MALAYBALAY CITY – Thousands of spectators trooped to this city, “the South Summer Capital of the Philippines”, to witness the street dancing competition participated by Bukidnon’s 20 towns and two cities as the highlight of the annual Kaamulan Festival held Saturday, March 25.
Garbed in colorful costumes representing the different tribal groups in Bukidnon, the contingents came from 13 towns and cities, namely: Baungon, Cabanglasan, Damulog, Don Carlos, Impasug-ong, Kadingilan, Kitaotao, Malaybalay, Manolo Fortich, Malitbog, Maramag, Talakag, and Valencia City.
According to the provincial government in a recent article, the festival, which ran from February 1 to March 25, is expected to draw at least 50,000 local and foreign visitors.
Kaamulan, from the native word “amul” which means “to gather,” is considered as one of the longest running festivities in the country dating back as far as 1917 when the province was founded.
The Kaamulan Festival celebrates the customs and traditions of the seven tribal groups that originally inhabited the Bukidnon region, namely, the Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Matigsalug, Tigwanahon and Umayamnon.
Several tribal folks representing these 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.