial.
However, the waters around their island were infested with Moro raiders who would attack their settlements, burn their houses, kill and capture their people. Faced with a common foe, they were forced to set aside their differences. By the initiative of a man named Panganuron, they met and were united to confront the threat head on as one.
The island then was called Pulo, literally meaning island. It was called Poro upon the arrival of the Spaniards. Devotion to Sto. Niño also began around that time.
Tagbo Festival began in 1976. It is held to honor Sto. Niño enshrined in the 19th century Sto. Niño Parish Church.
Tagbo Festival Activities
Activities of the Tagbo Festival include the beauty pageant called Binibining Poro, street dancing competitions, and ritual category.
How to reach Poro, Cebu
Book a flight to the Mactan International Airport. From there, you can take a ferry from the Mactan port. Alternatively, you can also go to the ports in Cebu City and Danao City.
Tagbo Festival Summary
| Name | Tagbo Festival |
|---|---|
| Celebration | Culture, Religion |
| Church | Sto. Niño Parish Church |
| Country | Philippines |
| Date | Third Friday of January |
| Established | 1976 |
| www.facebook.com | |
| Location | Poro, Cebu |
| Organizer | Sto. Niño Parish Church, Municipal Government of Poro |
| Patron | Sto. Niño |
References
- Carlo Rivera. The “Tagbo” Festival. The Freeman through PressReader. January 25, 2015. Retrieved January 8, 2023
- “Tagbo” Festival of Poro, Camotes successfuly held. Philippine Information Agency Central Visayas. January 23, 2015. Retrieved January 9, 2023