In lieu of Kalesayahan, “Sa Ilalim ng Batingaw” float parade slated for 416th Araw ng Gasan

Gasan, Marinduque – The “Cultural Nerve Center” of the island puts up a grand float parade in celebration of its 416th foundation by August 20 (Wednesday) instead of the perennial Kalesayahan.

According to the Gasan Tourism Office, “Sa Ilalim ng Batingaw” is a vibrant float parade that highlights the rich heritage of the Municipality of Gasan. Each float tells the story of our town—its history, traditions, artistry, faith, and the enduring spirit of the Gaseños.

They are inviting one and all, “Come and witness the creativity and passion of each barangay as they showcase their unique contributions to Gasan’s cultural identity. Let us come together under the symbolic ringing of the batingaw—a call for unity, celebration, and cultural pride.”

The festivities on August 20, 2025, start as early as 7:00 am, and there’s an assembly at the  Gasan People’s Park and around the Poblacion Gasan -Gasan Municipal Compound. The LGU of Gasan encourages everyone to wear traditional/cultural attire and be part of this meaningful event that celebrates “who we are as Gaseños.”

Moreover, Bb. Araw ng Gasan 2025 talent competition and dance sport competition would be held on August 18 (Monday), where public and private high schools in town. There is going to be simultaneous tree planting (Gasan Arbor Day), synchronized breastfeeding in corollary with Buntis Congress, then a thanksgiving mass for municipal employees and barangay councils, and a search for G. and Bb. Araw ng Gasan 2025 coronation night all in by August 19 (Tuesday). On the day itself, August 20 (Wednesday), Galing ng Gaseño Float parade with the Bb. Araw ng Gasan winners and Galing ng Gaseño Barangay Got Talent awards night to cap off the yearly celebration.

Since 2002, the kalesa has competed in a “Kalesayahan” Festival as part of the celebration of Gasan Day. It is a festival held on August 20, where kalesas (horse-drawn carriages) are decorated using native and indigenous materials by the respective barangays of Gasan.

Based on the Local Culture Profile of the Municipality of Gasan, the town was established as a visita/pueblo by Fray Juan Rozado to honor San Bernardo in 1609. In addition, Gasan was formerly a place of coral stones, broken pieces of coral, and seashells. Hence, the easter Sunday Street dancing festival, “Gasang-Gasang.” # Randy T. Nobleza Ph. D.