Date of the Festival

Celebrated every 21st of March is the Kalap Festival, the official festival of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. This festival is a celebration of culture and history. Participated by various sectors of Calapan's broad citizenry, the people walk the city streets and move as one. It is intended to be a yearly celebration packed with performances, colorful floats, and most significant of all, historical values. Along the main streets, floats detail the defining moments of the city's past, an insight into the Calapan of today.

History

As historians say, Calapan comes from the word “kalap” which is believed to be a kind of tree. Others say “kalap” means the process of gathering wood or firewood. From this research, it developed into a deeper analysis and interpretation of the word “kalap” which became the basis of the festival celebration to gather series of historical facts about Calapan anchored on values of discipline, unity, and God-loving citizenry. Calapan was made into a chartered city on February 1, 1988 by virtue of Republic Act No. 8475 and ratified by a plebiscite held on March 21.

Description

Kalap Festival commemorates the founding anniversary of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. It celebrates the anniversary of the town of Calapan, highlighted by the street dancing and colorful float parade depicting the history of Calapan and the origin of its name from which the festival derived its name. A merry mixture of socio-civic, cultural, historical, and sports activities are part of the run of events.

Kalap Festival Activities

•  Grand parade

•  Street party

•  Bangkathon

•  Job fair

•  Mini olympics

•  Street dance

•  Fireworks display

•  Bulilit field demo

•  Search for Mutya ng Lungsod ng Calapan

•  Araw ng Kababaihan

•  Employees’ Day