CAPIZ will glitter and shine during the Capiztahan Festival 2016 on April 14-17.
Known as the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines,” Capiz is also famous for its Parade of Lights, which this year will be held at 6 p.m on April 16 from Villareal Stadium in Barangay Tiza, Roxas City, to the city public plaza fronting the city hall. Thousands of neon lights covering floats and bodies of people dancing on the streets will illuminate the main streets.
The festival will also mark the 115th Foundation Day of the civil government of Capiz and the commemoration of the 68th death anniversary of its illustrious son, the former president Manual Roxas. Capiz is founded on April 15, 1901, while Roxas died on April 15, 1948.
The festivals, which hopes to boost Capiz’s stature in the tourism map, is jointly organized by the Roxas City and Capiz provincial governments, the office of the Congressman of the first district, and the United Capizeños Foundation, Inc. (One Capiz ).
More activities were added to Capiztahan celebrations since its launch in 2008, among which were fluvial and boat racing, Battle of the Bands, seafood expo, trade fairs, showcase of Capiz shell products, exhibition of Capiznon talent, and visual art shows.
Expressions of rhythmic strokes of the hue created by the Capisnon visual artist will be shown in exhibit depicting the beauty of Capiz and its people at the Artist’s Village.
Capiz most popular landmark I the historical Santa Monica Church and Museum in Panay town where the biggest bell Asia can be found. At 7 feet tall and weighing more than 10 tons, it was created in 1878 out of 70 sacks of coins provided by residents.
Another famous landmark is the city’s bridge on Roxas Avenue and the rotunda fountain in front of the Roxas Metropolitan Cathedral. Despite the series of renovations and substantial changes since it was built during the American occupation, the fountain maintains its main feature: the chalice that represents the strong Capisnon faith.
The chalice tells locals and visitors alike that the Capisnon culture is deeply interwoven in their spiritually, while the water flowing out from the fountain depicts the purity of the heart of every Capisnon in creating “One Capiz”. (John Heredia/PN)
