Location: Cavite City, Philippines

Date: Starts June 24

Reason to Celebrate: Festival in commemoration of Saint John the Baptist.

The annual celebration of festivals as commemoration to St. John the Baptist is celebrated on different part of the Philippines. What makes Regada festival in Cavite City different from the others is the thought and spirit. Unlike other San Juan festival which only caters a fun on drenching water, this Regada Festival is not only for saint but also for nature. This weeklong celebration of mix feasting, merrymaking and nature caring is held on the last week of June. This week covers June 24 because it is the date when the people celebrate the festival for St. John the Baptist. The celebration starts with opening contest for art enthusiasts, artists and students. The participants of about 200 from in and out of Cavite City will paint on the spot using water colors. The theme will be decided by the organizers. Addition to this weeklong celebration is the Trade Fair where crafts made by the residents of Cavite are featured.

The town is installed with sound system and sprinklers on strategic spots to maximize the party mood. This makes the parade more fun and exciting. Participants will get drenched in water along the way while joining the parade. There are people who will interpret the festival through the dance and colorful dress. This part is called “Basayawan sa Kalye”. The term Basayawan came from the terms basa and sayawan. Basa means wet or to get wet and sayawan means dancing.

Due to its growing popularity, even celebrities and known personalities are visiting the City’s most treasured festival. One of the most awaited parts of the residents and visitors in this weeklong celebration is the Sunduan, a parade which is mostly similar to Santa Cruzan, where models and entertainment personalities are featured on the parade. Seeing them up close on the traditional parade of a city, isn’t it exciting?

But the closing part and noted as the best part of the Festival is the Karakol of St. John the Baptist. Karakol is the dance parade while bringing the image of Saint John the Baptist from the seaside going to the place where Paulan will be held. This is where the people will be blessed and will show their faith and thanksgiving to the Saint.

Regada Festival – Cavite City