KIANGAN, Ifugao– The 2017 “Gotad Ad Kiangan” festival is set for April 29 until May 3 with the theme, “Mun-ammung, Mun-am-amlong, Mi-ohha Taku Te Gotad ad Kiyangan”(We Gather, We Celebrate, We Unite Because it is Gotad ad Kiangan).
Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Mario Indopia, chairman for the Kiangan Gotad 2017, said events for the first day of the festival on April 29 will include a Fun Walk, Fun Bike and basketball competition in the morning while in the afternoon will be a Thanksgiving Service and continuation of basketball games.
On April 30 will be the cultural parade, opening program, opening of the agro-industrial fair and continuation of basketball and volleyball competitions. In the evening, cultural events and contest in “Holyat”, “Baltung” and “A-apo” which are parts of the ancient festive rituals of the Tuwali Ifugao tribe.
On May 1 will be the “Kolong di Nuwang” or butchering of the carabao in the early morning, followed by the “Gottadan and Dog-al” rituals, opening program, native dance competitions on the “Dinnuy-a, Pagaddut and Bhutageh. In the afternoon, the ‘Baklen di Bimmoble”, start of the ethnic games on “Guyyudan, “Akkad”, “Caba” race, “Uggub”, “Bultung”, “Hinnukting”, “Hanggul”, Going to Gotad, “Kadang-Kadang”, “Batawil” relay race . In the evening, the competition in Theater and Ethnic Ensemble.
On May 2 will be the marathon in G-strings, continuation of the ball and ethnic games, and launching of the Kiangan Go Negosyo Center.
On May 3 will be the neo-ethnic street dancing, championship ball and ethnic games, completion of all games, awarding of prizes, and the closing program. In the evening, the entertainment concert.
The municipal government is its extending invitation to all who want to attend the festival and join in the merrymaking and feasting which reminisce past Ifugao culture and traditions.** (PIA Ifugao)
