LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The 124th Adivay Festival in Benguet reached new heights of cultural vibrancy, culminating in a grand Cañao celebration. Thousands of locals and visitors flocked to the picturesque province in the Cordillera Administrative Region to witness this spectacular event. Held this year, the festival showcased Benguet’s rich traditions, history, and the resilience of its people, fostering unity and pride among its diverse communities.
The highlight of the festival was the grand Cañao, a centuries-old ritual honoring ancestral spirits and seeking blessings for the province’s prosperity. Held at the Benguet Sports Complex in La Trinidad, the event was a vibrant display of indigenous rituals and community spirit, attended by local officials, dignitaries, and thousands of festival-goers. The Cañao’s centerpiece was the Uwik, a traditional pig heart piercing ritual, performed with reverence and precision to offer thanks and blessings. This symbolic act, along with the slaughtering of pigs and chickens, was followed by a communal feast, the Watwat, where boiled pork was shared among attendees, symbolizing unity and prosperity.
Beyond the festivities, the Adivay Festival served as a platform for cultural preservation and sustainable development. The launch of the Encyclopedia of Benguet by Indigenous Knowledge Systems marked a significant milestone in documenting and sharing the province’s rich cultural heritage. This collaborative effort by local scholars and indigenous leaders highlights Benguet’s diverse knowledge systems, from agriculture and healing to oral history and spiritual beliefs. The Benguet Agro-Tourism Trade Fair showcased the province’s agricultural and artisanal products, boosting local businesses and promoting sustainable tourism. Cong. Eric Go Yap emphasized the importance of balancing economic growth with cultural preservation, stating, “We will not compromise our values, we will not compromise our land.”
The Adivay Festival, which continues until December 3, is more than just a celebration of the past. It’s a vision for the future, a commitment to preserving Benguet’s cultural heritage while embracing sustainable development. By fostering a deeper appreciation for indigenous traditions and promoting community unity, the festival inspires hope for a prosperous and culturally rich future for the province. By Dana Puspos
