By Edalyn B. Acta and Edith B. Colmo
THE 64th Sirinadya Festival in the municipality of Tapaz was held on January 29 with the theme “Sto. Niño, our Source of Peace in the Walk of Faith.”
Mayor Roberto Palomar said the festival is always in honor of Sto. Niño and reminds devotees of their devotion, which that guide their values of humility, innocence, and meekness.
“We may humble ourselves before God, embracing simplicity of heart, submitting ourselves before
the Father, and acknowledging our nothingness before Him,” he said.
Eirlmos Gabayaran, president of the Sto. Nino Association, recalled that the celebration was started by the late mayor Remedios Exmundo in 1960, with Joaquin Tio as then president of the Sto. Niño Association.
The Sirinadya Festival is a version of Tapaznon for the festivals in other places: the Halaran sa Capiz; Ati-atihan of Kalibo, Aklan; Dinagyang of Iloilo City; Binirayan of Antique; and MassKara of Bacolod City.
Gabayaran said the celebration honoring Sto. Niño is highlighted by the street dancing competition of participating tribes and high mass.
There is also a yearly selection of a 10-year old boy from among the residents to represent Sto. Niño, and he will join the procession during the vespers, he said.
Festivals honoring Sto. Niño celebrated A total of 16 tribes and multi-sectoral organizations participated in the street dancing competition.
Meanwhile, the Dinagsa Festival in Dumalag also focused on honoring Sto. Niño through the auspices of
Mayor Concepcion Castro and the local officials of Dumalag.
Like Tapaz, Dumalag has also chosen a boy who will represent Sto. Niño.
Guest speakers during the celebration were Gov. Fredinel Castro and Rev. Fr. Jonel Lamila.*
