Meguyaya Festival

Meguyaya, a Teduray term for thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest, is an annual festival celebrated every December. The festivities incorporate street dancing competition depicting tri-people culture, Teduray and Muslim and Christian Culture. The term is a Teduray word meaning ‘Merrymaking and Thanksgiving” This is a universal expression of thanksgiving for the triumphs, abundance, prosperity or

any form of blessing received. The word in a multi-cultural society wherein different expressions or way of thanksgiving and merrymaking practices are recognized and honored. Amidst Upi’s triumphs, abundance and prosperity is the conceptualization of Meguyaya Festival, Upians’ way of expressing gratitude for all the bounties. Meguyaya is a three-week celebration which culminates every 22nd of December. Meguyaya Festival was conceptualized sometime in 2004 purposely to help boost the Tourism program of the municipality, and to serve as a window to showcase the economic potential of the area such as; pleasant climate all year round, wide agricultural lands, built-up areas, open grass land, forest land fall, caves, man made, lake springs, rivers and creeks; Marine and mineral products; agricultural products, particularly corn, palay. Other activities includes the Cultural Nights, Local Government Unit Night, Ginoong Meguyaya male pageant, trade fair and Maisan Na. This is an activity in which a long stretch of grillers are placed by the roadside where everyone enjoys roasting corns, a symbol of togetherness and feasting.