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Vienna, Austria — The rich cultural heritage of the Igorot people took center stage at the Say-Am Festival held at the Pfarrsaal of the Parish of the Holy Apostles, Salvatorianerplatz 1, 1100 Vienna. The event, a celebration of the six provinces of the Cordillera: Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province, featured various regional dances, traditional attire, and music that brought the vibrant spirit of the Igorot community to life in Austria.
The festival was graced by Her Excellency Ambassador Evangelina Lourdes Arroyo-Bernas, who served as the guest of honor. The ambassador commended the organizers for their efforts in promoting and preserving the cultural identity of the Filipino diaspora. She highlighted the importance of cultural events like the Say-Am Festival in strengthening the Filipino community abroad and bridging cultural gaps.
Several Filipino organizations in Vienna, along with the Council of Filipino Associations in Austria, joined the celebration, bringing together a diverse crowd of participants and spectators who shared an appreciation for the distinct traditions of the Cordillera region.
The Say-am Festival of the Igorot Organization in Austria
The Say-am Festival of the Igorot Organization in Austria is a traditional cultural celebration of the Igorot people, an indigenous group in the Cordillera region of the Philippines. The festival is deeply rooted in the customs and traditions of the Igorot, reflecting their cultural heritage, beliefs, and way of life. It is usually characterized by various rituals, dances, music, and ceremonial offerings. It is often held to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest, successful hunting, or other significant events such as weddings, peace agreements, or victories in battle. It serves as a thanksgiving ritual to honor the spirits and deities that the Igorot people believe in.
Traditional Music and Dance
The festival features traditional Igorot music, often involving indigenous instruments like gongs, bamboo, and drums. Dance performances, such as the “tadok” or “tayaw,” are central to the Say-am Festival. These dances mimic movements related to hunting or farming and are accompanied by rhythmic music.
The Say-am Festival is crucial in preserving the Igorot culture, allowing younger generations to learn about and participate in their traditional practices. It is a means of passing down their customs, oral traditions, and communal values.
A Community United by Culture
The festival served as a gathering for the Filipino community in Austria, particularly the Igorot diaspora, who were eager to share and celebrate their cultural roots. Leaders from the Council of Filipino Associations in Austria expressed gratitude to the attendees for their support, underscoring the importance of cultural preservation in maintaining a sense of identity, especially for the younger generation born and raised abroad.
The Pfarrsaal transformed into a vibrant setting filled with traditional decorations, echoed with gongs and chants, transporting the audience to the highlands of the Philippines. In addition to the dances, costumes showcasing traditional Igorot crafts, and traditional songs added to the immersive experience.
One of the Igorot leaders contended that the Say-Am Festival celebrates cultural pride and is a platform for dialogue and understanding.
The Say-Am Festival in Vienna is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Igorot people and the broader Filipino community in Austria. As the dancers took their final bows and the gongs echoed one last time, it was clear that the celebration was not just about cultural preservation but also about building a bridge between the past and the present, uniting people through shared heritage and tradition.
- Hector Pascua, Pictures: Facebook, Dolo de Jesus
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