(Photo Courtesy,Ericson Tuazon Cabrera Facebook)
TACLOBAN CITY — As dusk settles over Carigara, Leyte, ordinary streets come alive with towering arches, dazzling lights, and stories carved into every detail. For this year’s 431st fiesta celebration, the historic Leyte town has once again transformed its town proper into a vibrant showcase of culture and heritage through its signature attraction, “Kalsada ni Gara.”
Far more than colorful fiesta decorations, the heritage-inspired arches lining Carigara’s streets serve as visual narratives of the town’s centuries-old history, traditions, and identity.
This year’s “Kalsada ni Gara” features 10 intricately designed arches created by clustered barangays and various local government departments, turning the municipality into an open-air gallery where art, history, and community pride converge.
For Carigara Mayor Eduardo Ong Jr., the project is about redefining how a town celebrates its annual fiesta.
“During fiesta sa lahat ng town, meron talagang banderitas, but we are bringing it to the next level by making sure na every street sa Carigara ay may mga arch sa town proper. Nakikita ninyo na hindi lang siya art lang, but it reflects the culture of Carigara and what makes Carigara unique,” Ong said.
Unlike traditional fiesta decorations that primarily add color to the festivities, each arch tells a unique story inspired by Carigara’s heritage, craftsmanship, and local traditions. Organizers deliberately gave participants creative freedom, requiring only that the entries remain non-political and free from images of politicians.
The result is a collection of installations that celebrates not personalities but the town itself—its people, history, and enduring traditions.
Ong said the initiative is designed to deepen appreciation for Carigara’s cultural heritage while encouraging residents, especially the younger generation, to take pride in their roots despite the rapid pace of modernization.
“This is our way of showing who we are as Carigaranons. Every display, every performance, and every product tells a story about our town,” the mayor said.
Held annually as part of the July 16 fiesta honoring the town’s patron saint, “Kalsada ni Gara” has evolved into one of Carigara’s most anticipated attractions, drawing residents, returning hometown visitors, and tourists who stroll through streets illuminated by heritage-themed arches and festive lights.
More than a visual spectacle, the event has become a celebration of identity—one where every street corner offers a glimpse into Carigara’s past while reaffirming the community’s commitment to preserving its cultural legacy for generations to come.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
