The Philippine Commission of the United States formally established the
civil government of Capiz on April 15, 1901 through Act 115 or the “An Act
extending the provisions of the Provincial Government Act on the Province of
Capiz.”
On April 15, 2001, the 100 th Centennial Foundation of the province was
simply celebrated and commemorated.
Among the notable activities were the raising of the 100 flags of the
provincial government, unveiling of Philippine Act 115 marker mounted at the
main entrance of the Capitol, unveiling of painted portraits of past and present
governors at the newly renovated Hall of Governors, exhibit of memorabilia, old
pictures of Capiz, tourist attractions and artifacts, sports fest among provincial
employees, contest on the history and culture, “composo” and “binalaybay,” “luto
Kinapisnon” featuring the traditional cuisine of the province, grand parade, and
cultural show. (Source: Capiz province celebrates its Centennial Founding by
Benny Cortes – Aksyon News, March-April 2002)
From then on, the provincial government took the yearly celebration of the
significant charter anniversary of the establishment of civil government of Capiz in
simple activities yet with a commemorative sense until 2007.
Subsequently, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Capiz on February 21, 2003
passed Ordinance No. 02, series no. 2003 formally declaring April 15 of every
calendar year as the “Foundation Day of the Province of Capiz and to celebrate
said occasion with fitting activity.”
Hence, the 107 th Founding Anniversary celebration of the Capiz province on
April 13-15, 2008 took the name CAPIZtahan and this time participated by multi-
sectoral groups. (Source: CAPIZtahan 2008 Press Kit)
The word CAPIZtahan was derived from the tagline “Tahan na sa Capiz” or
“Dali sa Capiz” which was coined by the then Executive Secretary of Capiz
Visitors and Convention Bureau (CVCB), Mr. Jonith Blancaver. CVCB was
organized in 2007 to promote the tourism industry of Capiz. (Source: Yveth
Andion, Tourism Officer-2007)
A notable event during the 2008 CAPIZtahan celebration was Fiesta
Capiznon – a showcase of native foods and delicacies of sixteen (16) towns of
Capiz and the lone City of Roxas held at the Capiz Gym.
To institutionalize the holding of the yearly celebration, the Sangguniang
Panlalawigan on February 9, 2009 passed Ordinance No. 01, series of 2001
“Naming the celebration of the Capiz province of its Charter Anniversary every
April 15 as CAPIZtahan).”
From thereon, the celebration has been named and known “CAPIZtahan”
which meaningfully connotes “festivity.” It was a Capizeno festival on its 108th
year, April 13-15, 2009. (Source CAPIZtahan 2009 Press Kit)
Noteworthy among the CAPIZtahan activities on its 109 th year was the
Dance Xchange: 2 nd Philippine International Dance Workshop. It featured the
festival of dances and outreach performances held at the Capiz Gym on April 15-
18, 2010.
Dance Xchange was overwhelming and so touching to have an international
dance event from the foreign dance groups to include England, Japan, Korea,
China, Hongkong, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and United States of
America, with Filipino dance groups from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and the
National Capital Region. They converged for a variety of activities capped with
the symbolic unity dance and music held at the Villareal Stadium. (Source:
CAPIZtahan 2010 Press Kit)
The 110th year celebration of CAPIZtahan on April 15-17, 2011 for the first
time was organized and managed by a private group, United Capizenos
Foundation, Incorporated or known as “One Capiz.”
Highlight of new activities were cock derby, banca race, parade of lights
graced by 4th runner-up (Miss Universe 2010) Miss Venus Raj, and other showbiz
personalities. Among the extravaganza usual festival were seafood fest, cultural
performances, fireworks competition (Clash of Champions), trade fair, etc.
(Source: CAPIZtahan 2011 Press Kit)
The CAPIZtahan on April 13-15, 2012 was unfolded by the sundown Parade
of Lights (Parada sang Kasanag) featuring some 20 floats in three dimensional,
adorned with tiny Christmas lights depicting flowers and marine species. (Source:
CAPIZtahan 2012 Press Kit)
A huge enthusiastic crowd littered the vicinity of Villareal Stadium as they
viewed the pyrotechnic Olympics in awe the full splendor of its varied multi-
colored combinations oozing in the sky. Some spectators came from the nearby
towns of Roxas City and even from the provinces of Aklan and Iloilo.
The fireworks competition was participated by pyro technicians from the
provinces of Bulacan, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo, Negros Oriental and Cagayan de Oro.
This event was one of the highlights of CAPIZtahan 2013 held April 12-15 on its
112 th year foundation anniversary. (Source: CAPIZtahan 2013 Press Kit)
On April 12-15, 2014, the activities of 113th year of CAPIZtahan were still
similar to that of last year. An added activity was known as Capiz at 113 Torch
Run held at the Villareal Stadium. (Source: CAPIZtahan 2014 Press Kit)
CAPIZtahan on April 12-15, 2015 on its 114th year showcased the historical
and cultural heritage of the province. Significant events were the exhilarating
exchange of colorful cultural performances of Capiz and Aklan provinces followed
by the excitement of the fireworks competition held at the Villareal Stadium.
Another activities were the “Los Pasos de Capiz” where some “pasos” in the
Cathedral used during the Good Friday procession were put up in the civic center;
and the notable Heritage Village of Capiz House of Shells featured at the Balay
Kapisnon ground. (Source: CAPIZtahan 2015 Press Kit)
In the staging of CAPIZtahan on April 14-17, 2016, a new and relevant
activity was presented by the release of 115 doves symbolizing the 115 th province’s
charter anniversary. (Source: CAPIZtahan 2016 Press Kit)
The CAPIZtahan 2017 festival in its celebration of 116th province hood of
Capiz held for the first time held its opening ceremony on April 21 in the newly
constructed permanent flagpole at the renovated Provincial Park.
Highlight of the festival was the delectable lunchtime of Fiesta Capiznon –
Food trip Sa Capiz at the Capiz Gym.
The visitors and stakeholders were treated from a notable Capiz shape-like
“paella” to a mountain pile of fresh oysters, prawns, crabs and other seafood’s
complemented with a grand assortment of delicious “kalan-on” (snacks) such as
“puso, ibos, and padayusdos.” In addition, they were entertained with traditional
music and dance performances.
An added attraction to the usual activities was a four-hour sports competition
of the first ever Capiz International Triathlon dubbed “TriAksyon 2017” on April
22 and 23, 2017.
This sports competition was a combination of 1.5K swim, 54K bike and
1.2K run with categories such as tri-kids, sprint, relay and standard.
A crowd-drawing event with local and international triathletes took the route
from Baybay beach, Roxas City Public Plaza, Pueblo de Panay township
(Lawaan), Panay Catholic Church (Santa Monica Parish), and Villareal Stadium.
The much-awaited “Sadsad Capiz” street dancing competition enthralled the
spectators by the performers from sixteen (16) municipalities and one (1) City of
Roxas in colorful costumes depicting seafoods, and mythical creatures gracefully
dancing to the lively beat of drums.
A five-year old “Parade of Lights” later known as “Pasundayag Capiznon”
amazed the onlookers where every locality festival showcased a three-minute
performance with colorful LED lights in their festive costumes.
Other significant activities were a three-day Agro Industrial Trade Fair,
Night Market (Bazaar and Street Food Fest), Fireworks extravaganza, and Mutya
Sang Halaran sa CAPIZtahan. (Source: CAPIZtahan 2017 Press Kit)
Showcasing in the 117 th foundation day of the civil government of Capiz that
marked with the celebration of the CAPIZtahan 2018 festival was the “Sadsad
Capiz” known before as “Pasundayag”) Street Dancing Competition with Higantes.
Crowd-drawers again enthralled the rich cultural background of each
municipalities with the giant paper-mache sea creatures and other mythical
characters of Capiz folktales.
The competing groups between municipalities and schools were Ivisan
(Kataw kag Syokoy), Panay (depicting the Spanish soldiers), Pontevedra (Alimango
kag Pasayan), Tapaz (Binukot), Sapian (animating as Pispis), Maayon (romancing
with Diwata), Cuartero (twisting like Bawa or snakes), Sigma (Magbaroto), Dao
(Bibi), Panitan (Kapre sa Lunok), Pilar (Engkantada), Dumarao (Tayno), Dumalag
(Kyabao), President Roxas (Bukay nga Lingganay), and Jamindan (Pangahaw
Festival).
While the Roxas City contingents were Tanque National High School
(Kataw), Inzo Village Integrated School (Luyon Baybay), Don Ynocencio A. del
Rosario National High School (Lukon), and Filamer Christian University. (Source:
CAPIZtahan 2018 Press Kit)
The activities of CAPIZtahan in 2019, 2020 and 2021 were officially
cancelled due to the preventive measures against the threat of COVID-19
pandemic.
On April 15, 2022, Capiz province commemorated the 121st Founding
Anniversary. The celebration has been held through the CAPIZtahan festival.
However, since this was a Good Friday of the Holy Week, CAPIZtahan moved to
April 22-24.
Among the significant festivities presented were cultural performances,
Capiz Business Expo and the unveiling of historical marker at the Provincial
Capitol. The celebration pursued despite the province was declared under the state
of calamity due to the severe effect of heavy rainfall brought by Tropical Storm
Agaton.
CAPIZtahan bounced back dramatically in a biggest and longest celebration
from April 13 to May 1, 2023 after two (2) years of virtual and turned down
festivities due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2019.
This year’s Capiztahan festival that marked the 122 nd province hood of Capiz
featured numerous colorful activities complemented with unparalled seafood
offerings and rich cultural extravaganza.
One of the event highlights was the “Maragtas sang Capisnon” cultural
show on April 15, 2023. It was witnessed by Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio as
one of the guest of honor. Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also graced
some of the April 15 activities.
Throngs of onlookers gathered around the routes of the much-awaited
Parade of Floats and Street Performances from Hughes corner Legaspi Streets,
city plaza, Roxas Avenue to Technopark in Pueblo de Panay township in barangay
Lawaan.
Participants garbed the colorful costumes of different eras and in unison
gracefully danced in tune to the lively beat of the Capiztahan song.
Each participating contingents from different towns, including Roxas City
flaunted their respective colorfully decorated huge float showcasing Capiz
historical events.
The contingent of the municipality of Dumalag was adjudged champion
Street Dancing and Cultural Performances, while the municipality of President
Roxas was awarded in the category for the Best Float.
Looking like a fiesta atmosphere, it pervaded in the Street Food Fest and
Dance Concerts (Binayle sa Kalye) enlivened by bands to the delight of the crowd
in front of the Provincial Capitol, Roxas Avenue, and at the Provincial Park.
Additionally, the first ever drone show formation sparked colors in the night
skies. The drones in unison gradually formed in multi-colored combination of
different images such as crab, lobster, jellyfish, squid and the 2023 Capiztahan
tagline to the amazement of the crowd along the vicinity of the city plaza.
Significantly, history, culture and tourist attractions of Capiz were also
transformed through a traditional song (composo) and poetry (binalaybay)
competitions.
Inclusive in the festivities of Capiztahan celebration were the holding in
April 21 of the first ever Capiz Investors’ Forum attended by about 56 foreign and
national investors from various companies.
Moreover, about 32,000 dancers around Capiz performed in unison the
exhilarating Unity Dance. Another attraction emerged was the colorful Pride
March (A Parade of Rainbow).
Crowned as 2023 Mutya sang Capiz was Fervet Shane B. Degala of the
municipality of Pilar.
Other stunning activities related to the Capiztahan festivities were Capisnon
Folk Dance, Ballet Manila sa Purisima, Santacrusan Procession, Seafood Fest,
Food Showcase and Demonstration, Kapuso Fiesta, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts
Tournament, Baroto Race, Open Chess and Tennis Tournament, Invitational
Motocross, Local Bands and Sounds Competition, and Pyromusical Show.
Capiz Governor Fredenil H. Castro said, “the 19-day Capiztahan is a prelude
to what the festival would be in 2024 and in the years to come.” (Source: VP Sara,
Arroyo to grace Capiztahan 2023 by Glenda Tayona, Panay News, April 2023)
