Sinulog Sa Kabankalan: The Grand Celebration Of Southern Negros
Negros Occidental
Belle Piccio
The feast day of the Holy Child, also known as Santo Niño, is every third Sunday of January. The devotion to the Santo Niño is the oldest and a popular one in the Philippines. In honor of the Child Jesus, it has become a month-long celebration in the country.
If Cebu has Sinulog and Aklan has Ati-Atihan, the province of Negros Occidental has Sinulog sa Kabankalan!
Tribu Dhayting of Barangay Daan Banua, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental
The Sinulog is Kabankalan’s version of Ati-Atihan which is a tribal war dance of our ancestors. The festival is first staged in 1976 and it is the Negrense devotees’ thanksgiving to God for all the abundant blessings received through the years and years to come.
With the theme “Señor Santo Niño Masaligan nga tabang sang Kabankalan” (rough translation: Señor Santo Niño is the trusted help of Kabankalan) the Sinulog sa Kabankalan is already on its 41st year.
The festival’s main highlight is the Grand Tribal Competition held during the last day of the festivities on 15 January 2017.
The competing tribes came from the different barangays of Kabankalan City. The 8 Tribes are:
Tribu Dhayting of Barangay Daan BanuaTribu Salongnon of Barangay SalongTribu Lasang of Barangay MagballoTribu Atiklan of Barangay BinicuilTribu Tres of Barangay 3Tribu Camingawan of Barangay CamingawanTribu Ompong of Barangay TabugonTribu Tapi of Barangay Tapi
Tribu Camingawan of Barangay Camingawan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental
Third runner-up is Tribu Ompong.
Second runner-up is Tribu Tres who was also awarded best in tribal banner and best in street dancing.
First runner-up is Tribu Atiklan.
And, the champion is Tribu Lasang who also won best in choreography and best in music.
