A celebration of history and heritage…

Photo from the Province of Leyte Official

Filipinos love festivals and celebrations which is why there are over 40,000 major and minor festivals held each year in the Philippines. So, this coming June, get ready to remember the days of olden Filipino lives as we commemorate our tattooed ancestors in the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival in Tacloban, Leyte!

Photo from the Province of Leyte Official

History of Pintados-Kasadyaan

Every June 27, Leyte celebrates the Pintados Festival in honor of the Sto. Niño. Derived from the word “pintados,” meaning “painted” in English, the festival is also to commemorate the painted or tattooed ancestors of Leyte. Tattooing in the early Spanish colonization years is meant for religious purposes and rituals, wherein each line will symbolize an identity, accomplishment, and even status of the beholder.

Photo from Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals Official Facebook Page

What to Expect in Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival

Of course, there will be a grand parade, however, aside from that, there will also be other activities to expect during the festivities, which includes the following:

Ginoong Leyte & Ms. Pintados

Photo from Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals Official Facebook Page

How else can you see the beauty of Leyte than through its own people? In the Ginoong Leyte and Ms. Pintados, a showcase of talents, intelligence, and physical capabilities will be presented on stage as the locals vote on who will be crowned the best representative of Leyte in other prestigious competitions outside the province.

Photo from Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals Official Facebook Page

Novenas & Masses

Photo from Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals Official Facebook Page

Although the grand parade is held every 27th, the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival is a month-long celebration of the residents of Leyte. This includes several masses and novenas until the very day of the feast. You can attend the different mass schedules in the churches of Leyte, making your Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival celebration even more meaningful as you discover the beautiful architecture of each church along with the life-changing words of each sermon.

Games & Boat Races

Photo from the Province of Leyte Official

There will be tons of games held during the festival, including the famous boat race along the Leyte Gulf known as the Subiran Regatta. This is a one-man sailboat race wherein the boat should be made through traditional crafting methods, showcasing not only the skill of the participant but also the history and heritage of Leyte.

Photo from Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals Official Facebook Page

Tasty delicacies and other fun street activities will also be present at the festival. So, better prepare not only your itinerary but also your gut, mind, and body to fully enjoy the festivities. See you at the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival!


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