Sambalilo Festival

Nov 13, 2021 - 06:26 AM

SAMBALILO FESTIVAL

Creation of Sambalilo Festival was initiated by the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) and Magdapio Club in order to boost Cavinti’s tourism in 2003. The celebration was held in conjunction with Mayflower Festival, on May 16-25, 2003, targeting vacationers, local and foreign tourist since the influx of visitors is recorded on April and May. However, due to unknown reason, the said Festival was never been celebrated again until 2013 under the new administration thru Hon. Mayor Milbert de Leon Oliveros which they believed should be celebrated during the foundation day of Cavinti and Mayflower Festival will be celebrated separately. The new administration also believed that having two major festivals will surely boost the tourism industry. Consequently, the second celebration of the famous Sambalilo Festival was held on August 3-6, 2013 during Mayor Milbert Oliveros first term. Sambalilo Festival was launched during Cavinti’s Foundation day to boast the municipality’s tourism industry.

The term “Sambalilo” originated from the Spanish word “sombrero,” which means hat. It was used by people of Cavinti to protect them from rain and sun during work in the farm since the local weather in the municipality is unpredictable.

However, since sambalilo making become income generating and giant pandan (Pandanus utilissimus ) is indigenous and abundant in the municipality (in fact some pandan used by Municipality of Luisiana came from Cavinti), Sambalilo Festival was chosen by the municipality to promote the said craft and other pandan products. Further, the unique way on how it was crafted, can be used to boast the interest of potential tourists. Now, the Sambalilo Festival became the venue to show the different talent and skills of all ages of Cavintinians and venue to show the different style and quality of sambalilo and unique way how it was crafted. It also includes a sectoral parade and house decoration showing beautiful hats and colorful costumes made of pandan.