Paraw Regatta

The Paraw regatta is a race among seafarers on colorful sailboats called Paraws in the straits bewtween Guimaras Island and the city of Iloilo. The present-day paraw managed to maintain its original design from the sailboats of the first settlers from Borneo who were in search of a peaceful home in 1212 A.D. Surviving centuries, the paraws have become a vital part of the Filipino seafaring life.


Photo courtesy of www.wowphilippines.com.ph

The first race started in 1973 with the mission to preserve the historic value of the paraws. It is held every 3rd weekend of February at Tatoy's Manokan, Sto. Nino Sur, Villa, Iloilo City. Today, the event has grown from being a boat race to a festival with various interesting and exotic activities.

And as Ilonggos take pride of their history and culture, so do the sailors and the boatmakers who have inherited a legacy that became synonymous to the birth of a province and the Hiligaynon-speaking region of the country.

Included in the yearly celebration is the Pinta Paraw, where sails are painted by profesional and amatuer artists a day before they actually take off to sail. Another fascinating event is called the Pintawo body-painting contest.

Miss Paraw, Beach Volleyball, and Paraw Regatta Photo Competition are the other events included in the celebration. Also, one of the highlights of this sea festival is the Iloilo Governor Fishing Contest, a campaign against dynamite fishing.

Come to Iloilo and marvel at the sight of colorful paraws!