COLORFUL costumes and pulsating drumbeats will be showcased once again in the 45th Karansa Festival on Sunday, Sept. 21, in Danao City, Cebu. (Contributed photo)
CEBU CITY – All is set for the 45th Karansa Festival on Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Ramon M. Durano Sr. Sports Complex in Danao City, northern Cebu province.
The festival is Danao’s grand celebration in honor of its patron saint, Santo Tomas de Villanueva.
“We invite everyone to come and witness the Karansa Festival. It is a festival of thanksgiving, faith, and unity, a tradition that sets Danao apart from other cities in Cebu and the Philippines,” said Danao Vice Mayor Ivy Durano.
Karansa is known for its unique signature four-step dance ritual, performed by contingents in colorful costumes with pulsating drumbeats.
The dance is both an art form and an expression of devotion, symbolizing the resilient and joyful spirit of the Danawanon people, said Durano.
Durano explained that the four distinct Karansa steps are kiay (swaying), a graceful swaying of the body, symbolizing joy and celebration, kurug (shaking), a lively shaking movement that shows energy and resilience, karag (swaying/shaking), a combination of swaying and shaking, representing unity and togetherness, and karahay (juddering or jiggling), rapid movements expressing jubilation and thanksgiving.
“These four steps embody the essence of the Danawanon spirit — faith, unity, hard work, and gratitude,” Durano added.
The festival will include a street dancing competition and Karansa Festival Queen and Showdown Competition.