ILOILO CITY (PIA) - - The Palayag Festival of the municipality of Buenavista, Guimaras officially kicked-off, January 6, highlighted by a grand parade, float competition and cultural presentations.

After a two-year hiatus, the festivities, anchored on the theme “Balik Palayag,” will be celebrated for 10 days with several activities lined up.

Also on Jan. 6, the agri-trade fair and exhibit and food festival opened at the Heroes Park and Lopez Avenue.

Sports activities also formed part of the activities during the festivities such as taekwondo tournament to be participated in by athletes from all over Western Visayas; mountain bike race; volleyball and basketball tournaments; dance sport competition; and motorcross where riders from all over the country are expected to join.

For festival goers, there will be entertainment bands every night.

Actor Wowie de Guzmn will grace the Zumba Party on Jan. 11.

The “Lin-ay sang Buenavista” will be held on January 14 where the winner will represent the municipality in the province’s Search for Miss Manggahan.

A fireworks display, air show, foam party and a cultural presentation showcasing the town’s history will cap-off the festivities.

Palayag Festival, held every third Sunday of January, is a religious and cultural celebration in honor of Sr. Sto. Nino, the town’s patron saint, and showcases the use of the rich cultural tradition of the oldest municipality in the island province of Guimaras.

“Palayag” is defined as boat sailing with the use of “Layag,” an old form or “kinaradto” way of sea travel. (JBG/Buenavista LGU/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)