Cebu City barangay to flaunt dried fish in annual fest

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City’s Barangay San Nicolas will be featuring its products in a series of activities for the celebration of the 10th “Kaplag Buwad Festival,” which will kick off Monday next week.

The public is invited to witness the weeklong festivity slated from April 24 to 30.

Barangay Captain Abraham Desamparado said the barangay will also commemorate the 452nd discovery of a Sto. Niño image in the ruins of a fire that hit San Nicolas district in 1565.

The same district is also known for its suppliers of buwad or dried fish.

Desamparado said the festival is their way to pay tribute to the Sto. Niño that residents in the barangay believe is the one giving them bounty and keeping their livelihood in selling dried fish prosperous.

“Sa among barangay gyod na nakit-an ang imahe ni Sto. Niño. Gusto pud namo i-selebrar ang Buwad Festival tungod mao pod ni ang panginabuhian sa kadaghanan sa among barangay,” he said in yesterday’s press conference.

One of the highlights of the festival is the free taste of dried fish and chorizo on Sunday, April 30.

Vendors will also offer visitors a 10 percent discount for dried fish.

The festival is also a celebration of a historical event, faith and culture, Desamparado said.

The street dance and ritual dance will be showcased on Sunday with six participating contingents from different sitios of San Nicolas. The winning contingents will receive P30,000; P20,000; and P10,000, respectively.

Barangay Councilman Clifford Niñal said the roads of C. Padilla, B. Aranas and Tres de Abril as well as Lakandula and Carlock streets will be temporarily closed starting 4 p.m. on Sunday.

The barangay and Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino have allocated a budget of P515, 000 for the activities.

Desamparado said the city government also shelled out P150, 000.

Police Station 6 personnel have been tapped to ensure the safety of those who will participate and attend the celebration. (FREEMAN)