THE Bukidnon Provincial Government is expecting at least 50, 000 visitors for this year’s gathering of seven tribes.
Kaamulan 2017 began on February 1 with the Provincial Government announcing the schedule of activities in various mainstream media and social media platforms.
As with past years, the most anticipated activity for both local and foreign tourists is the street dancing where contingents from different towns and provinces take part to battle for the top prize.
Display booths from different municipalities also showcase crafts, food and unique products.
According to the Provincial Government website, “Kaamulan” is from the Binukid word “amul” which means “to gather.” It is a gathering of Bukidnon tribes people for a purpose. It can mean a datuship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all of these.
The Kaamulan festival has become an annual event for 100 years now. It opens at Bukidnon’s capital, Malaybalay City and usually held from the second half of February to March 10, which also marks the anniversary of the creation of Bukidnon as a province in 1917.
The festival showcases the unique indigenous culture of Bukidnon.
The ethnic festival celebrates the customs and traditions of the seven tribal groups that originally inhabited the Bukidnon region, namely, the Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon.
“Several tribal folks representing the seven hill tribes of Bukidnon gather in unity with the local dwellers in town, wearing their intricately woven costumes studded with trinkets, anklets, earrings, necklaces, leglets, headdresses and amulets. They dance together, chant, perform ancient rituals, and compete in indigenous sports,” according to a primer on the annual gathering released by the Provincial Government.
“Graced by cultural groups whose ways have remained unchanged throughout the centuries, the Kaamulan is characterized by the authentic rituals with real indigenous peoples. There is the Pangampo (general worship), the Tagulambong hu Datu (ritual for the installation of a Chieftain), the Panumanod (a spiriting ceremony), the Panlisig (rite to drive away evil spirits), and the Pamalas (sin atonement ritual) among others,” the Provincial Government added.
This year, the ethnic street dancing will be on March 25, which will also culminate the Kaamulan festival.
There will also be fireworks at night where residents and visitors gather at the capitol grounds for a night of drinks and grilled food.
Most rooms are usually fully booked a month before the ethnic festival so tourists are advised to make early reservations.