Sarakiki-Hadang Festival @ Calbayog City

Calbayog City in Western Samar celebrates annually the SARAKIKI-HADANG FESTIVAL every September 1-8. Came from a Waray word, "Sarakiki" means a movement of a rooster who's trying to mate with a female chicken or a rooster tries to challenge a fight with another rooster. The word refers to the act of praising to gods or spirits, while "Hadang" is a ritual dance of appreciations.

The said festival is a colorful celebration on expression of rhythmic dance which is believed to cure illness, showing gratitude to gods for good bountiful harvest and guidance when engaging in a battle. The first Sarakiki-Hadang Festival has been performed in the mid-90's and from then on the people from Western Samar continue the celebration aiming to unify everyone as a single community.