Butunons give tribute to Agusan River thru Abayan Festival

Butuanons commemorated the annual celebration of Abayan Festival in honor of St. Anne, the patroness of Agusan River, last July 31.

The feast which is yearly held as part of Butuan City’s Charter Day Celebration aims to obtain safety against the crocodiles which infested the river. In order for them to cast the devil away from the river, people seek the miraculous help of Santa Anna.

This year, the Abayan Festval started with a Fluvial Parade which cruised around the Agusan River, participated by the different barangays. Barangay Agao emerged as the over-all champion with its colorful and artistic fluvial boat.

Meanwhile, the City of Butuan and the City of Tourism Office held a Dragon Boat Race participated by the FSUU Blue Dragons of Butuan City and the Bugsay San Luis of San Luis Agusan Del Sur. The said race was divided into two category, the 2000 meters open mixed category and 2-heat 200 meters men category. Bugsay San Luis took home the championship for the first category, while the FSUU Blue Dragons bagged the title for the second contest.

Aside from the water events, the crowd was also entertained by the cheer dancing and drum and lyre competitions held at Philippine Port Authprity grounds.

The said competitions were participated by the different schools here in Butuan.

The Butuan City School of Arts and Trade (BCSAT) was proclaimed champion for the cheer dancing competition while Caraga State University(CSU) bagged the trophy for the drum and lyre competition.