The local government here on Thursday formally launched the month-long celebration of the “Higalaay” Festival by first honoring local farmers and Indigenous Peoples.

In the morning, IP leaders from the Higaonon tribe were supported by the city government in opening the festival with an opening ritual near the Cagayan River.

The ritual, performed with traditional prayers in the indigenous language, symbolized the city’s indigenous heritage and practices being incorporated throughout the festivity.

The prayers were also an appeal to the IP deities, especially those guarding the river and weather, to make the month-long celebration a success and without any untoward incidents.

Adjacent to the IP’s venue, Mayor Rolando Uy attended the opening of the “Fiesta sa Kaumahan,” one of the major events of the festival, which centralizes the trade of produce and goods from the city’s farmers in the hinterland barangays.

“We will give opportunities to everybody because we don’t want anyone left behind on this occasion,” he said.

The city’s annual “Higalaay” Festival originated as a Catholic fiesta in honor of patron saint St. Augustine. It later evolved and was once known as the Kagay-an Festival and Karo-Tawo Festival through administrative rebranding and local legislative support, rather than a single foundational charter ordinance.

This year’s festival features 53 events, including a Balik-Sigla Fun Run, a Miss Higalaay pageant, a battle of the bands, a mixed-martial arts tournament, a dragon boat race, a float parade, and a grand fireworks display.

The festival, which runs until Sept. 3, also includes a “One CDO Wellness” day, a pet show, and a film festival. (PNA)