Murcia's Tinabuay Festival Set for December 4-8 with Shortened Schedule Amid Typhoon Recovery

The Municipality of Murcia is preparing to hold its annual Tinabuay Festival from December 4 through December 8, concluding on the feast day of its patroness, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

Mayor Gerry Rojas announced a more concise celebration this year, stating, "While our traditional festivities span from December 1 to 8, this year we have chosen to streamline the event out of respect for our community members affected by Typhoons Tino and Verbena. Our priority is to allocate resources and efforts to aid in their recovery."

Despite the shortened schedule, the festival will showcase nightly live performances by renowned bands and artists. The lineup includes Cali Island on December 4, Elias J TV Band on December 5, Siakol on December 6, Echo Claridad on December 7, and the Itchyworms headlining the closing night on December 8.

The festivities commence on Thursday, December 4, with a holy mass, a parade, and an opening program launching the Tinabuay Farmers Market. The market highlights quality agricultural products and handicrafts from Murcia’s 23 barangays. The day's agenda also features a Drum & Bugle Corps Competition in the morning, followed by the 2nd Invitational Fancy Drill Competition in the afternoon. Evening events include the Mur-Siga Float Parade, the "Siga Na Murcia Giant Wreath Competition," and a performance by the Central Philippine Adventist College (CPAC) Chorale.

On Friday, December 5, designated as Adlaw sg Kabataan (Youth Day), highlights include the Pinta Bangko Contest, which involves painting wooden benches with local themes, a Zumba Dance Showdown, Sing-Galing Daigon Edition, and the DepEd Night celebration.

Saturday, December 6, presents the inaugural Mayor Gerry Rojas Enduro Competition, Karera de Cintas Bike Race, and festivities honoring local farmers with Adlaw sg Mangunguma. The day also features the Murcia for Jesus event and social gatherings including the Association of Barangay Chairpersons and Sangguniang Kabataan Night.

Sunday, December 7, focuses on community welfare activities, including Social Welfare Day, the Mur Alupi Cooking Contest, a Boxing Competition, Market Vendors Day, a Car Show on Rizal Street, and the Reyna sg Tinabuay Beauty Pageant.

The festival culminates on Monday, December 8, with a mass wedding and a holy mass at the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish Church. The day will also include the Tinabuay Festival Street Dance & Arena Competition and "Cong. Javi’s Day," featuring a concert by 3rd District Representative Javi Benitez’s band.

The awarding ceremony and closing program will take place in the evening, followed by a fireworks display and Tanduay Night where the Itchyworms will perform live.

Mayor Rojas warmly invites the public, saying, "Join us in celebrating our town fiesta as we honor Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception for her blessings and protection. Mag tinabuay kita sa Murcia!"