Make way for Cotabato City’s Shariff Kabunsuan Festival 2011

Cotabato City is inviting everyone to come and witness one of the grandest festivals in South Central Mindanao and the richest, culturally speaking – the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival 2011!

The Shariff Kabunsuan Festival 2011 which will run from December 13-19, 2011, commemorates the arrival during the 16th century of Arab missionary Shariff Kabunsuan from Johore, to spread Islam among the natives.  He was reportedly on board a colorful ship which landed along the banks of Rio Grande de Mindanao (formerly the Masla Pulangi), the incident of which will be highlighted in a Fluvial Parade of that ship’s replicas during the festival.

Shariff Kabunsuan’s spread of Islam led to the establishment of the Sultanates of Maguinadanao, Kabuntalan and Rajah Buayan (which now includes GenSan, Sarangani and South Cotabato).

Eventually, Cotabato City became the first capital of Mindanao in the 17th century and it was not until 1870 that the Jesuits came in to introduce the Christian Faith.   For centuries hence and up to now, Cotabato is the only place in the country where both Muslims and Christians have lived harmoniously.

For the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival, the city which has bounced back wonderfully from the floods that hit it earlier this year, under the able stewardship of Mayor Jojo Guiani, has left no stone unturned in making sure that the events are unique to the city’s cultural heritage.  Highlights of the festival are Guinakit, which is the fluvial parade along Rio Grande de Mindanao and the re-enactment of Shariff Kabunsuan’s arrival which we mentioned earlier;  plus the Kuyog Street Dancing Parade & Showdown.

To cap everything is the “Pagana Maguindanao,’ a Kanduli or traditional Muslim way of dining among Maranaos and Maguindanaons among special visitors where Muslim dishes are served while being entertained by cultural performers.  The guests all sit on the floor during the lavish feast.

For sure crabs will be served during the Kanduli since Cotabato City is considered the Crab Capital of the Philippines and has in fact, prepared some crab-centered events during the Festival.

Here then, is the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival 2011 Schedule of Activities:

The Shariff Kabunsuan Festival 2011 Calendar of Events

December 3 – 31, 2011
SHARIFF KABUNSUAN 2011 TRADE FAIR
@ Al Nor Complex Grounds

December 15, 2011 @ 6:30AM
KUYOG: STREETDANCING PARADE
@ People’s Palace Grounds to City Plaza

@ 1:00PM
KUYOG SHOWCASE COMPETITION
@ CCSPC Grounds

December 15, 2011 onwards
CRAB FESTIVAL BOOTH DISPLAY
@ Chowking Parking Space (Southseas Mall)

Dec. 15, 2011 @ 9AM
CRAB FORUM
@ Southseas Mall Covention Center

@ 1PM
BUSINESS MATCHING
@ Southseas Mall Covention Center

December 16, 2011  @ 9AM
“KULINARYA” CRAB COOKING CONTEST
@ Social Hall, People’s Palace

@ 2PM
INAUGURATION OF OLD AND NEW AWIT NG COTABATO LANDMARK
@ People’s Palace Grounds

December 17, 2011 @ 6AM
FUNRUN
@ People’s Pace to City Plaza

December 18, 2011 @ 7AM
MOUNTAIN BIKE CHALLENGE
@ People’s Pace to City Plaza

@ 9AM
CRAB RACE, BIGGEST CRAB AND HEAVIEST CRAB
@ City Plaza

@ 3PM (Matinee) &  @ 7PM (Gala Show)
MAMALU AT TABUNAWAY PRODUCTION
@ Southseas Mall Convention Center

December 19, 2011 @ 6AM
CIVIC MILITARY PARADE
@ CCSPC Grounds to Cotabato City Wharf

@ 8AM
GINAKUIT FLUVIAL PARADE
@ Cotabato City Wharf

@ 3PM
INAUGURATION OF TANTAWAN PARK
@ Foot of PC Hill

@ 4PM
GRAND KANDULI
@ Lobby, People’s Palace

If you want to join Cotabato City’s biggest and most festive cultural celebration, please contact: The City Government of Cotabato City at Telephone #s  064 – 4217803 or Fax #s 064 – 4218969.