Bring family, friends, and festivities together at the Higalaay Festival

Every year on August 28th, the streets of Cagayan de Oro come to life for the Higalaay Festival to honor the city’s patron saint, St. Augustine. Originally a modest religious practice dating back to the early 1900s, the festival has grown into a grand cultural showcase that brings the community together in spectacular fashion.

Honoring friendship and community spirit

During the Higalaay Festival, the city bursts into color with lively parades, street dancing, and creatively crafted floats. These are done through the collaborative efforts of local families and friends, showcasing their unity and shared culture.

Originating from "higala," the Cebuano word for "friend," the Higalaay Festival embodies Cagayan de Oro as the City of Golden Friendship. The collective effort not only highlights the creative spirit of the residents but also reinforces the strong bonds within the community.

Photo by Vhinz Tuqui: https://www.pexels.com/photo/children-posing-together-13040204/

Celebrate culture on the water

Experience the Higalaay fluvial procession, a spiritual and cultural spectacle honoring St. Augustine. Participants from various barangays sail along the river, carrying framed images of the patron saint and his mother, Monica. This procession sanctifies the river and promotes its protection, bringing the community together in a shared act of faith and environmental consciousness.

Colorfully dressed performers in vibrant costumes and elaborate headdresses dance in a festive parade along a city street.

Witness street performances

No Filipino festival is truly complete without lively street performances that make it come alive. Local schools and barangays sponsor these energetic dances, vivid costumes, and compelling stories set to lively music. These performances are so captivating that they’re broadcast for everyone to enjoy.

Experience creativity with floats

The float parade is a festival highlight where creativity shines. Businesses and organizations craft elaborate displays, competing for the title of "Best Float." A memorable part of the Higalaay Festival, this beloved event showcases local artistry and captivates audiences from across the country.

Bring your loved ones together

As the Higalaay Festival highlights the beauty of friendship, it’s the perfect time to bring friends and family under one roof. Ensure your home reflects a warm and inviting atmosphere where old memories are cherished and new ones are made.

Discover local agriculture and gardening

The Agri Fair and Garden Show shines a spotlight on Cagayan de Oro’s agricultural abundance and gardening expertise. It celebrates local green thumbs, showcases vibrant produce, and creates opportunities for income generation through plant cultivation, promoting both community pride and economic growth.

Here’s how IKEA can transform your living space into the perfect venue for reuniting with loved ones during the festivities.

Enhance your guest seating

Make your home ready to welcome friends and family in style and comfort. Our versatile sofa beds—FRIHETEN, ÄLVDALEN, and the elegant LANDSKRONA—are perfect for hosting guests during the festivities. Whether it’s a lively get-together after the Higalaay street dancing or a quiet night in, these sofa beds transform your living space effortlessly from cozy seating to restful sleeping areas.

A grey-green VALLKRASSING throw in the living room

Dine with elegance

Sharing delicious food is at the heart of every celebration, especially during Higalaay, where communal feasts symbolize friendship and unity. Enhance your dining space with timeless wooden craftsmanship from the SKOGSTA and HÄGERNÄS collections. These sturdy dining sets invite everyone to come together around a beautifully set table that reflects the warm and hearty spirit of the fiesta.

An antique stain pine HÄGERNÄS table and 4 chairs

Simplify post-celebration cleanup

After the joyous Higalaay Festival, tidying up can be a breeze with IKEA’s smart food storage solutions. Keep your kitchen orderly using the clear and durable containers from IKEA 365+, PRUTA, and ISTAD, designed to preserve leftover fiesta treats and keep ingredients fresh until your next kitchen creation. These handy organizers reduce your time spent cleaning, allowing you to enjoy the afterglow of the festival.

A square/plastic IKEA 365+ food container

Accommodate everyone comfortably

As Cagayan de Oro marks its 75th anniversary during Higalaay, you can expect many guests to come and celebrate. Make every space in your home a haven of comfort and warmth. Choose soft and durable rugs like STOENSE, MORUM, or STOCKHOLM to create cozy spots for loved ones to gather. And for peaceful rest after the bustling celebrations, the ÅFJÄLL and ÅBYGDA mattresses offer support and comfort.

An off-white STOENSE rug, low pile in the living room