Sandugo Festival
The Sandugo Festival is an annual celebration in the province of Bohol. It commemorates the blood compact between Datu Sikatuna, a local chieftain and Captain Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, Spanish explorer and colonizer. The Sandugo or Blood Compact which occured on March 16, 1565, symbolizes and seals their friendship and peace treaty.
The festivities start in March while the tribal street dance competitions begins in July to coincide with the
“Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan” (The People of Bohol) festival. It includes the re-anactment of the
blood compact, religious mass and street parade and dancing and search for the Miss Bohol.
The street dance competition which is the highlight of the festival is held in Tagbilaran City. Each group
creates its own dance with special colorful costumes and lively choreography.
Tags: blood compact, Bohol, Festival, Sandugo, street dancing, Tagbilaran City