The Kabanhawan Festival: Only in Minglanilla

CEBU, Philippines - In its devotion to the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, the municipality of Minglanilla has long held the distinction of being the “Sugat Capital” of the south, a title which is defined in the celebration of the Sugat-Kabanhawan Festival.

Annually held every Easter Sunday, the occasion primarily focuses on “Sugat sa Minglanilla” – the reenactment of the meeting of the Risen Christ and the Sorrowful Mother – which is followed by a string of activities and events scheduled to take place throughout the day.

As one of the biggest annually celebrated occasions of the municipality, the Sugat-Kabanhawan Festival takes a direct translation in celebrating Christ’s Resurrection, with street dancing, a wide assortment of day games, and entertainment features primed as an expression of true joy and happiness.

Essentially a socio-religious event, previous Sugat-Kabanhawan Festival celebrations have played the role of host to a diverse range of organized contests, competitions and games, including a Carabao Race, a Burda Making Contest, and a Mud Volleyball tourney.

Easter Egg Hunts have also been part of previous Sugat-Kabanhawan Festivals, just as the Kabanhawan Street Dancing and the Kabanhawan Ritual Showdown have become mainstay staples of the festival’s overall program flow.

Cultural shows and fireworks displays have also been featured in previously held Sugat-Kabanhawan Festivals, truly immersing its visitors and guests in its festive and vibrant spirit.

This year’s Sugat-Kabanhawan festivities promises a distinctly unique selection of activities and features, starting with the “Sugat sa Minglanilla” reenactment by Easter Sunday dawn.

Taking place within the oval grounds located in front of the Minglanilla Sports Complex, this year’s production is spearheaded by Events Director Victor Cuenco, with its presentation backed by the support and participation of members of the Minglanilla community.

By 8AM a series of parlor games and activities are slated to take place, with an Easter Egg Hunt and a Burda Making Contest being among the many games and activities highlights.

By 2PM, the Kabanhawan Street Dancing celebrations will be kicking off, with the Kabanhawan Ritual Showdown set to happen by 6PM.

A grand fireworks display is also slated to happen in the evening, with a culminating celebration party set to happen in the oval grounds facing the Minglanilla Sports Complex by 8PM.

Apart from its scheduled line of activities, the Sugat-Kabanhawan Festival also puts the spotlight on Minglanilla’s cultural history, just as the festival gives due emphasis on the municipality’s home brewed crafts, trades and arts.

With its center taking shape in “Sugat sa Minglanilla”, the Sugat-Kabanhawan Festival has been widely supported by the public for years, with devotees, festival attendees and spectators taking part in each and every Sugat-Kabanhawan Festival, year in and year out.

As a part of the Metro Cebu metropolitan area, Minglanilla is located some 15 kilometers south of Cebu City, nestled in a land area close to 65.6 km², standing out in the cultural and socio-economic treasures found within its borders.

Its devotion to the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection has justly earned it the title of “Sugat Capital” of the south, yielding to the liveliest celebration in honor of the Risen Christ known to take place within the province’s shores.