LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Province of Pangasinan once again came alive as it celebrated Pistay Dayat 2024, a festivity that not only honors the province’s rich maritime heritage but also showcases its cultural diversity through the Gayaga: Pangasinan Festival Street Dance Exhibition held in front of the Provincial Capitol in Lingayen, Pangasinan on May 1, 2024, this event was a colorful spectacle featuring the talents and traditions of the eight cities and municipalities of Pangasinan.
The Gayaga: Pangasinan Festival Street Dance Exhibition allowed the participating cities and municipalities to highlight their unique festivals and cultural traditions.
Among the featured festivals were Alaminos City’s 100 Island Festival, San Manuel’s Padanum Festival, Lingayen’s Bagoong Festival, Villasis Talong Festival, Umingan’s Karabasa Festival, San Carlos City’s Mango-Bamboo Festival, Bani’s Pakwan Festival, and Asingan’s Kankanen Festival.
Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, in his welcome message, emphasized the significance of Pistay Dayat as the “Mother festival of Pangasinan.” He highlighted the importance of showcasing the culture and arts of the province’s diverse cities and municipalities, underscoring the role of such events in preserving and promoting Pangasinan’s rich heritage.
“Atin pong tunghayan ang presentasyon ng ating mga munisipyo kung saan sila ay magpapakita ng galing at kultura ng kanilang mga lokal na talento sa kani-kanilang bayan,” he said.
Louie Ocampo, Chairman of the Street Dancing Exhibition, expressed his pride in the province’s cultural heritage and the talents of its people. He emphasized the event’s role in not only celebrating Pangasinan’s cultural identity but also in promoting tourism and showcasing the province’s agricultural abundance and artistic skills.
The event featured around 1,500 individuals who participated in the street dance exhibition, with each performer representing the champions of street dance competitions in their respective areas. The participants, hailing from various districts, brought to life the vibrant spirit of their festivals through captivating performances that delighted the audience.
To support the performers, each group received a subsidy of P100,000, along with provisions such as dressed chicken, rice, and canned goods from the provincial social welfare office to sustain them during rehearsals. This support underscored the commitment of the province to nurture and empower its cultural ambassadors.
While the event showcased the talents of Pangasinenses, Ocampo acknowledged that some municipalities could not participate due to ongoing festival preparations or other logistical constraints. Nevertheless, he invited all municipalities and cities to join future events, emphasizing that Pistay Dayat is a celebration for all Pangasinenses to unite and celebrate their shared heritage. “Yung mga friends natin from different municipalities and cities, sana maka join ulit kayo.”
“This is not just our event. This is also your event, and we are very happy and thankful sa lahat ng sakripisyo niyo para sa ikagaganda ng Pistay Dayat 2024.” he reiterated.
Ocampo expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to making Pistay Dayat 2024 a resounding success, emphasizing that the event was a collective endeavor that showcased the unity and resilience of the Pangasinan community. By Jackielyn U. Reyes
