FEATURING a diverse lineup of events that showcase Cagayan de Oro's culture and heritage, the City Government has officially launched its grander Higalaay Festival 2023 on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.
Kagay-anons flocked the Rio de Oro Boulevard and watched as the city teased them with its upcoming events which they could take part of.
In his message, City Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy encouraged Kagay-anons to embody the virtues of the city's patron saint, St. Augustine, saying that it will sustain Cagayan de Oro's efforts to recover and progress.
"Ang kinabuhi ni Señor San Agustin usa ka ehemplo sa pagbag-o ug paglambo. Saulogon nato kini nga kapistahan nga puno sa gugma, pagtinabangay, pag-inambitay ug panaghigalaay," Uy said.
The city mayor also mentioned the significance of the launching venue, citing Rio de Oro Boulevard as the symbol of the city's recovery from the 2011 Sendong tradegy, the tropical storm that caused more than 1,000 deaths.
"Timailhan nga kaya nato mubarog nga mas lig-on ug mas maayo gikan sa kung unsa'y maagian nato nga trahedya, kalisdanan, ug sa tanang mga pagsulay," Uy said.
Apart from the presentation of the festival's core events, the organizers also held an onstage demonstration of the "Nine Steps," which is expected to be adopted by the groups performing during the street dance competition.
The core events for the 2023 Higalaay Festival are: the Premier Volleyball League on August 19; International Dragon Boat Competition on August 19 to 20; Fiesta sa Barrio on August 23; Rhythmic Field Demonstration Competition on August 25; Miss Cagayan de Oro 2023 Coronation Night on August 26; Civic Military Parade and Float Competition on August 27; Higalaay Street Dance Competition on August 27; Religious Procession on August 28; and Fluvial Procession on August 28.
Other events the public can expect include: Suroy Sa Ta! "A Heritage Walking Tour," Agro-Fair "Fiesta sa Kaumahan 2023," Prelude to Kumbira Hala Kumbira Food Festival, CDO National Horse Show and Competition, Kahimunan, 15th Year 42K Kagay-an Festival Marathon, City Fiesta Trade Fair: Tinagbuan 2023, and 13th Mindanao Fashion Summit.