Halaran . . . Sinadya sa Halaran
1975 painted a new picture for festivities in Capiz. Former Governor Cornelio Villareal together with a group of cultural elites in Capiz, Melquiades Pugne, Ofelia Rendon, Angel Rendon, Sammy Villagracia and Josefa Argos conceived “Halaran”. Halaran from the Bisayan word “halad” meaning giving and sharing was suggested by Josefa Argos. Capicenos are noted to be religious people and Halaran originated from the concept of giving thanksgiving for the blessings received for the past year. On June 22 – 24, 1975 the first Halaran was held. On the week of the festivity, the sound from the budyong and the tultugan characterized the pamukaw-pukaw, a dawn parade, heralded the start of the festivities. The Festivity is highlighted by a mass, a cultural parade from the Villareal Stadium to Baybay, a reenactment of the Barter of Panay and cultural dances depicting the Spanish and American eras. There was also streetdancing and merrymaking, called sadsad , on the last day of the