Fr. Rey Villanoy
I am yielding my column this week to an excerpted article written by Fr. Mlex Gevero.
Rigodon de Honor of Jamindan
Long before paved roads and concrete structures reshaped Jamindan’s landscape, the Jamindanganons (people of Jamindan) had already forged a strong cultural foundation rooted in honor, discipline, and respect.
With the return of peace after World War II, the 1950s marked a period of healing and renewal for Jamindan. Schools were rebuilt, roads reconnected distant barangays, and the town plaza once again became the heart of public life.
It was during this era that the Rigodon de Honor held a place of prominence. Performed during the Municipal Town Fiesta, the dance was reserved for respected leaders, public servants, and prominent families—those who embodied responsibility and service to the community.
Rooted in the Spanish-era quadrille, the Rigodon de Honor was characterized by precise steps, formal attire, and elegant formations. Each movement mirrored the discipline and unity that guided Jamindan’s post-war recovery.
More than a display of refinement, the dance was a public expression of gratitude—to the Almighty for renewed life and blessings, and to San Sebastián, the town’s patron saint, whose feast framed the celebration.
Central to the elegance of the Rigodon de Honor, also known as the Rigodon de Jamindan, was the refined attire worn by its dancers, which reflected dignity, leadership, and social respect during its height in the 1950s Municipal Town Fiesta.
