Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival: A Joyous Display of Cultural Pride and Legacy of Calinog

Calinog, Iloilo will be holding one of the most unique and authentic festivals in the province as it celebrates its local identity and roots as part of the annual Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival that started on January 24 (Friday) and will end on February 2 (Sunday).

The presentation if of two portions, a combination of the pre-Hispanic celebration of the Sulodnons or Panay Bukidnons, and the Catholic tradition of Sr. Sto. Nino. It opens with the Suguidanon segment and ends in Hirinugyaw.

The unique community of the Panay Bukidnons of Calinog seeks to promote and honor their culture and heritage highlighted in the celebration of Iloilo’s most inspiring indigenous festival in this segment performed and displayed in sections from the chosen chapter of the epic ballad Hinilawod, a vibrant celebration brimming with historic costumes, folkloric dances and the re-enactment of several legendary folkloric characters. The segment also showcases unique costumes, music, dance, and cultures that make-up Calinog’s diverse heritage.

Prepare to be swept away by the rhythm of the drums, battle cries, and pounding feet as dance troupes simultaneously perform an array of traditional and contemporary choreographies for the second segment, the Hirinugyaw segment. Intricate hand-crafted headdresses and hand props come together in a sensory burst of color to celebrate Sr. Sto. Nino.

With the theme “Kulturang Calinognon nga may Himpit nga Pagtuo kay Senior Sto. Nino, Dalan sa Pag-uswag ka Banwa kag Turismo,” the highlight of the festivity is the annual tribe competition on February 2 (Sunday) at 7:30 a.m. Series of special events have been calendared that started on January 24 (Friday) the Opening Salvo with a Holy Mass at 3 p.m., Opening Program at 4:30 p.m., Lighted Sto. Nino at 5:30 p.m., Torched Parade at 6:30 p.m., and Jalaudnon Attire and Talents Night Presentation of Search for Linghoron Kag Hamtong nga Lin-ay kag Ulitao 2020 at 8:3 p.m.; January 25 (Saturday) Presentations and Cultural Show with a Holy Mass at 5:30 a.m., District of Calinog II at 6:30 p.m.; January 26 (Sunday) Holy Mass at 5:30 a.m., District of Calinog I Teachers and Pupils at 5:00 p.m.; January 27 (Monday) Linabugan Festival with a Holy Mass at 5:30 a.m., 6th Linabugan Festival with Linabugan Dishes and Appetizer Presentation, Actual Cook-Off Challenge at 7 p.m. January 28 (Tuesday) Car Show with a Holy Mass at 5:30 a.m., Car Show at 5 p.m., 1st Hugyaw Mobile Legends Tournament.

January 29 (Wednesday) Presentations and Cultural Show with a Holy Mass at 5:30 a.m., Brain Quest at 6:30 p.m., the Duke’s Band at 9 p.m.; January 30 (Thursday) Coronation Night with a Holy Mass at 5:30 a.m., Coronation Night of Linghuron nga Lin-ay kag Ulitao at 7:30 p.m.; January 31 (Friday) Coronation Night with a Holy Mass at 5:30 a.m., Coronation Night of Hamtong nga Lin-ay kag Ulitao at 7:30 p.m.; February 1 (Saturday) Holy Mass at 6:30 a.m., Procession of Live Sto. Nino at 7:30 a.m., Agape at 9 a.m., Battle of Mini Sounds at 1 p.m., Tumandok: A Fashion Show of Local Designer at 7 p.m., Live Band at 9 p.m.; February 2 (Sunday) Holy Mass at 6 a.m., Tribe Competition at 7:30 a.m., Live Band at 5 p.m., Announcement of Winners at 7:00 p.m., Fireworks Display at 8 p.m., Live Band.

Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival is one of the largest indigenous celebrations in Iloilo Province, and it has quickly become a sought-after experience by festival lovers from all over the country. It is the perfect opportunity to explore the intricate cultural threads that weave Calinog’s past, present, and future together.

The First-Class municipality of Calinog is situated at the central portion of the province and is 59.3 kilometers away from Iloilo City. It is bounded in the north by the municipality of Tapaz, Capiz; northeast by the municipality of Bingawan, Iloilo; northeast by the municipality of San Remegio, Antique; south by the town of Lambunao, Iloilo; southeast by the municipality of Dueńas, Iloilo and; southwest by the town of Valderama, Antique. It has a total land area of 23, 280 hectares and politically subdivided into 59 barangays.

Calinog is populated by 60, 413 (2015 Census on Population) Calinognons. Market day is every Tuesday.  It annually celebrates its Religious Fiesta every 8th of December in honor of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.

To get to the town, one can take a van at the Ungka Transport Terminal (fronting Christ the King Memorial Park) or CBL bus liner at Robinsons Place Pavia Terminal in Barangay Ungka-II, Pavia, Iloilo.