The city government of Tuguegarao showcases the Ibanag culture and tradition during the celebration of Pav-vurulun Afi Festival, the highlight of the 292nd Patronal fiesta of the city from Aug. 8 to 16, 2016.
Pav-vurulun is an Ibanag word that means a get-together. It gathers Tuguegaraoeños to a week-long festivity culminating with a Mass and procession of the patron saint on Aug. 16. The patronal fiesta is in honor of St. Hyacinth, the city’s patron saint.
The festival has for its theme: “Pagyaya anna Pappabalo” (an Ibanag term which means enjoyment and thanksgiving)
City Mayor Jefferson Soriano said the activities include a trade fair exhibit at the Mall of the Valley; a Bangkarera contest on Pinacanauan River; a pansit festival featuring a pansit eating contest; a street dancing competition; a battle of the bands to be participated in by elementary and high school students; a Nuang Karera (Carabao race), a Kabayu Karera (Horse race) and piglet catching at the sports complex, the soft opening of the Ibanag Library and Museum, and a fireworks display, among others.
A music festival will also be staged, featuring local bands and a local government units night honoring the people behind the yearly success of the Pav-vurulun festival, Soriano added.
The mayor also invited neighboring towns along the Pinacanauan and Cagayan rivers to compete with local boatmen in the Bangkarera competition. The city invited participants from the other towns of Cagayan and Isabela province.
The Bangkarera aims to promote sustainable fishing along the Pinacanauan River, which flows to the Cagayan River. It draws its headwaters from the Sierra Madre Mountains in Peñablanca and is home to delectable fresh water fishes like Tilapia mori and birut, Soriano said.
The Bangkarera is a rowing competition in two categories: single and double using canoe-type hollowed-out wooden paddle boats used for fishing by the locals.