CATIGBIAN, BOHOL — The streets of this agricultural town came alive on Monday, June 15, 2026, as the 76th Katigbawan Festival and Farmer's Day Celebration officially opened. The week‑long event, running through June 21, transforms Catigbian into a vibrant destination where visitors can experience authentic rural life, cultural performances, and the unique carabao dance that has become the festival's signature attraction.
Municipal Mayor Benjie Oliva led the opening, joined by Department of Agrarian Reform Region 7 Director Melvin Castor Silvestre and Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Dr. Ronald Pumatong. DAR's participation underscored the strong government support for local farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries. The festival honors the very people who form the backbone of Bohol's food supply chain.
A Celebration Rooted in the Land
The Katigbawan Festival derives its name from three elements deeply woven into Catigbian's identity: the katigbi grass, the tigbaw cave formations, and the kabawan, the carabao that symbolizes the town's renowned animal auction market. First held in 2005, the festival has grown under successive administrations into the town's premier cultural showcase.
The highlight is the Katigbawan Street Dancing Festival competition, where contingents perform the distinctive carabao dance. The Agricultural Fair, or AgriFair, displays the municipality's finest produce and livestock. The Katigbawan Food Bazaar gathers around 30 vendors offering locally produced delicacies, giving tourists a true taste of Catigbian's culinary heritage.
A Tourism Experience That Honors Tradition
For travelers seeking an escape from crowded beach destinations, Catigbian offers an immersive cultural experience. The carabao parade, a beloved tradition, showcases the town's deep connection to its farming roots. Technology demonstrations and presentations on modern farming practices provide an educational layer for visitors interested in sustainable agriculture.
The Tabo sa Katigbawan provides farmers a venue to market their goods directly. The Foundation Katigbawan Fun Run and various sporting events add an active dimension to the celebration. The festival is an omnibus carrier of the town's vision to be a prime agricultural and ecotourism hub with resilient and empowered citizens.
Where Culture and Community Converge
The festival grounds buzz with energy as locals and visitors gather to celebrate shared heritage. The street dancing competition, featuring six competing clusters, transforms the town plaza into a kaleidoscope of color and rhythm. Each performance tells a story of the land, the harvest, and the carabao that plows the fields.
Visitors can sample authentic Boholano cuisine at the food bazaar or purchase fresh produce directly from farmers. The festival offers a rare opportunity to witness the genuine warmth of rural Filipino hospitality. Catigbian, often overlooked on the tourist map, reveals its charms during this week of celebration.
A Legacy of Growth and Resilience
Mayor Oliva noted that the annual celebration serves as a showcase of Catigbian's governance initiatives, cultural identity, local economy, and tourism attractions. The institutionalization of the food bazaar and AgriFair has organized local entrepreneurs and given them a platform to thrive. This year's festivities build on that legacy.
As the week unfolds, the Katigbawan Festival reaffirms Catigbian's place on Bohol's cultural calendar. For visitors who make the journey, the reward is an authentic encounter with the heart of Boholano farming life. The festival runs until June 21, with activities scheduled daily across the municipality.
