BY NEL ANDRADE
The celebration for Tanay, Rizal’s 418th founding anniversary kicked off with activities showcasing the town’s culture, arts and nature on Nov. 8, Friday.
On Friday morning, a zumba session participated in by residents from the town's villages was held at the plaza followed by a pro-environment drive that encourages waste recycling.
November 8 was declared by Malacanang as a non-working holiday in Tanay to enable the residents to celebrate the town's 418th foundation day.
On November 9, Saturday, various groups including schools and offices in the municipal government that are based in the town will hit the streets in the afternoon to join the grand parade and street dancing competition.
Participants in the dance competition will vie for the best performer group and best in costume and props as judges pick their choices during the festive event that will be held at the town’s public market parking lot.
Students rehearse with their musical instruments on November 7 in preparation for the street dance competition on November 9 (photo by Nel Andrade)
The town’s Plaza Rizal is the venue for coffee drinkers and entrepreneurs as the town’s very own coffee beans harvested by the local coffee and cacao farmers will feature their agricultural produce during the event dubbed as “Musikape, Salabat, Tsokolate”.
In the event that will be held from November 7 to 11, musical performances will be part of the nightly show which also be a competition of skills and talents of the local baristas.
Ongoing at the Tanay Park until November 10 is the trade fair dubbed as Agri Trade Fair and Exhibit 2024 showcasing the local produce of the farmers with various agricultural products, including vegetables and fruits and livestock being sold for the public.
On November 10 at 8 a.m., the local government will host the “Meryendang Tanay”, a gathering of balikbayans and their friends showcasing the popular local delicacies of the town.
On November 12, indigenous tribes from the upland villages of the Tanay will showcase their talents in ethnic skills exhibition and competition.
Schedules of other activities in line with the town's foundation anniversary are highlighted in the municipality's tourism Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/tanaytourism/.
