SAN ESTEBAN, ILOCOS SUR – The shoreline of San Esteban transformed into a vibrant kaleidoscope of culture and tradition as the municipality officially kicked off the 2026 Kabaybayan Festival. The annual celebration, which honors the town’s deep-rooted connection to the sea and its resilient spirit, drew thousands of residents and tourists to the historic Bateria district.

Honoring the “Town of Stone”

This year’s theme highlights the unique geological and spiritual identity of San Esteban. The festival opened with a grand civic parade featuring colorful floats inspired by the town’s famous landmarks, including the Moro Watchtower (Bateria) and the legendary “Stone from Heaven” meteorite shrine.

“The Kabaybayan Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a testament to our history as guards of the coast,” said local organizers. The name itself reflects the community’s life “by the shore” (baybay), celebrating the bounty of the West Philippine Sea that has sustained the town for generations.

Festival Highlights

The week-long festivities featured a variety of events designed to showcase both local talent and the town’s natural beauty:

  • Street Dancing Competition: Youth groups from various barangays competed in performances that depicted the town’s defense against ancient pirate raids and the miraculous arrival of the “Stone from Heaven”.
  • Coastal Clean-up & Marine Advocacy: In line with the town’s commitment to its Fish Sanctuary, the festival included environmental initiatives to protect the thriving artificial reefs and the WWII Japanese shipwreck lying just offshore.
  • Agro-Industrial Fair: Local farmers and fishers displayed San Esteban’s famous delicacies, including niniyog and fresh seafood catches.
  • Spiritual Pilgrimage: Devotees led a procession to the Grotto of San Esteban and La Sagrada Montaña, offering prayers for a safe and bountly fishing season.

A Boost for Local Tourism

The festival serves as a major pillar for the 2nd District’s tourism circuit. Visitors were encouraged to explore the newly promoted Dive Sites and the historic Liberation Landing Site, where Allied forces once stood during the closing days of World War II.

As the sun set behind the silhouette of the Virgin Mary atop the celestial rock, the opening day concluded with a spectacular fireworks display over the bay, signaling another year of prosperity and unity for the people of San Esteban.