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Cebu

Sikoy-Sikoy Festival

Sikoy-Sikoy Festival is a cultural and religious festival San Fernando, Cebu, Philippines every May 15. It pays homage to fisher folks and their way of life and it is likewise organized as a public expression of devotion to St. Isidore the Laborer, the patron of the town.

It is one of the cultural fests that is part of the annual Pasigarbo sa Sugbo every August.

Etymology

Sikoy-Sikoy Festival comes from panikoy, which refers to the way fisher folks throw a net to catch a fish. Majority of the catch are laniw and barungoy (flying fish), species of fish that are abundant in the town’s surrounding sea.

History of Sikoy-Sikoy Festival

Sikoy-Sikoy Festival was launched in May 2008 during the term of Mayor Lakambini Reluya. However, it was put on hold and re-staged after six years in 2017.

The fest was organized by the local government to promote history, culture, and tradition. It also symbolizes that amidst the struggles (represented by the waves) there are treasures and blessings (represented by the fishes and the harvest of the sea). It also aimed to inspire the youth to become conscientious citizens and avoid vices and bad company.

Devotion to St. Isidore the Laborer

Sikoy-Sikoy Festival is also an expression of devotion to St. Isidore, the patron of the town, and “celebrate God’s gift of love to the people of San Fernando.”

When Christianity was introduced during the colonial period, the church in San Fernando was placed under the patronage of St. Isidore the Laborer (San Isidro Labrador). It was a visita of Carcar Parish and later Naga Parish.

A proposal was submitted to the colonial authorities to create an independent pueblo and to raise the church to a parish. Opposition was raised, stating that the settlement lacked fecund lands and would be incapable of funding the pueblo.

The legendary Juan Diyong and representatives brought agricultural produce and samples of soil in the hearing. The church seceded and became an independent parish on January 8, 1858. It was also the same year that the town was founded.

The first church was located in Pitalo. After undergoing several repairs, religious officials and the townsfolk agreed to transfer to a property that was donated by Clara Najarro to the Diocese of Cebu. The present-day stone church was erected at the marketplace and near the cemetery. Church-building was carried out between 1875 and 1888. The surrounding areas became the site of the new poblacion.

Sikoy-Sikoy Festival Activities

Activities of the fest includes beauty pageant (Lakambini ng San Fernando), parade, street dance, grand parade, and procession.

How to reach San Fernando, Cebu

From Mactan International Airport, go to the South Bus Terminal and take a bus to San Fernando.

References

Sikoy-Sikoy Festival Summary

NameSikoy-Sikoy Festival
ChurchSan Isidro Labrador Parish
Contact(032) 272 1079
CountryPhilippines
DateMay 15
Emaillgusanfernandocebu@gmail.com
Established2008
Facebookwww.facebook.com
FounderLakambini Reluya
LocationSan Fernando, Cebu
OrganizerSan Fernando LGU
PatronSt. Isidore the Laborer
ReligionRoman Catholic
Websitewww.sanfernandocebu.gov.ph