Pangasinan kicks off 'Pista'y Dayat'

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines – The provincial government has lined up several activities in this year’s celebration of Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival).

This year’s festival with the theme Luyag Ko, Dayew Ko (My Province, My Pride) will focus on environmental and sports development and revitalizing the culture and arts of Pangasinenses.

Gov. Amado Espino Jr. leads the formal opening of the weeklong Tourism and Trade Expo at the Provincial Development and Training Center today.

Provincial tourism officer Malu Elduayan said it has been a tradition of the provincial government to bring the best products and best places of the province in one venue such as the Pista’y Dayat, dubbed as the “mother of all festivals in Pangasinan.”

Pista’y Dayat is a tradition among local fisherfolk in thanking God for the bounty of the sea. As such, a thanksgiving Mass will be celebrated at the beachfront.

Pista’y Dayat activities include the Panagarte La art exhibit; the Provincial Information Office-sponsored photo exhibit dubbed Inpantekep na Apalabas tan Kaplesan; the Miss Limgas na Pangasinan search whose winner will be crowned on April 30; the Konsyerto sa Gulpo band competition centering on environmental awareness; and the Takayan na Dayew singing competition on April 28.

Other activities lined up are the following: a boxing competition at the Capitol beachfront on April 28; cycling competition and beach volleyball on May 1; Larong Pinoy on April 30; the two-day youth camp dubbed as Doypuay Kalangweran on April 30 to May 1; Sayawan ed Aplaya (street dancing) on May 1; and the Asin ed Asinan cultural show on May 2.

Meanwhile, some 100 decorated bancas will take part in the Banca Parada (Fluvial Parade) on May 1 to showcase the clean rivers of Pangasinan.

The parade will be highlighted by the Pakar Awards to be given to coastal towns and barangays with the cleanest rivers.