Southern Celebrations

T'nalak Festival - July 9-18

The T'nalak is an intricately woven tapestry of intense and striking colors. The hues of intertwined abaca fabric depict the vivid spirit of the people whom this unique and artistic weaving has invariably come to represent.

This symbol of woven dreams is a fundamental part of South Cotabato culture, a culture steeped in mystique. The T'nalak Festival is an annual celebration that commemorates the Foundation Anniversary of the dynamic South Cotabato province amidst the dual presence of tradition and progress.

Much like the choreographed contrast of this unique tapestry, the T'nalak Festival is a mix of varied events that likewise characterize the South Cotabato people and their vibrant spirit, a people, whose distinct culture and multi-ethnicity contribute to the image of this emerging province. A province that is steadfast in weaving its wealth towards advancement, and a province undoubtedly beyond compare. From colorful street dancing, pulsating street parties and innovative trade expos the T'nalak Festival has it all.

Kawayan Festival and National Arts Month Celebration - Month of February

The Kawayan (Bamboo) Festival held in collaboration with National Arts Month every February aims to showcase South Cotabato's best in terms of products, investment potential, tourist attractions and traditions (through music, dance and culinary arts with particular focus on kawayan (bamboo) and diverse finished products that may be made from this viable material as it is rapidly becoming a dominant source of economic activity throughout the province.

December Festival and Bazaar - Month of December

To add merriment to the yuletide season the festival aims to provide a jovial atmosphere in the province and at the same time generate activity among its constituents held from the first day of the month to mid December. The December Festival and Bazaar involves a Bazaar with a wide array of products to choose from as well as a plant exhibit for those with a green thumb. The public are also invited to watch the nightly Christmas presentations, dine at the food court and enjoy the nightly live band entertainment.

Linggo ng Mount Matutum - 3 rd Week of March

Weeklong festivity every 3 rd week of March of each year in celebration of the declaration of Mt. Matutum as Protected Landscape; highlighting "Amyak Maleh", a climb and plant mountaineering activities and the Mindanao wide "Amyak Maleh" Mt. Matutum Mountain Bike Challenge.

KORONADAL CITY
Hinugyaw Festival - 1 st to 2 nd Week of January

The City of Koronadal celebrates its foundation every 10 th of January. The province's agri-industrial, commercial service and administrative center highlights the "accelerating pace of development" through the conduct of activities that showcase the city's diverse cultures and potentials.

CHARTER ANNIVERSARY - October 8

In celebration of Koronadal's cityhood.

MUNICIPALITY OF STO.NIÑ0
Hinublag Festival - January 11-18

During this festival the municipality of Sto. Nino celebrates its emancipation anniversary. This agriculturally blessed municipality is called the rice bin of the province. The Hinublag Festival is held from January 11 th to 18 th . A highlight of the festival is the street dancing competition in honor of the municipality's patron saint, Sto. Nino

MUNICIPALITY OF TAMPAKAN
Lum'Alay Festival - June 17-21

This is a commemoration of the municipality of Tampakan's Foundation Anniversary. This festival is a celebration of good harvest of lubi (coconut), mais (corn) and palay (rice) which falls every 3 rd Friday of January. The activities include street dancing, a culinary arts competition and ball games among others.

MUNICIPALITY OF TANTANGAN
Tantangan's Foundation Anniversary - January 27

Taken from the word "Kulitantangan," the ringing of a bell when there is a gathering, the municipality of Tantangan is known for its clay pots and ceramics made by local artisans and craftsmen. Tantangan celebrates its foundation anniversary every 27 th of January.

MUNICIPALITY OF BANGA
Pasundayag Festival - 1 st Week of March

Banga, the corn production center of South Cotabato celebrates its foundation every 1 st Week of March with a colorful Pasundayag festival - a showcase of merry-making activities with its weeklong events of beer and food festivals, street dancing competition, beauty pageant, trade fare, bargain shops and street parties.

MUNICIPALITY OF NORALA
Kamayadan Festival - March 1-10

Coined from an Ilonggo term "mayad" which means "good." Kamayadan Festival depicts a celebration of thanksgiving for good harvest. The rice granary of the province, Norala commemorates its foundation from the 1 st up to the 10 th of March complemented with various activities that define the municipality's abundance.

MUNICIPALITY OF T'BOLI
Seslong Festival - March 5-16

This festival is a celebration that portrays the gathering of people to barter goods. The municipality of Tboli showcases its unique ethnicity from the 5 th to 16 th of March. Known as the center for eco-cultural tourism, the people of the highlands reflect the cultural heritage and ancestry of the province.

MUNICIPALITY OF SURALLAH
Lembohung Festival - Month of December

Recognized as another agri-industrialized area, the municipality of Surallah features its vast potentials highlighted by its different festive activities and merry-making.

MUNICIPALITY OF POLOMOLOK
Flom'lok Festival - September 2-16

Flom'lok is taken from a B'laan word which means "hunting ground." The people of Polomolok celebrate this by showcasing the local products and a mix of socio-cultural activities. Home to one of the world's largest pineapple plantations, Polomolok commemorates its foundation from September 2 nd to 16 th with true South Cotabato flair.

MUNICIPALITY OF TUPI <
Kasadyahan Festival - September 11

Kasadyahan, a Street Dancing competition coined from Visayan word "Kasadya". It is a convergence of various ethnic and cultural dances featuring Tupi as the province's flower, fruit and vegetable basket and a town where various cultures abode. Held every September 11 in celebration of the town's foundation anniversary.

Kapatagan/Kariton - Month of December

Annual parade of animal drawn carts (kariton) bedecked with vegetables, fruits and flowers. Held every December in celebration of Brgy. Poblacion Foundation Anniversary.

MUNICIPALITY OF LAKE SEBU
Helobung Festival - November 9-11

Every 9 th to 11 th of November, the municipality of Lake Sebu, the summer capital and the ecocultural center of South Cotabato, celebrates its foundation anniversary reflecting the unique cultural identity and ethnicity of the province.

Lemlunay Festival - Month of September

The Sta. Cruz Mission Schools Foundation Inc. located in the municipality of Lake Sebu celebrates its Festival every September with true cultural fanfare.