By Benjie Cuaresma
ILOILO CITY — Dozens of traditional paraw boats with brightly colored sails filled the waters off the Arevalo district on March 1 as participants prepared for the 53rd Paraw Regatta Festival, one of the region’s most celebrated cultural and sporting events.
The annual race, considered the longest-running and largest traditional sailing competition in Southeast Asia, covers a 30-kilometer route starting from Villa Beach in Arevalo, crossing to Guimaras Island, and returning to Iloilo’s shoreline.
First held in 1973, the Paraw Regatta continues to highlight the craftsmanship and cultural significance of the region’s double-outrigger sailboats, known locally as paraw. Built using traditional techniques, the vessels have long been part of the maritime livelihood and identity of coastal communities in Western Visayas.
Beyond the race itself, the festival also serves as a showcase of local heritage, drawing spectators, sailing enthusiasts, and tourists who gather along the coast to witness the colorful sails and celebrate Iloilo’s seafaring tradition.
elamigo/
