For the first time, the Municipality of Sofronio Española will not hold their annual town fiesta in line with the feast of Senior Sto.Niño, the patron of the parish who will celebrate its 60th year this January 17.
Española Municipal Tourism Officer Daniel Magbanua said that the cancellation of some major activities is in line with the safety protocols that the local government units needs to implement. Those activities that will not be celebrated this year are ati-atihan street dancing competition, the nightly activities and the traditional procession.
But Magbanua reiterates that there will be a high mass to be celebrated by the parish and it’s the activity of the Church and not the LGU. However, the people of Espanola can continue to prepare joyous foods on the day of the fiesta at their own homes.
“No fiesta celebration due to pandemic,” Magbanua said.
Aside from Española, the Barangay of Princess Urduja in Narra is also not conducting major activities for their Sto. Niño fiesta. Only a holy mass will be celebrated in their parish. This is also same with Brgy. Barotuan in El Nido, and in Brgy. Sicsican here in Puerto Princesa who use to conduct Ati-Atihan street dancing contest in the past.
