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However, another version of the lore notes that the name came from the shrub, "bago-bago" that grew abundantly in the riverbanks. Around the 17th and 18th Centuries, settlers from Molo, Iloilo formed a little village at the mouth of Bago River, a rich source of sand and gravel. The village grew into a large settlement prompting its elders to pass a petition for its conversion into a town or pueblo, which was granted in 1800.
Bago became a city on February 19, 1966 by virtue of Republic Act No. 4382 and as a commemoration every 19th of February the city celebrates the Babaylan Festival.
Of all figures in the history of Negros Island, the Babaylan is the most colorful and enduring. The Babaylan is a doctor, herbalist, artist, medium, adviser, agriculturist and more, all rolled in one very interesting character. He is the keeper of rituals and spirit agents in normal world. He inspires awe and fear.
The Babaylan Festival was conceived to highlight a unique brand of Filipino heritage, one that dates back to the pre-Spanish period. The festival aims to rediscover the region's indigenous music, literature, dances, rituals and other artistic endeavors.
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