Every September, the streets of Dumaguete City become a stage for music, dancing, colorful costumes, and stories from the city's past. This is the season when Sandurot Festival brings the community together to celebrate the culture and history that have shaped Dumaguete into the welcoming city it is today. More than a lively celebration, Sandurot reflects one of Dumaguete's defining qualities: its tradition of welcoming people from different cultures and backgrounds. The word “Sandurot” refers to fellowship and reaching out, capturing the spirit of coming together in friendship and harmony.
A Festival Built Around Dumaguete's Story
The story of Sandurot goes back to Dumaguete's history as a place where people from different cultures and shores came together. According to the city government, these encounters helped shape the varied community that exists in Dumaguete today. Rather than simply celebrating a particular historical event, the festival presents the city's identity through culture, performance, music, and community participation.
Paghimamat: Where the Story Begins
One of the most meaningful parts of Sandurot is Paghimamat, a theatrical presentation that retells the story of Dumaguete. The word and concept center on people meeting and coming together. Performances have brought together local artists, cultural groups, fisherfolk associations, schools, and musicians to portray the different peoples and influences that contributed to Dumaguete's history. Through theater, dance, and music, Paghimamat turns history into something audiences can experience rather than simply read about.
From History to the Streets
After the story comes to life through Paghimamat, Sandurot takes its celebration into the streets through performances such as Pasundalan and Pasundayag. Colorful contingents representing schools and barangays have filled Dumaguete's streets with choreography, music, costumes, and chants. In 2024, the city's streets became the setting for performances that portrayed the story of Dumaguete through dance and music.
