1 month ago
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GENERAL Santos City is known not only as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines but is also noted for its rich history and cultural heritage.
This southernmost city under incumbent Mayor Lorelie Geronimo-Pacquiao is preparing for the celebration of its 86th founding anniversary on Feb. 27 and of the Kalilangan Festival 2025 featuring the city's cultural diversity, vibrant culture and the diverse heritage of its people.
Mayor Pacquiao said that this coming iconic festival highlights the city's harmonious relationships among its various ethnic groups and celebrates the vibrant spirit of cultural exchange and unity.
"GenSan is rooted from its founding under the National Land Settlement Administration, and the Kalilangan Festival pays tribute to its city's history while showcasing its different cultural groups," said Paquiao.
"The word Kalilangan was derived from the Maguindanaon word 'kalilang,' meaning celebration or commemoration, as the festival is more than just a celebration, for it is a clear expression of cultural pride and community participation," explained Pacquiao.
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She said that festivalgoers can look forward to experiencing a dazzling array of activities, including traditional games, cultural performances and displays of traditional music.
The festival also features an incredible showcase of traditional crafts and artistry from local artisans, as well as the chance to see performers dressed in traditional attire and costumes, representing the rich traditions of the ethnic groups celebrating the foundation anniversary of GenSan.
The Kalilangan Festival 2025 promises to be a vibrant celebration honoring the rich cultural heritage of General Santos City for its focus on cultural exchange, diverse communities and the enduring traditions of its cultural groups.
The mayor said the celebration of this festivity is a must-see for anyone eager to immerse in their heart the vibrant culture and legacy of the city.
Pacquiao expressed that everyone would feel the vibrant pulse of the Kalilangan with its colorful contingents from different cultural groups that would fill the streets with energy and joy.
There are these street dancing parades that feature the participants in traditional costumes, adorned with intricate designs that represent their respective ethnic groups where the colorful attire of the dance group will tell the rich past historical events in GenSan.
