Description of Kahimunan Festival

The lumads of Agusan start the planting season by gathering together performing a series of
rituals called the kahimunan. The Kahimunan Festival, a weeklong religious event in honor of
Senyor Santo Nio, brings the city to life every third week of January. The festival honors the
blessings gained over the years, and its name derives from the Manobo word "kahuna," which
means "to gather." Additionally, prayers are offered for a bountiful harvest this year.

Description of the Headdress

Participants clad in vibrant clothing and accessories, accented with woven crates to be marked by
a plentiful harvest throughout the year. Pillows and the wrappers from bread pans are used to
make woven cravings. The leaf accessories, however, are constructed from magazines. The three
woven crates symbolize the golden sun which helps the harvest become blessed and bountiful.

Description of Reyna’s Costume

The event honors the Manobo, Higaonon, and Banwaon people of Agusan del Sur's culture and
heritage, which are known for their use of vibrant color and the color green, which represents a
plentiful harvest. The outside lace material is made out of colored plastic strips that go with the
general motif of town fiestas. As a representation of the harvest season, Reyna's headdress is
embellished with vivid colors in the form of leaves.