Binirayan Festival Boosts Tourism in Antique, Philippines with their Fully Booked Accommodations and Successful Trade Fair

Published on December 30, 2025

The Binirayan Festival has been found to be one of the factors that have contributed largely to both the development and influx of tourists within the province of Antique in the Philippines. According to Celestino Dalumpines, consultant of the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, the hotels, inns, and resorts in the province were fully booked during the month-long Binirayan Festival that culminated on Monday.

Although there are no specific statistics available on this, local accommodations have noted some difficulty in coping with the large demand for accommodations, while local restaurants experienced a continuous stream of customers during the said event. The large number of visitors contributed to the rising popularity of the Binirayan Festival as a tourism-related event in the region.

Economic Impact of the Pasundayag Trade Fair

A highlight of the festival was the Pasundayag, a trade fair that showcased local products and generated significant economic activity. As of December 29, the fair had accumulated PHP 2.5 million in sales, underscoring the economic impact of the event on the province. This trade fair not only promoted local craftsmanship and agriculture but also provided a platform for small businesses and entrepreneurs to reach a broader audience, further boosting the province’s economy.

The combination of the Pasundayag trade fair and the festival’s events helped increase foot traffic, creating new opportunities for local vendors and enhancing Antique’s reputation as a destination for both tourism and local commerce.

Community Engagement and Cultural Showcase

One of the most captivating aspects of the Binirayan Festival was the reenactment of the arrival of the 10 Bornean datu (chieftains) and the establishment of the first barangay in Malandog, Hamtic. This historical reenactment, which was warmly received by both locals and visitors, is central to the festival’s celebration of Antique’s cultural heritage. The event reflects the province’s Malay roots and the courageous spirit of the ancestors who ventured in search of freedom and peace.

Dalumpines noted that the reenactment was particularly impressive this year, as it featured Antiqueños proudly portraying roles and showcasing the rich culture and traditions of the region. To ensure the continued success of this vital aspect of the festival, a production team will be established, led by local artist Sammy Rubido, to train Antiqueños for future performances. The goal is to further enhance the authenticity and engagement of the reenactment for the Binirayan Festival 2026.

Looking Ahead: Early Preparations for Binirayan Festival 2026

With the success of this year’s festival, preparations for the Binirayan Festival 2026 are already underway. Governor Paolo Everardo Javier has instructed the tourism office to begin preparations as early as February to ensure the continued success and growth of the festival. The 2026 edition will see the addition of stage plays in barangays and municipalities as a prelude to the main event, similar to what was done this year. These performances will engage local communities and provide a deeper cultural experience for both residents and visitors.

Future Growth and Sustaining the Festival’s Legacy

The Binirayan Festival has become an important tourist attraction for Antique, Philippines, but more importantly, it is a significant activity that helps to sustain the history and cultural heritage of the province. The festival is actually the province’s way of honoring its identity, particularly its roots from the Malay descendants. As the festival gains popularity, more visitors will surely benefit its economic contribution.

Looking ahead, the Binirayan Festival is a true success story in terms of how cultural tourism can be used to stimulate the economy as well as the cultural pride of a region. With the planning in motion, the festival is set to be an ever more important cultural phenomenon in the years to come, putting Antique firmly in the frame as a destination in the Philippines.