Capiztahan 2026 generally peaceful despite cuts

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — The celebration of Capiztahan Festival 2026 from April 13 to 19 was generally peaceful, according to Police Col. Albert Tapulao Jr., director of the Capiz Police Provincial Office.

The weeklong celebration opened with a street party at the Pueblo de Panay TechnoPark featuring OPM artists Rob Deniel, Morissette and Arthur Nery.

Capiztahan is the province’s annual festival commemorating the founding of its civil government and celebrating Capiznon heritage, history and creativity.

Despite some activities being canceled by the provincial government because of the Middle East crisis, organizers said the celebration was successful.

The event also marked the official debut of the new Capiz Provincial Capitol as the province’s main administrative hub.

Despite the scaled-down approach, several major events remained focal points of the celebration.

Among the key activities were the Surambaw Seafood Festival, which underscored Capiz’s reputation as a seafood hub, the Maragtas Street Market and nightly street parties that served as primary gathering spaces, and the Maragtas sang Capisnon Historical Parade, which showcased the province’s cultural roots.

Other highlights included the Capiztahan Battle of the Bands, cultural performances at multiple sites, and the Capiztahan 2026 Grand Job Fair aimed at boosting employment opportunities.

Sports events such as the Capiztarun Half Marathon and the Panay Ride were also part of the festival lineup.

A pyromusical show billed as “A Fireworks Symphony in Harmony” was also among the featured attractions during one of the festival’s peak nights.

Trade fairs, farmers markets and various tournaments also remained part of the program, but were consolidated in major locations such as Pueblo de Panay TechnoPark and commercial centers to improve efficiency.

The presence of former governors, including Esteban Evan “Nonoy” Contreras, Esteban Ivan “Dodoy” Contreras Sr. and Vicente Bermejo, added significance to the opening rites and reflected continuity in leadership.

Vice Gov. James Mitang Magbanua said the gathering of past and present officials demonstrated a shared commitment to progress despite economic challenges.

Capiztahan, which ran until April 19 with additional post-event activities scheduled in the following days, continued to celebrate Capiznon identity, culture and unity under the banner of “One Capiz.”