Barbaza's Fun Days

Barbaza of course have some fun times that actually celebrated in every 3rd week of March, it is once Batabat Festival now called the Kigihan festival. Kigihan festival is the day where we celebrate our own hardships, traditions, and most of all as a Filipino.


Batabat is an annual festivity celebrated in the Municipality of Barbaza in accordance to its legend Abat-abat, which the name itself came from. It is a five-day celebration which usually highlights during the last day wherein colourful costumes of mardigras and graceful movements of its dancers while dancing along the streets were exposed. Unique beauties of young Barbazeñas were also showcased as they conquered the stage during the Search for Lin-ay Kang Batabat. Other activities such as Sabor Barbaza and Panguyang (Food Festival), Battle of the Bands, Fun Run, Tapongolay (Boxing Tournament), Boat Racing and many other events were also presented during the festival.

This occasion also serves as a homecoming and reunion for families, friends, former classmates, colleagues and relatives whom for many years were parted by seas across the miles. And to give value to our modern heroes who sacrifice themselves to have a better life for their families, Balik Banwa Dinner and Dance is celebrated together with Dungog Kang Barbaza Award for the deserving individuals who brought achievement and success to our municipality.

But due to the changing of our municipal mayors who believe that Kigihan Festival is the appropriate name in celebrating our primary product of the province 

KIGIHAN FESTIVAL

This year, the Municipality of Barbaza in Antique held its Kigihan Festival from March 17 to March 22 in celebration of the primary product of the province, “kigi,” which means, “abaca.”

On March 17 and March 18, Rep. Emmeline Y. Aglipay of the  DIWA Party-list attended the festivities which started with a parade. After each group had made its way around the municipality, they then proceeded in front of the municipal plaza to perform their respective pieces. 

It was followed with a program by the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (PPP).

Cash prizes and raffle prizes were given to winning participants, a part of which was donated by the Democratic Independent Workers (DIWA) Party-list.

At night, “Jamming sa Batabat” was hosted by the Barbaza PNP, which was held by the seashore. Lanterns were also lighted and released into the sky.

On March 18, a Farmer’s Forum was held in the morning which showcased the various products of the farmers of Barbaza.

In each of these events, Rep. Em Aglipay gave a short message congratulating the municipality and its people.