Paraw Regatta – A Festival of Colors
Above: The colorful sails of “Paraw Regatta” in Iloilo City
The Paraw Regatta is an annual event in Iloilo City, a celebration with the highlight of a colorful boat race held in the straits between Iloilo and Guimaras. The boats that are used in this competition are called Paraws thus the name of the festival. The design of these Paraws dates back to the ancient times during which the early people in this part of the world were still looking for stability. It is an undeniable fact that the Paraw has played a major part in the lives of the Ilonggos. The locals and tourists look forward to this exciting event which feature other competitions aside from the boat race itself.
The festival is done during the third weekend of February at Sto, Nino Sur, Villa, and has evolved from just a boat racing event that began in 1973 to a fun filled weekend of various competitions, concerts, and fun. The highlights of which include Miss Paraw, Beach Volleyball, Paraw Regatta Photo Competition , Fishing Contest, Pinta Paraw, and Pintawo.
Pinta Paraw is a painting activity in which amateur and professional painters paint the sails of the boats. This normally takes place a day before the race. Pintawo on the other hand is a fascinating body painting contest.
Above: Tourists taking pictures of the “Paraws”
The fishing contest is done to discourage dynamite fishing which can have detrimental effects on the livelihood of the people and on the water ecosystem in the area as well.
