CAGAYAN DE ORO – Amidst the vibrant celebrations of the Higalaay Festival 2023, the Department of Tourism in Cagayan de Oro City invoked the true essence of camaraderie and friendship. Today, a focal point of this festivity was the Fluvial Parade, featuring 13 beautifully adorned floats from various barangays across the city.
As the sun graced the morning sky on August 28, the people of Cagayan de Oro City witnessed the spectacle of the Fluvial Parade, an integral part of the Higalaay Festival 2023. This parade is a heartfelt tribute to camaraderie and harmony among the communities.
Thirteen different barangays participated in this maritime procession, each float emanating a distinctive charm representing various facets of the city’s culture. The barangays that showcased their pride in the Fluvial Parade included Carmen, Agusan, Puntod, Bonbon, Kauswagan, Gusa, Barangay 1, Barangay 10, Consolacion, Bayabas, Patag, Barangay 15, and Macabalan.
The procession embarked from the Macabalan-Bonbon area, traversed the JR Borja Bridge, and concluded near the Duaw Park adjacent to St. Augustine Cathedral Church. Each float, meticulously designed, paid homage to Catholic religious entities, accentuating the deeply rooted faith within the community.
In the midst of these joyous celebrations, the Department of Tourism Regional Office 10 reminded the people to reflect on the genuine spirit of the city’s festivities – a time of joy and friendship. The Higalaay Festival also commemorates Senior San Augustine, the city’s patron saint.
This year’s Higalaay Festival Fluvial Parade crowned Barangay Patag as the champion, walking away with a cash prize of 30,000 pesos and a trophy. Following closely, Barangay Consolacion clinched the first place, earning a reward of 20,000 pesos and a trophy. Additionally, Barangay Carmen secured the second runner-up spot, taking home a prize of 10,000 pesos and a trophy.
The onlookers reveled in the jubilant atmosphere, relishing the vibrant festivities that resonated with the true essence of Cagayan de Oro City’s celebration.
