Cotabato City Celebrates Shariff Kabunsuan Festival with Vibrant Fluvial Parade

COTABATO CITY: The Bangsamoro people marked a significant moment in their history with a grand fluvial parade on the Rio Grande de Mindanao, reenacting the arrival of Islamic missionary Shariff Kabunsuan. This event, a highlight of the weeklong Shariff Kabunsuan Festival, commemorates the introduction of Islam to Mindanao by the Arab-Malay missionary from Johor over 500 years ago.

According to Philippines News Agency, the festival is a testament to the region’s commitment to preserving its Islamic identity. He called for a collective effort to deepen the understanding of Shariff Kabunsuan’s legacy and to embrace the future with faith and confidence.

The procession featured approximately 100 motor boats, both large and small, adorned with colorful decorations. The main boat, draped in vibrant tribal weaves, symbolized the vessel that carried Shariff Kabunsuan. It was followed by three to four larger boats and 55 other smaller, ornament-clad boats. Spectators along the banks of the Rio Grande de Mindanao cheered as the ornate watercrafts sailed past during the ‘Guinakit fluvial parade,’ a key feature of the annual festival celebrated every 19th of December. The term ‘Guinakit’ refers to a convoy of boats embellished with Muslim colorful textiles.

The flotilla reached its destination at the riverbank of Barangay Kalanganan 2, mirroring the historic landing site of Shariff Kabunsuan. The culmination of the festival saw the boat symbolizing the Arab-Malay missionary continue its journey upstream to the Bangsamoro Ports Management Office in Barangay Poblacion 4.

This year’s Shariff Kabunsuan Festival, themed ‘Honoring Traditions, Forging New Horizons,’ not only commemorated the past but also signified the Bangsamoro people’s aspirations for the future.