The Saulog Tagbilaran is the centerpiece of the fiesta celebration in honor of our revered patron saint, Sr. San Jose. The people or Tagbilaran express a gesture of gratitude through festive display of dances, food, pageantry, exhibits and events.
Tagbilaran City usually starts the activities related to Saulog on March 16. The activities culminate on the city’s fiesta which is on May 1st of each year.
The Saulog Tagbilaran festival also contributes to the richness of global festivals. The people of this city take great pride of Saulog Tagbilaran as one of the premier arts, culture and lifestyle festivals in the country.
Saulog Tagbilaran seeks to strengthen the tourism industry of Tagbilaran City by featuring local talents, artistry and crafts. Music, visual arts and dances of local performers are gathered under one cultural umbrella. Saulog Tagbilaran is expected to draw large crowds of spectators not just within the city but from other places in the province and even from outside Bohol.
Tagbilaranons expect the Saulog Tagbilaran to generate significant economic benefits for the city and its local businesses through increased visits from local and tourists, as well as, balikbayans.
This year 2023, the Saulog Tagbilaran Festival will celebrate its 10th year anniversary with the grand street dancing, Mutya sa Tagbilaran beauty pageant, sports tournaments and other big events. The events are expected to relive the festival’s pre-pandemic glory.
This year’s celebration is a fitting tribute to Tagbilaranon’s resilience amidst adversity. The festival is a way to show our people’s gratefulness to God through St. Joseph the Worker.
THE MEANING OF SAULOG TAGBILARAN STREETDANCING STEPS
The Saulog Tagbilaran features basic steps and movements.
The steps used in the street dancing tilt have meaning. Get to learn more about the meaning of the steps.
1. “Panguros” – which is the execution of the sign of the cross, which is a Catholic christian gesture of faith and veneration to the Almighty.
2. “Pagsapilya ug Pagdukduk” – These steps are characterized by a series of change step patterns done progressively, with arm movements interpreting the carpenter’s movements when working. St. Joseph the Worker was a carpenter, according to accounts in the Holy Bible.
3. “Paghalad” – This step depicts the offering of the people to God through St. Joseph the Worker.
4. “Pagsaulog” – This is a movement showing the festive moods of the participants in the street dancing.