The Leyte Festival is an annual celebration of culture and arts that takes place in Visayas Philippines. This yearly tradition has been celebrated since 1975, with local communities coming together to enjoy Filipino music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and traditional cuisine.
History and Highlights
The Leyte Festival began in 1975 by a group of visionaries from various municipalities around the region who wanted to create an event that would bring locals closer together while also showcasing the unique culture of Visayas Philippines. Some highlights from past events have included traditional cultural dances such as Tinikling (a wooden pole dance), Bailes de Luces (a fire-dance), or Pandanggo sa Ilaw (an oil lamp dance). Additionally, there are often live performances by famous Filipino singers and bands, art exhibitions featuring local artists’ works, street parades full of colorful costumes and decorations, fireworks displays over night skies illuminated by thousands of stars, and more!
Events and Activities
At this festival there will be opportunities for visitors to take part in traditional activities like making lechon (suckling pig) or palitaw (rice cake dumplings). Other popular activities include cooking competitions where teams compete against each other for prizes; musical performances featuring some of the region’s best musicians; an array of traditional craft workshops like basket weaving or coconut shell carving; folk dancing competitions with dancers wearing traditional costumes; games like tug-of-war or sack races; storytelling sessions about Philippine history; carnival rides and attractions; firework shows over night skies lit up with stars.
Nearby Attractions
The region offers many picturesque sites such as Kalanggaman Island which features crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling or swimming. Tacloban City is known for its historical landmarks including San Juanico Bridge which connects two provinces across San Juanico Strait – considered as one longest bridges in Southeast Asia! Another popular destination near Leyte is Maasin City which offers a range restaurants serving up delicious cuisine cooked using locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can also explore several national parks found throughout Visayas Province such as Canigao Island Marine Sanctuary Park – home to diverse marine life species including turtles – or Biliran Volcano Park – offering incredible views overlooking Biliran Bay!