Roads lead to Sorsogon for ‘Kasanggayahan’ Festival

SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon --- All roads to revelry lead to Sorsogon from October 15 to 18, as the province celebrates this year’s Kasanggayahan Festival.

Sorsogon is marking the 51st anniversary of the Kasanggayahan Festival, which coincides with the 131st founding anniversary of the province. ‘Kasanggayahan’ is an old Bikol word that means a life of prosperity.

The festival features events that emphasize community participation, cultural pride, and shared heritage.

“This celebration not only honors the rich history and culture that continue to shape the identity of Sorsogon and its people, but it also recognizes the progress and development of our province over the years,” said Julius Edma, a provincial government official responsible for this year’s festivities.

The festival kicks off today (Oct. 15) with a grand parade, followed by the opening ceremonies at Plaza Rizal in Sorsogon City.

With about 10,000 participants, the event highlights the spirit of cooperation among local government units, national agencies, schools, and private and religious organizations in the province.

On Oct. 16, the festival will host the Kasanggayahan Zumba and an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest nut brittle or praline, promoting wellness, creativity, and support for local industries.

This attempt will showcase Sorsogon’s agricultural abundance, particularly the nut from the versatile Pili tree, which is indigenous to the region.

The event’s third day, Oct. 17, marks the 456th anniversary of the first Mass in Luzon, held in Magallanes town. This significant event will be commemorated with a re-enactment involving approximately 150 performers, including dancers, prop personnel, and musicians.

In the afternoon, there will be a civic and military parade featuring men in uniform, while the Ginuman Festival will take place in the evening at Plaza Rizal.

The National Milo Marathon—Sorsogon leg, scheduled for October 18, will conclude the four-day festivities, gathering around 10,000 runners at the Sorsogon Sports Arena.

“For the past five years, I’ve grown accustomed to longer days of celebration during the festival. However, I understand that this year our local governments have many priorities, and extravagant festivities might not be appropriate at this time. Nonetheless, the essence of the four-day Kasanggayahan celebration can still be felt,” said Georgine Duka, a resident of Sorsogon City.

Unlike previous celebrations, which were characterized by grand parades, street dance competitions, and concerts, this year’s Kasanggayahan embraces a simpler yet more meaningful approach. It focuses on the essence of progress, culture, and unity among Sorsoganons.

With the theme “Kaunlaran sa Bawat Hakbang, Kultura’t Kasaysayan Ating Ipagdiwang,” the festival continues to reflect the province’s identity and pride as it celebrates prosperity in peace. (Bertuldo Jr. B. Bueza contributed to this article/PIA Bicol/Sorsogon)