Festival

Cagsawa Festival
Cagsawa Festival is an annual celebration

of Cagsawa Ruins, a National Cultural Treasure
located in the village of Busay in the municipality
of Daraga, Albay, Philippines. It is a fest that puts
into center stage the beautiful landscape and
history of Cagsawa, its popular ruins often
photographed with Mt. Mayon in the background.
It takes place in February, commemorating the
volcanic eruption in 1814.
History of Cagsawa Festival
Cagsawa Festival was launched as an initiative of the provincial government of

Albay and the local government of Daraga for the very first time in 2012. Led by then
Governor Joey Salceda, it was organized as one of several major festivals of Albay
province every year (the other is Magayon Festival held during summertime).
The fest is meant to give tribute to the resilience of its people and the historic the
eruption of Mt. Mayon in the 19th century that laid waste to the lands. It commemorates
the way inhabitants have continued to thrive despite the risks living in communities near
the volcano.
National Cultural Treasure
It also puts into the spotlight on the picturesque Cagsawa Ruins. At the heart of
its celebration is the panoramic vista of the plains at the foot of Mt. Mayon, which has
become a popular tourist attraction in the Bicol region. It is renowned in the country and
internationally for its almost perfect conical, symmetrical shape.
The volcano and its surrounding environment, including Cagsawa in Daraga,
forms a protected area as declared by the national and local government units.
In 1930, it was called Mayon Forest Reserve by virtue of Proclamation No. 341. By July
20, 1938, it was made into a national park through the issuance of Proclamation No.
292, becoming one of the first landmarks in the country that was made into a national
park. And on November 21, 2000, its status was changed to a natural park through
Proclamation No. 413 issued by Joseph Estrada.
On December 23, 2015, the National Museum of the Philippines conferred upon
the Cagsawa Ruins as a National Cultural Treasure.
Cagsawa Ruins
Cagsawa Ruins are a remnant of what was once historically a Franciscan-built
church complex. The first friars of the Alcantarine group Order of Friars Minor arrived
and started their mission in the settlement in 1587. The church was put up by Fr. Pedro
Bautista in 1591, but it was not spared when Cagsawa was razed the town by the
invading Dutch armed forces wanting to seize control of the colony from the Spaniards
on July 25, 1639.
The first church made of stone was erected by Fr. Acacio de la Conception in
1675 and dedicated to the advocation of St. James the Greater. In 1724, it was leveled
to the ground by Fr. Francisco Blanco to give way to a new, bigger church. He also built
other edifices such as the convent, court house, store rooms, and the now famous
belfry.
On the fateful day of February 1, 1814, Mayon Volcano erupted. According to
records, the bells of the parish tolled to warn the townsfolk of the calamity. Two hundred
people took shelter within the walls of the church, but they soon were trapped and died
from the pyroclastic flow and lahar. The devastation buried Budiao, Camalig, Cagsawa,
and Guinobatan in a layer of volcanic materials, rocks, and ash. It is estimated 1,200
people perished.
What remained of the 18th-century, Baroque stone church were a part of the facade
including an intact pediment and the adjoining bell tower. The facade however fell to
rubble sometime in the 1930s, while the uppermost portion of the iconic pyramidal bell
tower remained standing.
Cagsawa Festival Activities
Cagsawa Festival spans for a month. Its

calendar of activities starts on February 1, a day
marked with commemoration of the 1814 eruption
through a celebration of the Holy Eucharist and an
opening ceremony. Prayers are offered to those who
perished from the disaster.
Other activities include parade, talent contests
(dance, singing, music), beauty pageants such as the Search for Mutya & Ginoo ng
Cagsawa, cultural presentations and programs, sports, concerts, culinary events,
entertainment, competitions, and fairs.

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Cagsawa Festival

Cagsawa Festival is an annual celebration

History of Cagsawa Festival

Cagsawa Festival was launched as an initiative of the provincial government of

National Cultural Treasure

Cagsawa Festival Activities

Cagsawa Festival spans for a month. Its

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