Kariyala Festival highlights 55th Araw ng Wao

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, February 25 (PIA) --- A cultural fest dubbed Kariyala Festival highlighted the 55th founding anniversary of the municipality of Wao, the corn granary of the province.

With vast agricultural lands suitable for any type of crops, Wao’s Kariyala Festival is structured as a thanksgiving for bountiful harvest

                                   
It is also a celebration of the distinctive cultures and heritage of the various ethnic tribes residing in the area such as Maranao, Ilonggo, Higaonon, Igorot, Cebuano, Kapampangan, Tausug, and Matigsalog.

This is our way of showing that the different tribes here in Wao are united, thus the acronym We Are One (WAO), said town mayor Elvino Balicao Jr during the anniversary program held Sunday, February 21, at the town plaza.

A civic parade brimming with lively colors and creative rhythms kicked-off the anniversary celebration. Drums and gongs were sounded as government officials and employees, students, barangay officials, senior citizens, interfaith organizations, and private organizations marched to the town plaza to join the thanksgiving and anniversary program.

The program was graced by Provincial Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. and officials from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) led by Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman who reiterated the government’s commitment to back-up Wao’s development efforts.

Ecotourism and socio-cultural activities such as agro/trade fair, Kalilang Show, Search for Mutya ng Wao, Kariyala Night, and fireworks display also marked the weeklong celebration.

The most anticipated event took center stage on February 22: the Kariyala Street Dancing and Show Down.

It focused on the cultures and rituals of the various tribes residing in Wao and centered on the theme “Sayaw Pasasalamat Sa Biyayang Ani at Kapayapaan.”

Performers from four elementary schools and five secondary schools participated in the street dancing and show down. They showcased unique dance routines, vibrant costumes and colorful props that wowed locals and tourists alike.

The Kilikili Central Elementary School contingent won first place for the elementary level. It also bested other contingents in special awards like Best in Costume, Best in Concept, Best in Props, Best in Musicality, Best Dancers, Most Disciplined, and Best in Kariyala Steps awards.

Performers from the Masiricampo Abantas Memorial High School (MAMHS) topped the secondary level. They also won the Best in Concept, Best in Performance, and Best in Costume awards.

Kilikili Central Elementary School represented Tribong Kapampangan, while MAMHS represented Tribong Maranao. (APB/PIA-10)