Kalimudan Festival
Introduction
Kalimudan Festival: A Celebration of Culture and Unity in Sultan Kudarat, Philippines
The Kalimudan Festival is an annual month-long celebration held in Sultan Kudarat Province, Philippines, culminating on November 22. The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the province’s diverse ethnic groups, including the Maguindanaoan, Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, and Visayan people. It is a vibrant and colorful event that attracts visitors from all over the Philippines and abroad.
History of the Kalimudan Festival
The Kalimudan Festival was first celebrated in 1998 as a way to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sultan Kudarat Province’s founding. The festival’s name is derived from the Maguindanaoan word “kalimudan,” which means “to come together” or “to gather.” This reflects the festival’s focus on celebrating the unity and diversity of the province’s people.
Highlights of the Kalimudan Festival
The Kalimudan Festival features a variety of events and activities that showcase the culture and traditions of Sultan Kudarat Province, including:
- Street Dancing Competition: The highlight of the festival is the street dancing competition, where groups of dancers from different municipalities compete for the coveted title of champion. The dancers wear elaborate costumes and perform energetic and synchronized routines to lively music.
- Floral Parade: The Floral Parade is a beautiful and colorful parade that features floats decorated with flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The parade winds its way through the streets of Sultan Kudarat, and it is a popular event for both locals and tourists.
Devotees’ Procession: The Devotees’ Procession is a religious procession that honors the Virgen del Pilar, the patron saint of Sultan Kudarat Province. Devotees carry an image of the Virgen del Pilar through the streets of Sultan Kudarat, and they sing and pray as they walk.
Kalimudan Festival Queen Pageant: The Kalimudan Festival Queen Pageant is a beauty pageant that crowns the most beautiful and talented woman in Sultan Kudarat Province. The queen serves as an ambassador of the festival and the province, promoting tourism and cultural exchange.
Other Events: The Kalimudan Festival also features a variety of other events, such as concerts, sports competitions, and cultural presentations. There is something for everyone to enjoy during this vibrant celebration.
Significance of the Kalimudan Festival
The Kalimudan Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a symbol of the province’s unity and diversity. The festival also serves as an opportunity for Sultan Kudarat Province’s people to showcase their rich cultural heritage to the world.
Date, Days
The festival begins on November 22nd.
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 Sultan Kudarat is General Santos International Airport (GES), which is located about 40 kilometers from the city center. Several airlines offer direct flights to General Santos City from major cities in the Philippines and other parts of Asia.
By Bus
There are several bus companies that operate between Sultan Kudarat and other major cities in the Philippines, including General Santos City, Davao City, and Cagayan de Oro City.
By Car
If you are traveling from within the Philippines, you can also drive to Sultan Kudarat. The drive from General Santos City takes about 2-3 hours, the drive from Davao City takes about 4-5 hours.
