The highly esteemed terrestrial crab, the Tatusan, is so common in Caluya,

Antique, that a tourism event was named after it. This celebration was inspired by
the tatus, a sort of coconut crab found on islands that is extremely rare and
expensive and burrows on the ground. Every year from April 9 to 11, Tatusan
Festival is celebrated. The event features a vibrant parade of crab-shaped floats,
street dance, and kiosks showcasing Tatus. I can guarantee that Caluya is one of
the Philippines’ most exquisitely underappreciated gems, full with chances. As
previously mentioned, the Tatus (Coconut Crab), a slow-growing crab that can live
up to 40 to 60 years old and weigh as much as 4 kilograms, is the source of the
festival’s name. Depending on the population and location, it might be deep blue,
red, purplish red, or brownish purple in hue. They frequently burrow by
themselves in the sand, in rock crevices, or in chambers that they line with
coconut husks. Tatus enjoy coconuts and are often nocturnal creatures. They
climb coconuts using their two pairs of long walking legs and split open the nuts
by dropping the coconut from a tree or piercing its soft place.
Libertad’s rich culture is showcased in a yearly Banigan Festival. The
festival started 8 years ago by then Mayor Mary Jean Te. Banigan
derived from the word banig (mat) the main product of the municipality.
The festival’s concept is based on the importance of banig (bariw)
weaving as major means of livelihood of the Libertadnons. The
celebration involves various activities highlighted by the Mardi gras and
esteemed Lin-ay kang Libertad, a beauty pageant which showcases the
beauty, intelligence and character of Libertadnon young ladies. One of
the most awaited contest’s categories of the pageant is the banig gown
competition. Banigan Festival is celebrated every March 14-16.
Bilad-Kinamayad Tugbong (tûgbông) is a Pandan-karay-a word
meaning, to go to town, This native word is seldom used by today’s
younger generation or even no longer existing in their vocabulary. In
the past this has been a common password of barrio folks used with
excitement when they have to go to town for a variety of significant
reasons. We usually hear, “matugbong ta” from somebody going to
town to sell their products and/or, to do marketing especially during
market days, to attend church services, to make some important
transactions in the Municipal Hall or other government agencies, to go
to school like Pandan Central School and PBI – the pioneering
elementary and secondary schools respectively, to participate in and to
witness the municipal fiesta, and many more. One goes to town for an
important reason. This means that to “tugbong” is to let something
good to happen to a person, to one’s family, or to a community.
The people of Sebaste conserve, protect and promote
environment through arts and culture expressed in a
weeklong celebration of Patuyaw Festival every month of
April. The festival highlights “patuyaw” a freshwater
shrimp which thrives abundantly in the town. This is a
celebration of nature’s abundant gift for Sebastehanons.