ILIGAN CITY (PIA) – Devotees here of Senior San Miguel were elated with the return of the vibrant celebration of the Diyandi Festival. 

Conceso Dayna, a devotee of Sr. San Miguel for 40 years, watched the Kasadya Street Dancing and Merry Making Competition with his children and grandchildren. He said that they anticipated the event since his children were still young. 

“Sa dugay na panahon nga nawala jud siya pirteng mingawa ang Iligan, ug pista walay espirito sa kapistahan ni San Miguel pero karon nga naa nabalik na nagsadya ang mga tao,” he said. 

[When this was gone for a long time, the spirit of the celebration of the feast of San Miguel cannot be felt but now people are happy because it is back.  

Florita Lumakin, also a devotee for about 28 years, said her youngest child Angel enjoyed watching the street dancing. She shared that they offered the birth of their son to San Miguel which is the reason why they celebrate the festival.

“Nalipay jud mi nga nabalik na, kay ganahan jud mi tan-aw ani. Kada tuig mutan-aw jud mi ani. Labi na ang among anak,” said Lumakin.

[We are happy that it is back because we like to watch it. Every year we watch this. Especially our child.]

Lumakin said the event made the people happy despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic. 

Devotees and residents also witnessed the showdown held at the Anahaw Amphitheater. (LELAntonio/PIA-10-Lanao del Norte)