Kasadyahan sa Capiz

"KASADYAHAN SA CAPIZ"

Sinadya sa Halaran Festival

The Sinadya sa Halaran Festival is the joint festival of the City of Roxas and the Province of Capiz. It is a mixed festival in that it is celebrated for both cultural and religious reasons. It is celebrated every first weekend of December in commemoration of the Feast of the Virgin of the Immaculate Concepcion who also happens to be the patroness of the City of Roxas. Sinadya sa Halaran boasts of colorful activities like the grand parade of festivals, the fluvial parade, the lighted river floaters. There is also the traditional seafood festival and the grand pyrotechnic display.

Sinadya sa Halaran is one of Roxas City’s most important annual events and is fusion of two festivals – "Sinadya" (City) and "Halaran" (Province) which literally means joy in sharing and thanksgiving. It is celebrated on December 4-8 to commemorate the religious activities that embody the true Capiceño spirit. The highlights of the celebration are the Dancing Parade, ”Higantes”, Fluvial Parade, Fireworks display, Mutya sa Halaran beauty pageant, Coronation of the Fiesta Queen, and Agri-Aqua Trade Fair.

History of the Parish of Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral Roxas City Roxas City was formerly called Capiz.  Capiz came from the word "Kapris", a kind of shell still common today.  As a town, it was founded in 1693, as a parish, in 1707. In spite of its having been destroyed several times by the moros, Capiz became the capital of the province around the middle of 18th century due to its strategic location and prosperity. The Capizeños have always been friendly and peace-loving.  Only once was the public order disturbed during the Spanish regime. This happened during the time of Governor Duran who committed so many injustices.  As a result of these rampant abuses around 1,000 rose up against Duran. The timely intervention of the parish priest saved Duran his life; but only after he swore to correct the abuses. When Capiz became a diocese in 1951, Msgr. Vicente Gonzales was the incumbent parish priest. He was succeeded by the following: Msgr. Edmundo Fuerte, Msgr. Vicente Hilata, and Archbishop Onesimo C. Gordoncillo, the present parish priest.