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Sunday, February 9, 2025

Gala festival marks Santa Rosa’s 233rd year

SANTA Rosa City—A kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, rhythmic music, and cultural pride took center stage here on Sunday (Jan. 19) as the city celebrated its 26th Sikhayan Festival.

The festivities, themed “Pamilyang Santa Rosa: Progresong Walang Hinto, Sama-Samang Paglago” (Santa Rosa Family: Unstoppable Progress, Shared Growth Together), also highlighted the  observance of its 233rd anniversary.

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Sikhayan, an acronym for Sikap sa Kabuhayan (Striving for Livelihood), is “more than just a festival. It is a tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit that has transformed Santa Rosa into the thriving “Lion City,” Mayor Arlene Arcillas said in her opening address.

“Our growth came not from the efforts of the city officials alone, but from our joint struggles, including the government employees who served wholeheartedly, every resident, and the private sector. You are the true strength of Santa Rosa. You are the inspiration of Sikhayan,” Arcillas said in Pilipino. 

Reflecting on the visionary leadership of her father, the late Mayor Leon Arcillas, she said; “What he started became an inspiration for us all. Today, Santa Rosa’s achievements are proof of what unity and collaboration can accomplish.”

The festival also featured the highly anticipated street dance competition involving nine barangays—Sinalhan, Dila, Macabling, Ibaba, Market Area, Tagapo, Caingin, Pulong Santa Cruz, and Malitlit.

Barangay Tagapo emerged as the champion, with Barangay Dila and Barangay Pulong Santa Cruz claiming second and third places, respectively.

Special awards added more excitement to the competition: Barangay Market Area was crowned Reyna ng Sikhayan, Barangay Tagapo won Best in Costume, and Barangay Dila received Best in Street Dance.

The event was live-streamed on the official Santa Rosa City government and Sikhayan Festival Facebook Pages. This effort ensured that Santa Rosans worldwide could participate and celebrate the city’s culture and achievements.

Vice Mayor Arnold Arcillas underscored the festival’s broader significance as a reminder of the city’s shared responsibility to sustain its progress.

“This celebration is not just about looking back on our accomplishments—it’s about committing to a brighter future for the next generation,” he said.

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