Igorot in Canada to stage largest traditional community dance

Igorot in Canada to stage largest traditional community dance

June 19, 2023

The Association of Indigenous People of Benguet (Kabenguetan), a 300-member strong community of the indigenous peoples from Benguet, Philippines, is hosting the 9th Adivay celebration from July 1 to 3, 2023 at the Valens Lake Conservation Park in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.

The Adivay (to come together) is a biennial gathering of the Kankana-ey, Ibaloi, Kalanguya and other ethnolinguistic groups (collectively known as Igorots) that have migrated to Canada and the United States to celebrate culture, tradition and to unite as a community of settlers in Northern America. It mirrors the annual Adivay originally celebrated by the Benguet Province in the Philippines.

An anticipated 200 to 300 participants will grace the occasion which will be highlighted by the biggest Bindiyan Dance on July 2 – the main day of the 3-day camping. The Bindiyan Dance is a community circle dance originally

from Kabayan, Benguet where the community performs 8 to 12 positions symbolizing the stages of a bountiful rice harvest.

Participants will also partake in traditional food such as the watwat that is prepared by butchering pigs that are seared over fire, sliced and cooked in tasty soup. Other pork delicacies include the pinuneg, dinawis, and snacks like lukto (sweet potato) and sticky rice dessert.

With the theme “Reunited to celebrate our culture and define our community’s resilient future,” this year’s Adivay reconnects the community after a hiatus brought upon by the pandemic. With the celebration is the storytelling of the continuing resilience of the Benguet people rooted in their values of collectivity, respect, generosity, and diligence wherever they may be as a community.

The event is open to everyone who are eager to celebrate with the community, learn about the Igorot culture and forge connections to illuminate the abilities and aspirations of the community. Registration Fees are collected on site.

According to Kabenguetan President Gretchen Mangahas, “The Adivay is a way for us Benguet immigrants to  reconnect with our rooted cultural values and practices that are very much part of our identity. We bring the values of  community, resourcefulness, diligence and respect to our work and daily living in Canada which we have embraced as  our home. Building community enables us to have the courage to represent ourselves in the Canadian society especially  because historically, we are part of the cultural minority back in the Philippines.”

JULY 2, Sunday Program (MAIN EVENT)

7:00 am to 9:00 am – breakfast

9:30 am to 11:30 am – Parade of towns and LARGEST BINDIYAN DANCE PERFORMANCE 11:30 am to 12:00 am – Opening Program (Guest – Philippine Consul General in Toronto)

12:00 noon to 1:00 pm – Lunch

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Friendship games, parlour games, music and dance

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm – dinner

7:00 pm onwards – Cultural Presentations – dance, music, songs

(PRESS RELEASE)