The festival, to be held on April 12–15, marks the 112th foundation day of the civil government of Capiz and the 65th death anniversary of President Manuel Acuña Roxas.
Melanie Arancillo, executive director of One Capiz, which handles the yearly event, said they have come up with innovations to make this year’s celebration spectacular.
For instance, tribes, with members wearing costumes adorned by lights, will now accompany about 20 floats in the Parade of Lights.
Arancillo said the Parade of Lights could be the only festival feature of its kind in the country — the three-dimensional floats adorned with tiny lights are truly “a sight to behold.”
Since the festival theme revolves around the evolution of lights, this year’s event will — for the first time — feature a Light Show, she said.
The activity involves the lighting of some 1,000 candles and making them float in the Panay River.
Another first in this year’s CAPIZtahan is the PMA Drill — 100 cadets from the Philippine Military Academy will come over to execute the famous PMA drill.
Also, there will be a Los Pasos de Capiz at the Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center.
In this activity, the oldest pasos here are featured in one roof to rekindle the Capiceños’ sense of spirit and appreciation of their culture and history, said Arancillo.
To grace the four-day festival are no less than President Benigno Aquino III and some of his Cabinet members, she said.
As a tribute to President Roxas, One Capiz, through the help of Judy Araneta-Roxas, will bring “irreplaceable” memorabilia of the late President from the national museum, Malacañang Palace and Clark.
The memorabilia will be put on public display at the Roxas City Museum starting April 8. They include the painting of President Roxas by Fernando Amorsolo, and his other portraits painted by Garcia Llamas and other noted artists.
Other CAPIZtahan 2013 activities are Battle of the Bands, Night Run, Fluvial Parade, Cycling Race, Seafood Race, Motocross, National Cock Derby, Pahampang sa Baybay, Regional Trade Fair, Fire Dance Competition, Farmers Day, Baroto Race, Kapamilya Fiesta and photo exhibit. (Gerry Pagharion, CAPIZtahan Publicity and Promotion Committee/PN)
