Posts Tagged ‘7 hill tribes’

Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival

Kaamulan Festival is an ethnic cultural festival held annually at Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The festival starts from the middle of February until March 10; the day Bukidnon has been approved as a Province in 1917. The festival is celebrated to recognize the ethnic and  cultural  traditions of the seven hill tribes namely the Bukidnon, Talaandig, Higaonon, Matigsalug Manobo, Umayamnon and Tigwahanon. These tribal groups were said to be the ones who originally colonized the province.

Kaamulan Festival is the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines. Street Dancing Competition is the main event for this festival. Many people, both locals and tourists fill up the sidewalks early in the morning to witness the said competition. Amidst the scorching heat of the sun, people still choose to stay up and witness the colorful floats and the dancers wearing their intricately woven costumes; wearing their anklet, earrings, necklaces, leglets, headdresses, and amulets. They all dance together, chant and perform their ancient rituals and compete in different indigenous sports that are held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds. What’s so interesting about the festival is that the one who performs the ritual and the ritual itself is all authentic. They call up to their gods and pray for protection, guidance, abundance and goodness.

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Kaamulan Grounds, Malaybalay City

Kaamulan Groundsis one of the best spot for a date, picnic, relaxing and even for big events in Bukidnon. The place is located right at the heart of Bukidnon- Malaybalay City; the City within the forest. Kaamulan Grounds is made in honoring of the tribes that once lived in Bukidnon and are still in attendance up to now. The tribes in Bukidnon are still very much appreciated and are very well respected. There are 7 hill tribes namely: Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon.Every 3rd week of February, a festival is celebrated honoring the 7 tribes of Bukidnon. The festival is then called Kaamulan Festival which originated from the tribal word “amul” which signifies “gathering or to gather”. It is in this gathering where the tribes meet, celebrate and rituals are made. The festival is simply made to attract all the people, promote the place from tourists and of course, to have fun. Read more…