BALSAHAN FESTIVAL

Photo from: guimarastourist.wordpress.com

Balsahan Festival is celebrated by the locals as a way to immortalize the Sibunag river. This river makes its way through most of the barangays in this town. It is a major feature of the place. There are a lot of legends and a lot of myths about it that have been passed down from one generation to the other. You can just ask the locals and surely your imagination will be amazed. There are a lot of things that you can discover in this place and it is best if you take a balsa and enjoy. There is usually a parade of different balsas throughout the Sibunag river. You can also watch different activities like sports competitions and beauty contests. You can also see the products of the town at the trade fair. You can purchase trinkets to bring home or to give to your friends. Read More: http://www.metrokelan.com/festivals-and-fairs/balsahan-festival_i10166

Photo from: https://hiveminer.com/Tags/guimaras%2Cmanggahanfestival

Balsahan is Sibunag’s way of immortalizing the mystical Sibunag river which snakes its way through most of the town’s barangays. A major geographical feature of the town, the river holds many interesting myths and legends that are sure to tickle one’s imagination, and whet one’s appetite to unravel its secrets. Use the balsa in your trek for some satisfying discoveries – you will be pleasantly rewarded. Read More: http://jefflovepia.blogspot.com/2012/03/balsahan-festival.html

Photo from: http://www.localphilippines.com/events/balsahan-festival

The Balsahan Festival coincides with the foundation day of the Municipality of Sibunag every February 20.

Sibunag is one of the two youngest municipalities of the island-province of Guimaras. Established in 1995, it was named after its main river, the town’s main geographical feature that makes its way through most of the barangays.

The river is the setting of many spellbinding folktales and legends. A visit to Sibunag is sure to unravel the town’s secrets and make your journey much more colorful.

Legend says that a son of a deity and a mortal was stolen when he was only a baby. He was named Sibunag, and was raised and cared for by a fairy. His amazing quests and romance stories have been one with the waters ever since.

The Balsahan Festival is the town’s way of immortalizing the mystical river. “Balsa” refers to the bamboo water raft. The people of Sibunag and all over Guimaras celebrate the festival with fun activities such as balsa racing, a motorized banca race, and a paraw regatta. Read More: http://www.choosephilippines.com/do/festivals/1138/balsahan-festival/