KAAMULAN FESTIVAL

“Kaamulan” is from the Binukid word “amul” which means “to gather”. It is a gathering of Bukidnon tribes. people for a purpose. It can mean a datuship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all of these put together.

Photo: CTTO

The Kaamulan Festival has its roots in the indigenous cultures of the province of Bukidnon, Philippines. It traces its origins to pre-colonial times when the indigenous tribes of Bukidnon held rituals and gatherings to celebrate bountiful harvests, important milestones, and significant events in their communities.

Photo captured from my sister last March 2018

Showcasing the unique indigenous culture of Bukidnon, the Kaamulan is held annually in the province, particularly in Malaybalay City, the provincial capital, from the second half of February to March 10, which latter date marks the anniversary of the creation of Bukidnon as a province in 1917.

This picture taken last March 2017.Me and my cousin bump in to captured those moments of amazing floats parade and street dancing.
By the way, for your information, as an ethnic festival, the Kaamulan celebrates the customs and traditions of the seven tribal groups that originally inhabited the Bukidnon region, namely, the Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon. Several tribal folks representing these seven hill tribes of Bukidnon gather in unity with the local dwellers in town, wearing their intricately woven costumes studded with trinkets, anklets, earrings, necklaces, leglets, headdresses and amulets. They dance together, chant, perform ancient rituals, and compete in indigenous sports.

Another floats contingent came in front of us.. Truly, you'll be amazed in witnessing these cultural feast from a tribal group in our place. I'm glad I was the one to witness since 2001. Lots of them are truly amazing and pretty as well.
By the way, it's a competition from Municipalities of Bukidnon. From street dancing to float parade to ground competition.

Furthermore, the present Kaamulan has evolved throughout the years and does not only highlight Bukidnon’s ethnic groups but also the products and local establishments that abound in the province. These are displayed in the Garden Show, Food Fest, Kaamulan Bazaar, Agri-fair, and Livestock Show. Crowd-drawing events such as the Motocross, Off-road Competition, Rodeo, Amateur Boxing, Invitational Basketball Tournament, Adventure Races, concerts, and several others are also roped into the festivity.

And this picture of my Mother taken last march 2017 at the garden booth of my Aunt. They are selling incredible ornamental plants and succulents and cacti. Some are variegated and imported plants. That's why they selling it a higher price but one of her plants had won during the garden show.

PHOTO: FROM MY AUNT

PHOTO: CTTO

PHOTO:CTTO

Well this is all for now. Just sharing our cultural event and it's meaningful to our respective tribes here in our place. As an ordinary people, we showed our big respect to them. Truly, the Kaamulan is an interesting ground for the unification of the people of Bukidnon. One that converges the past and the present, celebrates its rich culture and inspires its people.

See you in my next one. Thank you for reading my long post. ☺️

@emelyn - the author