CAPIZtahan 2016 Showcases the Wealth of Culture and Bounty that Capiz has to Offer

CAPIZtahan 2016 showcases exciting activities.

This summer, brace yourself for the 2016 CAPIZtahan Festival. Considered as the most colorful event in the province, CAPIZtahan brings you the best that Capiz has to offer. The event is organized by the United Capizeños Foundation, Inc.—One Capiz, in partnership with the Offices of the Congressmen of the First and Second Districts, the Provincial Government of Capiz, and the City Government of Roxas in celebration of the foundation of the civil government of Capiz and the death anniversary of President Manuel A. Roxas.

The provincial government of Capiz was officially established by the Americans on April 15, 1901. The New York Times covered the event, writing that the locals in this part of Panay flocked to the province's capital, Capiz (now Roxas City), "on foot and in carriages" to cordially meet the arrival of the United States Philippine Commission and to hear the principles inaugurating the provincial government.

Read: United States Philippine Commission to establish civil government of Capiz

The Province of Capiz "has suffered greatly from war, rinderpest and locust plagues," which eventually swayed local sentiments to seek for peace and favor the establishment of the civil government.

Meanwhile, President Roxas, who was the first president of the fifth republic after the country was given independence in 1946, suffered a fatal heart attack on April 15, 1948, just barely two years in office.

Every year, CAPIZtahan offers something really special for Capiznons and guests to enjoy.

This year's festivities will open on April 14, although as early as April 9, pre-CAPIZtahan activities will already be held. Here is the complete list of activities.

Read: Visit the Storied Birthplace of President Manuel Roxas in Roxas City

Pre-CAPIZtahan 2016 Activities

National Arnis Tournament
Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center

Regional Karera sa Bukid
Pueblo de Panay, Roxas City

Farmers' and Fishermen's Day
Capiz Gym

Grand Bloodletting Day
Robinson's Mall.

April 13, 2016 - Thursday

Lighting of the Plaza and Fireworks Display
Witness Roxas City Plaza glow as the shining, shimmering and glittering giant flowers spread throughout the city center are lit to brighten up the CAPIZtahan festivity. 

April 14, 2016 - Thursday

The Shell Village. Image: Roxas City Tourism Office

Flag Raising and Opening Program
Roxas City Hall and Capiz Provincial Capitol Grounds, 8:30 am.

Opening of Unli Kultura Expo and the CAPIZtahan Trade Fare
Capiz Provincial Park, 9:30 am.
A three-day exhibit showcasing native and indigenous products of Capiz. About 46 exhibitors will join the event. The exhibits shall run until Sunday, April 17.  

Opening of the Shell Village
Balay Capiznon, near the Provincial Capitol.
This features the various products using Capiz shell, 9:30 am.

Opening 2nd CAPIZtahan Kite Flying Competition
 Pueblo de Panay Roxas City, 6 am.
A thee-day event and workshop for kite-flying enthusiasts.

Opening of Artist Village and Samuryakot, a mixed-media art workshop, competition, and exhibit
Garden Palace Restaurant, Pueblo de Panay.
The speakers/ judges include renowned Cebuano artist Javy Villacin.

Amba Capizeño Music and Dance Fest
Capiz Provincial Park, 4 pm.

Bravo, Capizeño! A Music and Dance Festival
Roxas City Bandstand, 6 pm.
The program features award-winning performances of performers from schools, colleges and universities in Roxas City. Another highlight is the performance of barritone and NCCA Ani ng Dangal awardee Joseleo Logdat.

CAPIZtahan Tribal Competition
Roxas City Bandstand, 7:30 pm.

April 15 - Friday



CAPIZtahan Fun Run
To commence the Roxas City Plaza to the People's Park, 5:30 am.

Commemorative Mass
Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, 8 am.

Unveiling of the New Bronze Statue of President Manuel Roxas and Wreath Laying Ceremony for the 68th Death Anniversary
President Manuel Roxas Statue, Roxas City Plaza. 9:30 am

President Manuel Roxas Exhibit
Ang Panublion Museum, Roxas City, 10 am.
To showcase memorabilias, items, and mementos belonging to President Manuel Roxas.

ABS-CBN Kapamilya Fiesta
Villareal Stadium, 6 pm.
Featuring celebrities from the Kapamilya Network

Fireworks Competition
Villareal Stadium, 7 pm.

Opening of 3rd Reggae Festival and Seafood Fair
People's Park, Baybay Roxas City, 6pm.
Fireworks display every night for three nights.

April 16 - Saturday



6th DYVR RMN Baroto Race
Roxas City Plaza, 7 am.  

Familiarization Tour
Ecopark, Cuartero, Capiz, 8 am.

1st Love Radio Dance Shoot Out
Robinson's Place, Roxas, 1 pm.

Parade of Lights
Roxas City Plaza, 6 pm
Showcasing 50 dancers from every municipality in Capiz. Parade starts at Fuentes Drive to Roxas City Plaza. Fireworks display afterwards at 8 pm.

Bikini Beach Bodies
People's Park, Baybay, Roxas City, 8 pm.

April 17 - Sunday

Capiz Day of Prayer: An Interfaith Thanksgiving Concert
Roxas City Bandstand, 6 pm.
Performers from different religious organizations in the province will have a 15-minute performance. The event will also feature barritone performer Joseleo Logdat.