By Alyanna Gabas & Yra Suarin
As the month of September rolls out, the streets of Dumaguete City come alive with splashes of colors, featuring its rich history and deep-rooted traditions in celebration of the 36th annual Sandurot Festival.
The festival’s name is rooted from the Visayan word pakig-sandurot, meaning “to join in” or “to come together,” and perfectly captures the spirits of unity and fellowship that defines the event.
Sandurot is not only a celebration of the city’s founding but also a living symbol of the rich culture of Dumaguete — a harmonious blend of diverse cultures, warm hospitality, and the gentle, welcoming nature of Dumagueteños that has earned it the title “City of Gentle People.”
History and Traditions
Tracing back to the arrival of early settlers from around the world, Dumaguete was influenced by a variety of cultures. The Sandurot Festival celebrates this diverse history, with the city becoming a melting pot of people with Negrense, Spanish, Chinese, and American roots.
The festival commemorates the legacy of the coming together of different cultures while showcasing Dumaguete’s character through its traditions, art, and the warmth of its people.
Festival Highlights
Sandurot Pasundalan Street Dance & Sandurot Pasundayag Showdown
One of the festival’s most eagerly-awaited highlights is the intense street dance and showdown competition: a spectacle where various schools, local organizations, and barangays from Dumaguete come together to perform refined routines that perfectly encapsulate the rich history of the city.
Participants wear elaborate, intricately designed costumes that blend traditional charm with modern flair, transforming the streets into a colorful painting and cultural expression. As they parade through the bustling streets, their energetic dances captivate the crowd, narrating tales of heritage and pride in an exhilarating fusion of movement, music, and artistry.
DumaKaon ta!
At the vibrant Pantawan People’s Park, the city’s talented cooks, skilled artisans, and innovative entrepreneurs come together to showcase the heart and soul of Dumaguete. With an array of local delicacies and handcrafted treasures on display, the bustling trade fair offers visitors an authentic taste of the city’s abundant culture.
From the traditional flavors of Negrense cuisine to modern, inventive dishes, the culinary journey promises to enchant every palate. As the enticing aromas fill the air, guests can immerse themselves in this celebration of creativity and craftsmanship. Running from the 20th to the 29th of September, these fairs make each moment a feast for the senses.
Sandurot’s exhibitions
The festival extends its creative talent through various art exhibitions that draw artisans and art lovers from all over the country. These exhibitions showcase contemporary and traditional works, offering a glimpse into the evolving local cultural scene of Dumaguete.
Local artists and artisans display their masterpieces, ranging from photos, paintings, and sculptures to artisanal crafts and costumes. All in the name of celebrating the city’s heritage and the boundless imagination of its people.
For art enthusiasts, these exhibitions offer more than just a showcase of beauty — they provide a window into the stories, emotions, and cultural narratives that breathe into each piece.
Visitors from around the world are drawn to visit Dumaguete during its festivities, turning the city into a crossroads of creativity and inspiration, where diverse perspectives come in a celebration of artistic expression. With the celebration of Sandurot, the city opens its arms in invitation to honor its culture and history in this annual act of coming together.
