Sagayan Festival

SAGAYAN FESTIVAL is a cultural event every July 4 showcasing the colorful costumes of the women in the province of Lanao del Norte. It is an ethnic dance Sagayan which is performed by “warriors” clad in three-tiered skirts, brightly-coloured headgear and carrying elaborately painted shields and “kampilan”, a double-bladed sword. The dance involves leaping, turning, jumping, kicking and the rolling movements of a warrior ready to defend his master in battle. The "warriors" move in a magic-like trance and they believed that the motions drive away evil spirits while welcoming good fortune.