Aswang Festival
Aswang Festival is a culturally significant and
controversial celebration in Roxas City, Capiz intended to change the negative
connotation attached to the province popularly called domain of aswang by
turning the monster into Capiz' premier attraction. This annual festivity runs
towards the end of October, in time for the yearly observation of All Saints
Day or undas in the Philippines. It has been commonly known as the local
version of American Halloween celebrations.
During this time, people of all ages await the parade of
participating individuals wearing costumes of the most horrifying mythical
creatures like tikbalang, wak-wak, and kapre. Going simultaneously with this
event is a trade fair of the famous Capiznon sea food products and other local
delicacies.
In 2004, the first-ever Aswang Festival received tremendous
negative feedback from the local church, which strongly disapproves of belief
in such mythical creatures. But the organizers defended the concept of the
festivity. According to them, the festival is aimed at changing the negative
impression of Capiz as a home of aswang by recognizing it only as a myth and
hopefully removing the stigma attached to the word. It intends to showcase Capiz
as one of the country's top tourist destinations having its fine beaches and
scenic landscapes. Also, through the trade exhibits, entrepreneurs of small
businesses can promote local products to help uplift the economy of the
province. However, the Catholic hierarchy and some local
officials, as an act of adoring the devil. When former Capiz Gov. Vicente
Bermejo assumed office as mayor of Roxas City in July 2007, the controversial
festival was stopped.
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