Compostela to revive "Caballo" fest

CEBU, Philippines - Compostela town will revive this year the festival known as “Caballo de Compostela.”

The festival started during the previous administration of Mayor Antonio Dangoy and former mayor James Cabatingan.

However, the administration of former mayor Retchie Wagas shelved the festival when he assumed office last 2007.

Municipal Councilor Joy Abing told The FREEMAN that the festival is classified as religious since the festival is celebrated in honor of Saint James the Apostle.

Based on the town’s available data, Caballo, Spanish for horse, was an inspiration drawn by the Spaniards during the crusades where alleged apparitions of Saint James (San Jago in Spanish, thus Santiago) on a white horse led the Spaniards to win battles against the moors.

A Spanish friar named Manuel Alonzo brought the holy image of Saint James to a place in Cebu, which he named Compostela after his hometown in Spain.

Compostela was then a part of Danao and later of Lilo-an.

Town officials hope the revival would attract visitors and tourists.