The coastal municipality of Lala in Lanao del Norte, Philippines recently celebrated its 22nd Alimango Festival and 74th town charter day after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The week-long festivity, which concluded on March 24, brought together the local community in a colorful and lively celebration.
The festival enthusiasts were mesmerized by the street dancing competition where performers showcased their colorful costumes, props, and “crab dance” moves. The highlight of the festival was the showcase of the town’s famous crabs, which were sold at much lower prices by local cooperatives and associations.
However, this year, there was no “crab mountain,” which was a staple attraction of the festival in previous years. The traditional “crab mountain” involves thousands of crabs piled up to form a tower, but Mayor Angel “Tata” Yap stated that they scrapped the crab mountain this year to save on costs. Crab production had been affected by recent rains and floods in the province.
The resumption of traditional festivals like the Alimango Festival shows the resilience of Filipinos and their ability to find joy in the face of adversity, said Yap.
As the COVID-19 situation in the country continues to improve, it is expected that more festivals will be held to celebrate Filipino culture and traditions.
For the people of Lala, the return of the Alimango Festival was a welcome respite from the challenges of the pandemic. The festival was not just a celebration of Lala’s famous crabs but also a way for the local community to come together and showcase their culture and traditions.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the town was able to successfully hold its annual festival and provide a much-needed source of joy and unity for its residents. The festival enthusiasts expressed their excitement and gratitude to be part of the celebration once again after a long hiatus.
The resumption of the Alimango Festival brought a sense of joy and unity to the people of Lala. It was an opportunity for the community to come together and showcase their culture and traditions. The festival's success highlights the resilience of Filipinos in the face of adversity and gives hope that more celebrations of Filipino culture will be held in the future.