Do you know that the history of the Philippines had two powerful chiefs drinking blood from their cup long before the Twilight saga was released in 2008? The treaty of friendship between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish conquistador and Datu Sikatuna, a chief in Bohol was marked by a blood compact on March 16, 1565.
According to traditions, both parties cut their wrists to pour the blood into a cup of wine and drink from it. That historic day is commemorated and celebrated every year in Bohol in the event called the Sandugo Festival.
Historical Significance
It all began when the Spanish diplomat arrived at Tagbilaran, Bohol and he swore commitment and brotherhood to the Filipino chief. Despite the denial from the neighboring villages, Legazpi gained the friendship and trust of Sikatuna and they sealed the treaty.
Modern-day performers reenact the historic blood compact between the spanish diplomat and the local tribe leader.
‘Dugo’ means blood in the local dialect and the blood compact was a means of connecting people from different clans, nationalities, culture, and civilization. In the modern world, we can call it the international treaty between the Spaniards and Filipinos.
Check out the historic Bohol Blood Compact Site in Tagbilaran City.
The Annual Sandugo Festival
Every year, the Sandugo Festivities commence as early as March and they officially begin in July and continue the entire month. This is the time when the Boholanos (residents of Bohol) spread around the world come together to celebrate and rejoice. The Tagbilaran City also celebrates its Charter Day in July, so it calls for a double celebration. You can see locals dressed in colorful attires and headgears flooding the streets and joining the parades. Numerous visitors come to the Philippines during this time of the year to witness the spellbinding dancers, fireworks, tournaments, and so on.
What To Expect In Sandugo Festival
The festival serves a window to see the best of Philippines’ art, hospitality, cuisine, culture, and sports. The event typically starts with a program hosted by the Government of Tagbilaran and some of the main highlights of the festival are as follows:
- Vibrant street dance competitions where the contestants dress up in colorful clothes and act out the history of blood-compact.
- This event takes place every two years when the Boholanos spread across the world come together to celebrate their unity.
- Miss Bohol Sandugo is a beauty pageant wherein the lovely ladies from Bohol come out and compete for the prestigious title.
- The month-festival has numerous night markets, photography competitions, food exhibits, and sporting events to attract visitors.
How To Attend The Festival
If you wish to see the Philippines at its most gorgeous self, visit the country during this festival. The most convenient way to get there is to fly directly through the newly-opened Bohol International Airport or take a domestic flight to Tagbilaran. Make sure you book the flight and hotel in advance as there are many visitors to the city during this time.
Images courtesy of archiemercader.com
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