Mahin Festival
Introduction
The Mahin Festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration held annually in the Municipality of Glan, Sarangani Province, Philippines, every April. It is a week-long festival that showcases the town’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and bountiful marine resources. The festival’s name is derived from the Cebuano word “mahin,” which means “beach.” It signifies the town’s coastal location and its importance as a fishing community.
The Mahin Festival features a variety of events, including:
Street parades: Colorful street parades with marching bands, dancers, and elaborate floats depicting Glan’s cultural heritage and natural beauty fill the streets of Glan.
Cultural presentations: Traditional dances, songs, and games are performed by local cultural groups.
Arts and crafts exhibits: Local artists showcase their traditional handicrafts, such as weavings, jewelry, and wood carvings.
Agricultural fairs: Agricultural fairs showcase Glan’s agricultural products, such as rice, corn, and vegetables.
Culinary demonstrations: Renowned chefs from Glan demonstrate how to prepare traditional Glan dishes using fresh seafood and local ingredients.
Sports competitions: A variety of sports competitions, such as basketball, volleyball, and sepak takraw, are held.
Mahin Festival Queen Coronation: The highlight of the festival is the coronation of the Mahin Festival Queen, who is chosen for her beauty, intelligence, and advocacy for Glan’s culture, heritage, and environment.
The Mahin Festival is a fun and lively celebration that is not to be missed. It is a great opportunity to experience the rich culture, natural beauty, and delicious food of Glan.
Date, Days
The festival begins every April
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 Gumasa is General Santos International Airport (GES), also known as General Santos Airport (CAv), located about 80 kilometers away. Several airlines offer direct flights to GES from major Philippine cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao. From the airport, you can take a bus, van, or taxi to Gumasa. The travel time from GES to Gumasa is approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.
By Bus
Several bus companies offer regular bus services from major cities in the Philippines, including Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro, to General Santos City. Bus travel times vary depending on the route and traffic conditions but typically take around 12-24 hours from Manila.
By Car
If you are driving to Gumasa from General Santos City, take the General Santos-Marbel Highway (N944) and then the Glan-Malallag Road. The drive from General Santos City to Gumasa is about 80 kilometers and takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.
