Things you need to know about Antique’s Binirayan Festival

 

Antique’s Binirayan Festival may not have the same ring to it as Cebu’s Sinulog or Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan, but its significance to the people of Antique cannot be understated. It is the most anticipated of their many festivals, and here are a few reasons why:

1. The festival is deeply rooted in their history. Experts say that there is no connection between history and the journey of the 10 Bornean datus, but to the people of Antique, it is ingrained in their province’s history. A reenactment of the landing happens during the festival, and it is one of the events people want to see.

2. It used to be celebrated during the month of April, but has recently been moved to the month of December. The festival used to be a yearly affair during April, but with a political crisis during the 80’s and a few years skipped in the last decade, the festival has since been celebrated during December.

3. Rafflesia has a place in it. Rafflesia Day, celebrated during last year’s Binirayan Festival, is a tribute to the largest species of flower found only in Southeast Asia. December 27, 2015 was dedicated entirely to the rafflesia, with contests being held for rafflesia-inspired costumes, drum and bugle pieces, as well as a designers’ battle.

4. Lin-ay Kang Antique is not just a beauty pageant. Festival pageants often have their ring of winners sent to represent the province in national pageants. Lin-ay Kang Antique, on the other hand, focuses on being an ambassador to the province, uplifting the people and inspiring them to become better Antiqueños.