The annual Binirayan Festival of Antique will showcase the rich culture and history of the province.

The festival will officially kick off on Dec. 1 with the opening of lights and the night market and will culminate with a Karsadyahan (merrymaking) on Dec. 29.

The 18 municipalities will set up booths at Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park here for the “Pasundayag” or exhibits of products and showcase of attractions and destinations of Antique.

Daily, there will be skills demonstrations, such as native mat and clay pot making, which serve as the source of livelihood in Libertad and Sibalom towns.

A film festival depicting the way of life and beliefs of the local people, produced by Antiqueño filmmakers and artists, would be shown at Robinsons Place San Jose de Buenavista on Dec. 13 and 14.

“The Binirayan Festival will be a celebration of the municipalities for it will showcase their people’s rich culture and history,” Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office consultant, Celestino Dalumpines IV, said in a press conference on Tuesday.

The reenactment of the first Malay settlement in Barangay Malandog, Hamtic, is set after the opening salvo on Dec. 15.

“Spectators in this year’s Binirayan Festival reenactment would really be able to experience how the first-ever festival was launched,” Sammy Rubido, in charge of the reenactment, said of the event that will serve as a recollection of the first-ever provincial festival in 1974.

Characters depicting the 10 Bornean datus (chieftains) will board the balangay (sail boats) that would arrive in Barangay Malandog.

They will be welcomed by a ritual and dance drama along the shorelines, where 10 life-size monuments are erected.

“There will also be lighting of the First Malayan Settlement Torch to signify the importance of our province in the country’s history,” Rubido said.

The presentation and sashing of Miss Binirayan and Datu of Antique is also set on Dec. 15.

On Dec. 20, the Malay Ati tribe competition (Battle of Festivals) will be participated in by 18 municipalities.

This year’s celebration carries the theme “Live the Legacy: Antiqueño Spirit Shines in Binirayan Festival 2025” will likewise honor the late governor Evelio B. Javier, the founder of the festival. (PNA)