CAGAYAN de Oro City— If you're looking for a festival that offers more than colorful performances, the 67th Araw ng Lanao del Sur invites visitors to experience a province where culture, resilience, and hospitality come together.
Held throughout July, the month-long celebration features the Pakaradiyaan o Sarimanok 2026 festival, inspired by the legendary Sarimanok—a symbol of beauty, hope, and good fortune in Maranao culture.
Beyond the festivities, the event gives visitors a chance to discover how Lanao del Sur continues to rebuild and thrive years after the 2017 Marawi Siege.
One of the celebration's highlights is the Ranaw Heritage Village, where local towns showcase their products and traditions.
At the Piagapo booth, visitors can buy fresh strawberries grown by families displaced by the Marawi conflict, turning what was once a story of loss into one of recovery and livelihood.
Food lovers can enjoy the Pagana Maranao, a traditional feast featuring signature Maranao dishes served as a symbol of generosity and community.
It's an opportunity to experience local flavors while learning about the customs behind every meal.
The festival also celebrates faith and culture through the "Step Toward Iman" competitions, where young participants demonstrate their skills in Qur'an recitation and Arabic calligraphy, reflecting the province's rich Islamic heritage.
Beyond the entertainment, the celebration also brings services closer to residents.
Through Ranaw Serbisyo Day, more than 1,000 senior citizens receive medical, dental, and optical services, while qualified beneficiaries receive financial assistance—showing how the anniversary also serves as a platform for community care.
Visitors can extend their trip by exploring Gatong Waterfall, about 37 kilometers from Marawi City.
The 13.5-meter waterfall offers a scenic escape for nature lovers and photographers.
Festival organizers have also stepped up security, with barangay peacekeeping teams and police deployed across activity venues to help ensure a safe and orderly celebration for residents and tourists alike.
More than a cultural showcase, Araw ng Lanao offers visitors the chance to experience the province's enduring spirit.
Whether you're interested in history, food, culture, or nature, the celebration offers a meaningful glimpse into a community that continues to move forward with resilience and pride.
