The Mantawi Festival is an annual festival celebrated every May 7 in Mandaue City in Cebu,Philippines. The festival is a celebration of Mandaue's rich cultural and historical heritage
and its importance today as a commercial and industrial center of Cebu.
Local historians say that the name Mantawi is a species of indigenous vine or tree that abundantly grew in a cove in the shores of Cebu when the explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521.
The local government of Mandaue conceptualized the Mantawi Festival in 2002 to commemorate the historical value and economic significance of the founding of Mandaue to the history of the province of Cebu.
Based on my observation,Mantawi festival is the most anticipated festival of Mandauehanons.Participants from different corners of the city will join the said festival. They will showcase their one of a kind performance with their colorful and attractive costumes and fantastic dance steps. Numerous spectator either local or foreigner never miss to catch the fever of Mantawi Festival.
Furthermore, the whole experience upon watching the diorama floats is like watching a well-acted theater play. Adding colors to the celebration will be the street dancing. One of the highlights of the said event will be the giants made of paper. There will be lots of activities that are in line during Mantawi Festival. At the end of the festival, there will be a grand and awesome fireworks display.
Overall, the unique part of the Mantawi Festivals is the showcasing of the depiction
of life and culture during the Spanish occupation through street
dancing,diorama floats,heroes and great personages as Higantes,food festivals and sports events.
Unlike Sinulog Festival where the main focus is honoring Sto. Niño, Mantawi Festival street dancing is more on historical themes. Mantawi Festival is a grand celebration that you should watch. It is one of the most popular festival here not just in Cebu but in the whole country as well. Recently, it is already beginning to gather attention internationally.
