Tawo-Tawo Festival
Introduction
The Tawo-Tawo Festival is a colorful and vibrant celebration held annually in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, Philippines, every February 18th. It is a tribute to the city’s rich agricultural heritage and a celebration of the bountiful harvest. The festival’s name is derived from the Cebuano word “tawo-tawo,” which means “scarecrow.” It is said that the festival originated from a practice by farmers in the area of putting up scarecrows in their fields to protect their crops from birds and pests. Over time, the scarecrow became a symbol of the city’s agricultural prosperity, and the Tawo-Tawo Festival was born.
The Tawo-Tawo Festival is a week-long celebration that features a variety of events, including:
- Street parades: Colorful street parades with marching bands, dancers, and giant tawo-tawo puppets fill the streets of Bayawan City.
- Agro-industrial fair: An agro-industrial fair showcases the city’s agricultural products and handicrafts.
- Cultural presentations: Traditional dances, songs, and games are performed by local cultural groups.
- Cooking competitions: Local chefs compete in cooking competitions using local ingredients.
- Beauty pageants: Beauty pageants are held for both men and women.
- Sports competitions: A variety of sports competitions, such as basketball, volleyball, and sepak takraw, are held.
- Tawo-Tawo Festival Queen Coronation: The highlight of the festival is the coronation of the Tawo-Tawo Festival Queen, who is chosen for her beauty, intelligence, and advocacy for the city’s agricultural heritage.
The Tawo-Tawo Festival is a fun and lively celebration that is not to be missed. It is a great opportunity to experience the rich culture and heritage of Bayawan City.
Date, Days
The festival begins on February 18 every year.
Please refer to the button below for the exact date.
(This is the starting date of the festival or the date on when the festival is being held.)
Location
How to get there
By Air
The nearest airport to Bayawan City is Dumaguete City Airport (DUM), located about 140 kilometers away. Several airlines offer direct flights to DUM from major Philippine cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao. From DUM, you can take a bus or van to Bayawan City, which takes about 3-4 hours.
By Bus
Several bus companies offer regular bus services from major cities in the Philippines, including Manila, Cebu, and Bacolod, to Bayawan City. Bus travel times from Manila to Bayawan City vary depending on the route and traffic conditions but typically take around 18-24 hours.
By Ferry
If you are coming from nearby islands like Cebu or Bohol, you can take a ferry to Dumaguete City and then take a bus or van to Bayawan City. Several ferry companies operate regular routes between Cebu, Bohol, and Dumaguete City.
