Starting last March 19 until March 5, the people of Leganes are paying homage to their patron saint, San Vicente Ferrer--- often pictured with wings, a Valencian Dominican friar who gained acclaim as a missionary and a logician and was honored as a saint of the Catholic Church. 

The celebration is called Saad Festival, one of Iloilo’s most special and important religious festivals.

Leganes is famous for its iconic church. During the saint’s feast day, people visit the church for the “Palapak” where the priest gently presses the base of a small image of San Vicente Ferrer on the head of the devotee. 

A huge crowd usually lines-up for the “palapak”, to light candles, offer prayers and join the Eucharist in honor of the miraculous St. Vincent Ferrer. 

It is believed that the image can heal various illnesses and prevent calamities.

Meanwhile, the municipal streets are now decked with flags and streamers and there is entertainment nightly at the plaza.

Today, there will be a Grand Civic Parade and a Magical Concerto; tomorrow, April 2, a Sound Showdown and the annual Miss Saad Festival Beauty Pageant; April 3, Sports Activities and the Battle of Sounds; April 4, Saad Festival Proper with a Sinadsad Dance Parade at 8 a.m., Eucharistic Celebration at 4 p.m., Procession at 5 p.m., the Saad Festival Cultural Dance Competition at 6 p.m., and the Awards Night and Street Party and Fireworks Display at 8 p.m.; and April 5, Masses for St. Vincent Ferrer, Fiesta Day and the Coronation of Fiesta Queen 2013.

For the parade, people are dressed in traditional Filipino costumes and parade the streets while carrying sculptures and images of St. Vincent Ferrer. 

Meanwhile, the dance competition is a worship dance accompanied by their Saad music composed mainly of Hiligaynon folk songs. Their praise dance is upbeat and faster in tempo. The choreography would include movements that convey specific symbols of worship such as a cross, and specific acts of worship such as kneeling. Clapping, rocking of the body, and waving of the hands are also typical movements. They are prayers through movement evoking an adoration of their patron saint within the hearts of an audience. 

To get to Leganes, one can take a 20-minute jeepney ride from Jaro Plaza. 

For more information, contact, Jerry Anas, municipal tourism officer 09127721033.*