The Karayapan Festival of Guiuan

Karayapan is an old Waray-Waray word which broadly means "for all" and closely related to the concept of community. Karayapan Festival is a colorful festival depicting how the early Guiuan townsfolk enjoyed nature’s bounties, rich marine life, fertile land, and verdant forest. It is also a thanksgiving to our Patroness, the Blessed Virgin Mary.[adapted from the description in www.philippinefiestas.com]

This Festival usually features a street dancing parade by groups from the primary and secondary schools of Guiuan. The parade ends at the Town Plaza where the various groups compete for the trophy and cash prize. Usually, this occurs in March; however, the schedule was changed to December in line with the fiesta of the Imaculada Concepcion (the biggest fiesta of the year). I will research and post soon the updated schedule of this festival.

Here are some photos of the dance group from St. Mary's Academy of Guiuan:

the ladies with their big fans that has the image of the Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion

colorful costumes and props

the leader holding a small statue of the Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion

grace and colors

jellyfish props :)

 little crabs 

Here is a photo of the group from Homonhon National High School: 

lively ground presentation at the Town Plaza

(photos by Mano Tati Tan)