Seafood, sails, and street vibes at Iloilo Paraw Regatta 2026

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The 53rd Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival will spotlight the city’s culinary heritage, with seafood taking center stage through new and returning events that highlight Iloilo’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

Festival chairperson John Lex Bayombong said this year’s theme, “Sailing Forward, Guided by Tradition,” reflects efforts to evolve while staying anchored to Iloilo’s seafaring roots.

“It highlights how the festival continues to evolve — embracing modern creativity, tourism growth, and environmental awareness — while remaining rooted in the traditions of Ilonggo seafaring communities,” Bayombong said.

“The theme positions the Paraw Regatta not just as a sporting event, but as a cultural legacy passed from one generation to the next,” he added.

A new event, the Kusina Regatta Cook-off: Bugay sang Baybay Challenge, is set for Feb. 27 at Tatoy’s in Arevalo.

The seafood-themed cook-off will feature students from culinary schools across Iloilo preparing appetizers, main dishes and desserts using traditional seafood ingredients reimagined with contemporary flair.

Festival creative and artistic director Aldene Duyag said the competition pays tribute to coastal communities whose livelihoods depend on the sea.

“It’s their livelihood to go fishing and get seafood. One of their livelihoods is to sell what they capture in the sea,” Duyag said.

He said the event also aims to highlight the abundance of marine resources and the creativity of Ilonggo cooks.

A food festival is scheduled from Feb. 26 to March 1 in Barangay Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo, where food kiosks will offer seafood dishes and local specialties.

Junior Chamber International Iloilo will stage the Sinamba sa Regatta on Feb. 28 at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.

JCI Iloilo President Rogie Joan Villasis said participating groups are expected to compete, with performances incorporating local seafood themes in keeping with the city’s gastronomy distinction.

Three side events will complement the showcase, including Pinta Tawo, which focuses on transformational art inspired by food.

Other events include Pinta sa Regatta, opening Feb. 15 at Tatoy’s Arevalo, and Pinta Layag, beginning Feb. 23 at John B. Lacson Maritime Foundation University-Arevalo.

Traditional crowd favorites will also remain at the heart of the festival.

These include the Paraw Sailing Training Workshop from Feb. 23 to 25 and the Paraw Aquathlon on Feb. 28.

The main sailing races and the Pinta Layag competition are set for Arevalo Beach on March 1.

The festival will close with the Lighted Paraw and a fireworks display on closing night.

The Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival is one of the city’s long-running maritime events, featuring traditional sailboats known as paraw and activities that celebrate coastal culture, tourism and local heritage.