Did you know that we had an Aswang festival in capiz?
Aswang Festival is a culturally significant and controversial celebration in Roxas City, Capiz intended to change the negative connotation attached to the province popularly called domain of aswang by turning the monster into Capiz' premier attraction. This annual festivity runs towards the end of October, in time for the yearly observation of All Saints Day or undas in the Philippines. It has been commonly known as the local version of American Halloween celebrations.
During this time, people of all ages await the parade of participating individuals wearing costumes of the most horrifying mythical creatures like tikbalang, wak-wak, and kapre. Going simultaneously with this event is a trade fair of the famous Capiznon sea food products and other local delicacies.
In 2004, the first-ever Aswang Festival received tremendous negative feedback from the local church, which strongly disapproves of belief in such mythical creatures. But the organizers defended the concept of the festivity. According to them, the festival is aimed at changing the negative impression of Capiz as a home of aswang by recognizing it only as a myth and hopefully removing the stigma attached to the word. It intends to showcase Capiz as one of the country's top tourist destinations having its fine beaches and scenic landscapes. Also, through the trade exhibits, entrepreneurs of small businesses can promote local products to help uplift the economy of the province. However, the Catholic hierarchy and some local officials, as an act of adoring the devil. When former Capiz Gov. Vicente Bermejo assumed office as mayor of Roxas City in July 2007, the controversial festival was stopped.
Indeed, the festival was a unique way to invite local and foreign tourist and discover Roxas City as it has lots to offer when it comes to food, fine sandy beaches, and of course historical and cultural significance; one of the largest bell towers in Asia is just less than an hour drive from Roxas City. The question is, should this one be revived or not? Do raise your voice!
Woaahh that is indeed a filipino version of halloween, do you also have trick or treats? Hahaha in my own opinion, if you are going to ask me, I think hahaha for me it is just right to stop fiestas like that, because fiestas are meant to celebrate the birthdays of your patron or saints. But it is okay to have events like that during halloween. Maybe an aswang costume party, aswang parade or whatever events they like name it. Hahha good evening maam.