What makes Zamboanga City unique?

 Zamboanga, a city that encapsulates the blend of Malay, Spanish, and Islamic traditions.

Datu Ulap

Zamboanga City is unique in that it encapsulates what the Philippines really is all about, and that is the blending of Eastern and Western cultures.

This manifests itself in many unique ways.

• City Hall decorated with traditional vinta boat designs.

The locals speak a unique language called Chavacano, the only Spanish creole language in Asia. The grammar is very Austronesian while the vocabulary is mostly Spanish-derived. Other languages in the country have a lot less Spanish influence.

• Fort Pilar was built in the Spanish colonial era in the 17th century. A Marian shrine was erected on the wall in 1960 showing Catholic influence.

Islam is also represented in the city as well. Today, 35% of Zamboanga residents are Muslim.

• Taluksangay Mosque, built in 1885. 

• Construction of Sadik Grand Mosque, once finished, will be considered the largest mosque in the Philippines.

The vinta boat is the traditional boat of the Sulu Archipelago and Zamboanga, and is one of the most famous symbols of the city.

• The vinta are locally known as lepa-lepa or sakayan, and are used by the Yakan, Sama-Bajau, and Tausug people.

• The Regatta de Zamboanga is an annual vinta boat race.

Indigenous cultures in Zamboanga retain many Islamic, Malay, and native values. The Yakan people are one of the Moro people groups that have settled in Zamboanga.

• The Yakan village is a place to get traditional Yakan weaves. The Yakan are known for their colorful and geometric patterns.

• Many of the Yakan people fled Basilan in the 1970s and 1980s to escape the armed conflict. Today they have established their own communities in Zamboanga.  

• Traditional Yakan wedding in Zamboanga. The wedding ritual is known for its tanyak-tanyak, or facial paintings with geometric shapes made of talcum powder and water.

Zamboanga has always been a mixture of these cultures. 

• Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray visiting Zamboanga and indulging in the local culture and food scene. 

• Zamboanga was known as a city of mixed cultures even back in 1966. 

• Zamboanga in 1940, starts at 14:10

Zamboanga, much like Mindanao, has a unique culinary scene.

• Satti is the local version of satay, eaten with sticky rice, and is a popular breakfast item. It is served with a sauce or gravy.

• Spanner crab is another local specialty. This crab is local to the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago. The dish is called curacha in Chavacano and kagang pamah in Tausug. It is cooked with coconut milk, ginger, chili, and other spices. 
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