Capiz celebrates rich cultural heritage and awesome marine bounty

Mounds and mounds of seafood are served during the three-day festival in Roxas City
Mounds and mounds of seafood are served during the three-day festival in Roxas City. PHOTOS BY JILSON SECKLER TIU

Mounds and mounds of seafood such as prawn, talaba and other shellfish were served during Capiztahan, the annual fiesta of Capiz province on Panay island in Western Visayas late last month.

The fiesta marked the 116th anniversary of the founding of the civil government of Capiz.

Tagging itself as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, Capiz served up dishes from its marine bounty and more.

Because of its brackish waters, Capiz has abundant marine life. Its growing economy relies heavily on seafood trade and business.

Fisherfolk packing the dried fish in a nearby shore, ready for delivery. Dried fish is one Capiz’smain trade and industry.

During the Sadsad streetdance festival, the dances and floats incorporated marine creatures such as shrimp, jellyfish and crab as well as mythical creatures from the sea.

Traditional musical instruments were played, such as the cañones and banduria.

The three-day celebration was led by Capiz Gov. Antonio del Rosario and participated by the 16 Capiz municipalities, which exhibited their arts and crafts and key commercial products during the trade fair.

High-school dance groups all round Capiz gather for the street-dance competion.
High-school dance groups all round Capiz gather for the street-dance competion.

There was an outdoor bazaar and a night market which kept shoppers busy and added to the festive mood.

Capiztahan was supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Shellfish galore. Capiz the nation’s seafood capital.
Street-dance choreography pays homage to the abundance of marine life in the province.
View of Roxas City from the old bell tower of Pan-ay church
Capiz Gov. Antonio del Rosario
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