Surigao - Annual Events

Annual Events

• January 14 . Sto. Niño de Bad-Asay Feast Day. Catholic devotees from different parts of the province celebrate a thanksgiving mass followed by a dance (sirong) as offer to their prayers and petitions.

• May 29 . Santacruzan. Celebrated during the last day of Flores de Mayo, held in honour of Helena (known as Reyna Elena) and Constantine finding the True Cross in Jerusalem. During the procession, Reyna Elena and her escort follow a coterie of participants in traditional costumes as she holds a small crucifix to the tune of Hail Mary ("Dios Te Salve") as played by a rondalla. A dinner feast is served by the host after the procession.

• August 25–31 . Charter Day Celebrations. Weeklong festivities marked by a sportsfest, grand parade, evening gala affairs and the crowning of Mutya ng Surigao in commemoration of the city's founding (charter) on August 31, 1970.

• September 9 . Bonok- Bonok Maradjao Karadjao Festival. A day long parade marked by street dancing and festivities featuring the ethnic Mamanwa tribal dance, Bonok-bonok commemorating thanksgiving after a bountiful harvest, worship of gods and tribal wedding. Contingents from various private and government institutions in and out of town participate showcasing creative costumes, floats, dances and chants of Viva Señor San Nicolas! and Viva Maradjao Karajao! The dance rhythm starts with a slow beat as it pulsatingly goes faster, prompting snappy body movements to pace with the music. Colorful ceremonial costumes includes an elaborate beaded headdress or tubaw, bracelets and anklets. Prices are awarded to outstanding contingents in different categories at the culmination of the event held at the Surigao Provincial Sports Complex. The festival coincides the celebration of the annual fiesta honoring the city's patron Saint Nicolas de Tolentino.

• September 10–11 . Pasayan Festival. Pasayan, the local word for shrimp, and its bountiful harvest is celebrated with an annual cook-off. This culinary cookfest uses large quantities of shrimp prepared in a variety of recipes. Other highlights of this festival includes shrimp- eating contest, senior citizen backward marathon, palm wine, locally called tuba drinking contest, and threading- the- needle contest.

• October 2 . Kinilaw Festival. The Kinilaw Festival showcases different styles in preparing Kinilaw, a dish consisting of raw fish marinated in citrus, vinegar or coconut milk mixed with spices and served as an appetizer, similar to the South American ceviche. It also features other seafoods and marine products found in the area.

• October 25 . Battle Of Surigao Strait. Held every 25 October, in commemoration of the Second World War's Greatest Naval Battle, highlighted by a pre-dawn memorial service, civil-military parade and a memorial cruise along the Surigao Strait.

• December 26 . Commemoration of the First Hoisting of Philippine Flag in Mindanao. The Philippine Flag in Mindanao was first raised in Surigao in the morning of December 26, 1898 at the Casa Real ( town hall). The event was recorded in the diary of Fr. Alberto Masoliver, now kept in the Jesuit Archives in Spain .