Kinabayo Festival – Reenactment of Spanish-Moorish Wars

Photo from: http://www.whatshappening.com.ph/event/kinabayo-festival-2018

Kinabayo Festival which is celebrated every July 25 in Dapitan City Zamboanga del Norte Philippines celebrate a mysterious and colorful pageant re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish wars, mainly the Battle of Covadonga where the Spanish forces under General Pelagio took their last stand against Saracan. They were able to overturn the tide through the miraculous spirit of St. James. The addition of local color and modernism has made this annual celebration a popular attraction which brings thousands of tourists to the Dapitan City. Read More: http://www.dapitancity.gov.ph/index.php/tourism/slider-news/item/1-kinabayo-festival

Photo from: https://philtimes.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/kinabayo-festival-dapitan-city-zamboanga-del-norte/

Kinabayo festival is an amazing event on Dapitan City’s social calendar. The event is held every year, with tourists thronging to this location.

While Dapitan City is best known for its amazing history as home to the location where national hero and symbol of struggle, Dr. Jose Rizal was executed, it is also home to amazing festivals such as Kinabayo. The annual event attracts tourists in their numbers as they head off to the southern region to enjoy the sun, sand and sea. Read More: http://www.whatshappening.com.ph/event/kinabayo-festival-2018

KINABAYO FESTIVAL

Photo from: http://www.choosephilippines.com/do/festivals/1537/10-mindanao-festivals-july

Held every July 24, the City of Dapitan celebrates the Kinabayo Festival. In the past, Dapitanons reenacted, through a traditional pageant, the Battle of Covadonga in 722 A.D. {recently made correct to be the Battle of Clavijo during its feast day on July 25. Participants were men divided into two groups, attired as Christian and Moorish soldiers riding in mock horses made of rattan and bamboo, hence the term ”Kinabayo”. The climax of the pageant is the appearance of St. James the Greater astride in a white horse slashing at his imaginary enemies with a sword to the delight and adoring shouts of the devotees of the warrior saint. Read More: https://philtimes.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/kinabayo-festival-dapitan-city-zamboanga-del-norte/

Photo from: http://www.govisitphilippines.com/quick-facts.php?province=Zamboanga+del+Norte