KALILANGAN FESTIVAL 2023 Event, Activity Schedule, Travel Guide

General Santos City, also known as “GenSan,” is located in the southern Philippines and is known for its vibrant culture and annual Kalilangan Festival. The festival, which takes place in January, is a celebration of the city’s founding anniversary and showcases the best of GenSan’s arts, music, and food.

Kalilangan Festival 2023 “History”

The Kalilangan Festival was first celebrated in 1977 to commemorate the city’s founding anniversary. It was initially a one-day event, but over the years it has grown to become a week-long celebration. The word “Kalilangan” means “to celebrate” in the local T’boli language and is a fitting name for the festival that brings the community together.

“List of Events and Event Highlights”

The Kalilangan Festival features a variety of events that celebrate GenSan’s unique culture and history. Some of the most popular events include:

• Street Dancing: This is the highlight of the festival, where local schools and organizations compete in a colorful parade of traditional dances.
• Food Festival: Enjoy delicious local cuisine and delicacies at the food festival, which features food vendors from all over the city.
• Trade Fair: The trade fair showcases the best of GenSan’s products and services, including handicrafts, clothing, and more.
• Cultural Show: This event features traditional dances, music, and performances from the city’s different ethnic groups.
• Sports Fest: The sports fest includes a variety of games and competitions, including basketball, volleyball, and soccer.

One of the event highlights of Kalilangan Festival is the Street Dancing Competition, where different schools, organizations, and barangays participate in a colorful and lively parade of traditional dances. The dances are usually based on the T’boli, Maguindanao, and other ethnic groups in the area. The lively costumes, props and music makes it a must-see event.

Another event highlight is the Food Festival, where local food vendors showcase their delicacies and specialties. From the famous “Tuna Capital of the Philippines” , you can expect a wide variety of seafood dishes such as tuna, marlin, and many more.

The Kalilangan Festival is a great opportunity to experience GenSan’s rich culture and history, and is one of the most visited festival in the Philippines for anyone visiting the country in January. So mark your calendar and plan your trip to General Santos City to join the celebration and enjoy the colorful and lively atmosphere of the Kalilangan Festival.

Read also: TUNA FESTIVAL 2023: A Celebration of TUNA and CULTURE in General Santos City

Places that tourists can visit while in General Santos City:

Tuna Capital of the Philippines Monument: This statue is a tribute to the city’s reputation as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines. The monument is located at the Roundabout in front of the City Hall and is a popular spot for taking photos.

• The KCC Mall: The KCC mall is one of the largest and most popular shopping centers in the city, featuring a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

• The General Santos City Fish Port Complex: The Fish Port Complex is a major hub for the tuna industry in the Philippines. Visitors can see the daily catch being brought in and witness the auction of the fresh tuna.

• The White Sand Beach: Located in Barangay Tinagacan, the White Sand Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities.

• Mt Matutum: Mt Matutum is an active volcano located in the nearby town of Polomolok. Hiking to the summit is a popular activity for nature lovers and offers a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside.

• The T’boli Cultural Village: The T’boli Cultural Village is an interactive museum that showcases the culture and traditions of the T’boli people. Visitors can see traditional houses, costumes, and artifacts, and participate in cultural activities such as weaving and beadwork.

• The Mindanao State University: Mindanao State University is one of the most prestigious universities in the Philippines and is known for its beautiful campus and strong academic programs. Visitors can take a tour of the campus and see the different facilities and buildings.

• The General Santos City People’s Park: The People’s Park is a popular spot for picnics, outdoor activities, and relaxing. It features a man-made lake, playgrounds, and a variety of plants and flowers.

These are just a few of the many attractions that General Santos City has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or just looking to have a good time, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant and dynamic city.

KALILANGAN FESTIVAL 2023 Event and Activity Schedule