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Roxas
City was once the site of the
settlement established by Miguel
Lopez de Legaspi, the Spanish
conquistador, when he arrived
from Cebu.
This settlement was once
known as “El Puerto de Capiz.”
With
the favorable location of the
settlement, it eventually became
the seat of the military
government.
And as the settlement
grew, it was then known as the
“Municipality of Capiz” and
became a city on 1951; and was
subsequently renamed after
President Manuel Roxas.
The
city is rich in history and
culture.
The remnants of the Moro
Towers in Sitio Nipa still
stands as evidence of the stone
structures built in 1814 to
repel the invading Moros and
Portuguese colonizers.
The monumental and
impressive Roxas City Bridge,
built in 1910, remains a sturdy
feature in the city landscape.
Equally astounding is the
Panay River that moves across
the city, earning the capital
the nickname “Venice of the
Visayas.”
The Roxas City Museum
also stands as a testament to
the legacies of the city’s
beloved children.
It houses artifacts,
memorabilia and artwork
displaying the grandeur that is
Roxas City.
But
the provincial capital may be
best known for the festivals it
holds.
The Sinadya sa Halaran,
literally “Joy in Sharing and
Thanksgiving,” is the most
awaited festival in the city.
It fuses two festivals
previously celebrated separately
– The Halaran and the Sinadya.
The Halaran festival
depicts the rich and colorful
heritage of the Capiceños, a
haul over from pre-Spanish
times.
It was once celebrated on
the first weekend of October
through sharing and
thanksgiving.
The Sinadya, celebrated
on the 8th of
December, showcases rituals and
festivities marking the feast of
the Patroness of Capiceños, Our
Lady of the Immaculate
Conception.
The two festivals were
fused together as a show of
unity and are now celebrated as
one festivity on the first
weekend of December.
The
twin festival features fairs, a
seafood festival, sports
competitions, and culminates in
a Grand Parade that showcases
the city’s colors, culture and
history.
Every year, more and more
activities are planned and added
to make the festival truly a
grand celebration of the people
and the city.
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