Honoring culture and heritage: Danao City celebrates Karansa Festival 2023

Karansa Festival’s street dancers give it their all.
Karansa Festival’s street dancers give it their all.
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In the heart of Danao City, the vibrant and much-anticipated Karansa Festival returned with a triumphant roar after a four-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This extraordinary celebration of faith, culture, and heritage brought the streets of Danao City to life once more, painting them in an explosion of colors and energy.

The festival took place on September 17, 2023, and was graced by the presence of Danao City Mayor Thomas Mark “Mix” H. Durano and Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III, along with esteemed Senator Imee Marcos and other city officials, added to the festive atmosphere, radiating their passion for Danao City and its cherished traditions.

The Karansa Festival, a beloved tradition of the Danawanons, kicked off with the nostalgic beats of the Karansa drums echoing through the city streets, a sound that stirred emotions and signaled the grand comeback of this cherished event. Months of dedication and preparation culminated in a stunning display of talent as 10 contingents from the city’s local schools graced the streets with synchronized movements and exuberant chants during the Street Dancing Competition.

Each contingent, adorned in intricate and colorful costumes, mesmerized the onlookers with their graceful performance of the four signature Karansa dance steps: Kiay, Kurug, Karag, and Karahay. The city’s streets became a stage where culture and tradition intertwined, creating a mesmerizing spectacle

The grandeur of Karansa didn’t stop there. The Ramon Durano Sr. Sports Complex (Oval) became the epicenter of jaw-dropping performances during the Ritual Showdown and the Karansa Festival Queen competition. Audiences were treated to a visual feast as contingents showcased their creativity, talent, and deep connection to the city’s rich culture and patron saint, Sto. Tomas de Villanueva.

The winners of these competitions truly embodied the spirit of the Karansa Festival, demonstrating not only their skills but also their unwavering dedication to preserving Danao City’s cultural heritage.

Here is the list of winners:

Ritual Showdown Competition

Grand Winner: Contingent #10 - “Pundok sa Nagkahiusang Mahudyakang Guinsayanon” (Guinsay National High School)

1st Runner Up: Contingent #5 - “Pundok sa Nagkahiusang Loocanon” (Bibiana Mercado Integrated School)

2nd Runner Up: Contingent #4 - “Tribu ni Beatriz” (Beatriz D. Durano MNHS)

3rd Runner Up: Contingent #7 - “Tribu Sabanganon” (Sabang National High School)

Karansa Festival Queen

Karansa Festival Queen 2023: Candidate #8 Mary Beth Ed Martel of “Hugpong sa Mahudyaka ug Remarkadong Danawanon” (DT Durano MIS)

1st Runner Up: Candidate #4 Christine Isabelle Rudolph of “Tribu ni Beatriz” (BDDMNHS)

2nd Runner Up: Candidate #10 Eden Grace Mendez of “Pundok sa Nagkahiusang Mahudyakang Guinsayanon” (Guinsay NHS)

These winners not only took home the crowns and trophies but also the hearts of the audience with their stunning performances.

The Karansa Festival is more than just a dance; it’s a celebration of culture and heritage, a heartfelt tribute to the city’s patron saint, Sto. Tomas de Villanueva. The enchanting rhythms and movements of the Karansa, performed every third Sunday of September in Danao City, has become a testament to the enduring spirit of the Danawanons. 

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