If this is your first time
to learn about a festival happening a week before Christmas, you will be
flabbergasted and ask why? Yes, it is
indeed astonishing for some people especially if they do not know the
background or the reason for this festival called Shariff Kabunsuan. First, it is celebrated annually in
Cotabato City where our Muslim brothers have huge numbers in terms of
population. Second, the festival commemorates
the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan, an Arabian missionary who introduced Islam to
the natives in the area around 500 years ago.
This festival is celebrated yearly from Dec 15-19, that is roughly a
week before their Christian brothers celebrate
Christmas.
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This festival is very
popular not only among locals but also among foreigners and domestic tourists
coming from different places in Mindanao.
Cotabato City is rich in history. In fact, it is the first capital of
Mindanao during 17th century at the time of Sultan Kudarat, before
the Jesuits entered the area in late 18th century. Because of the influence of these two
religions, the festival is a convergence of both Muslim and Christian
tradition.
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| from Yahoo Images |
Major events during the
festival are Alimango (Crab) Festival, Culinary Competition that features
Muslim delicacies only, the usual cultural shows, Kulintang Ensemble
Competition, Inaul (Hand woven textile worn as malong) Fashion Show, trade fair
and exhibits, Acrobat Competition, and water sports that includes boat
racing. Other highlights are the fluvial
parade, the re-enactment of the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan from Johore,
Malaysia via Rio Grande De Mindanao, and street dancing and parade.
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| from Yahoo Images |
The festival ends with “Pagana
Maguindanao.” This is a traditional dining experience among the Maranao and
Maguindanaons honouring special guests who celebrate with them during the
festival. It is a quiet gathering with the visitors who are served with traditional Muslim food such us tinadtag, putrid mandi, sininang baka, plils,
and many others. This grand meal starts
with a thanksgiving prayer and when the meal ends, the host will distribute
tokens of appreciation to honoured guests.
During dinner, the guests sit barefoot on the floor. After dining, a
cultural presentation follows.
If you want to experience
a Muslim festival and wrap it up with Christian tradition a week after,
Shariff Kabunsuan Festival is definitely worth experiencing. It’s time to know more about our Muslim brothers through this festival.
Cotabato City is 7 hours away from Davao City by bus and 4 hours by private vehicle. There is a direct daily flight from Manila to Cotabato City.
Cotabato City is 7 hours away from Davao City by bus and 4 hours by private vehicle. There is a direct daily flight from Manila to Cotabato City.
Contributed by Alden I. Bula who maintains two blogs: www.aldenbula.wordpress.com and www.denal.wordpress.com.
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