ROXAS City — Capiceños will hold their yearly extravaganza, the Sinadya sa Halaran, on December 6–8 this year in a simple manner, focusing more on the role of Virgin Mary in their lives.
“After all, December 8, the culminating day of the three-day festival, is the Feast Day of the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception,” said Rommel Lastimoso, the city government’s community affairs officer.
The Church welcomes this, as this would further strengthen the Capiceños’ devotion toward the Virgin Mary, the mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Lastimoso said.
Sinadya sa Halaran’s theme this year is “Maria Ganhaan sang Pagtuo.”
Lastimoso invited everyone to witness the festival and “feel the unique brand of Capiceño hospitality.”
Capiceños from other places should also come home and participate in the celebration to pay tribute to Mama Mary, he said.
The festival is also a renewal of the ties of the city and provincial governments, with their advocacy of forging unity and solidarity among Capiceños.
Merrymaking activities regularly featured during the festival include the sadsad or street dancing, trade fairs, and the fluvial procession — the festival highlight — in the evening of December 8.
On December 6, the Christmas Village at the city plaza will be opened while the “Damgo sa Tag-init,” a localized Shakespearean play, will be staged by the Sigmahanon Foundation for Culture and the Arts. – Gerry Pagharion and Rovelson Diego
