Fiesta de Sandugo
The Fiesta de Sandugo is an annual festival on the Philippine island of Bohol . This celebration commemorates the blood contract and the alliance between the indigenous chief Datu Sikatuna and the Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi on March 16, 1565.
history
It all started with the arrival of Miguel López de Legazpi on the coast of Tagbilaran , Bohol, in 1565 and the taking of an oath to the Spanish crown by Datu Sikatuna. The chief and the conquistador made a cut in their left arm with a dagger and let the blood flow into a bowl filled with wine. They drank the wine mixed with their blood on their friendship and brotherhood.
The party
The official celebration of Sandugo begins in March. The dance competition, however, was postponed to July for unknown reasons.
Thousands of people attend this festival every year, which is accompanied by loud trumpets and bangs, beauty pageants, cockfighting , sports tournaments, church services and fireworks.
Web links
- http://www.gotouring.com/razzledazzle/sandugo/sandugophoto001.html (photos)
- http://www.boholsandugo.com/2004/index.php (official website)