Festivals or fiestas are part of the culture of Filipinos. Each year, residents in different towns in the country stop for a while and hold festivals in honor of their patron saint. These festivals are also a way for residents of these towns to give thanks for the bountiful blessings they receive each year. The towns in Cebu also celebrate their own festivals. One of these festivals is the Panagsogod Festival in the town of Sogod.

Panagsogod Festival

The Panagsogod Festival of the town is celebrated every July 25 and is held in honor of the patron saint of the town, St. James the Apostle. It is also a way of giving thanks by the residents of the town for the blessings they receive each year. The term “panagsogod” means the beginning in Cebuano.

Street Dancing

The festival opens with a street dancing competition held along the main roads of the town. Different contingents wear colorful costumes and compete with each other to earn the distinction of being the best in the festival. The competition culminates at the Sports Plaza Grounds of the town where a ritual showdown is held among the participating contingents.

​Aside from competing to become the best in street dancing, the contingents also compete for the honor of having the best costume during the festival. A Panagsogod Festival Queen is also selected from the main dancers of each contingent.

The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the town as well as the natural wonders it can offer to residents and visitors alike. During the festival, the residents of Sogod work with each other to ensure the event is successful. It celebrates the qualities and attitude of all residents of the town of Sogod.

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