Pandan is a municipality almost embraced bodies of water kissing the waves of Pacific Ocean and Maqueda Channel. It lies at the northern tip of province, 96 kilometers from the capital town of Virac. “Dinahit”, a wind- driven sailing vessel used by maritime ancestors, is theme of this particular Festival in an effort to awaken “Pandanons”love for of its history, culture. It is a celebration of the farmers and fishermen in their good catch and harvest, those who labor hard under the sun and above the seas.
Dinahit Festival is the prime activity during the summer season in Pandan, Catanduanes. “Dinahit” is a term used by local folks in Catanduanes in referring to the wind-driven (ikanlayag) sailing vessel with twooutriggers used by mariners, the Austronesians in going to Pandan. Dinahit was derived from local term “pinagadahit”, meaning to drag to shore or safety.
2024 Dinahit Festival Schedule of Events and Activities
Over the centuries, the dinahit survived colonial prohibitions and technological competition, it sailed the surrounding waters of Catanduanes communities. It is the epitome of the triumph of tradition over foreign cultural domination. The festival was first introduced in 1993 by Efren B. Isorena, a UP Professor who is also a Pandananon. The idea was conceived while they were sailing off the shore of barangay Canlubi along with Mr. Eddie Ibardaloza and Mr. Romeo Aco.
Source: Ako si Bunorako