The Association of Indigenous People of Benguet (Kabenguetan), a 300-member strong community of the indigenous peoples from Benguet, Philippines, is hosting the 9th Adivay celebration from July 1 to 3, 2023 at the Valens Lake Conservation Park in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
The Adivay (to come together) is a biennial gathering of the Kankana-ey, Ibaloi, Kalanguya and other ethnolinguistic groups from the Northern Philippines (collectively known as Igorots) that have migrated to Canada and the United States to celebrate culture, tradition and to unite as a community of settlers in Northern America. It mirrors the annual Adivay originally celebrated by the Benguet Province in the Philippines.
An anticipated 200 to 300 participants will grace the occasion which will be highlighted by the biggest Bindiyan Dance on July 2 - the main day of the 3-day camping. The Bindiyan Dance is a community circle dance originally from Kabayan, Benguet where the community performs 8 to 12 positions symbolizing the stages of a bountiful rice harvest.
Participants will also partake in traditional food such as the watwat that is prepared by butchering pigs that are seared over fire, sliced and cooked in tasty soup. Other pork delicacies include the pinuneg, dinawis, and snacks like lukto (sweet potato) and sticky rice dessert.
With the theme “Reunited to celebrate our culture and define our community’s resilient future,” this year's Adivay reconnects the community after a hiatus brought upon by the pandemic. With the celebration is the storytelling of the continuing resilience of the Benguet people rooted in their values of collectivity, respect, generosity, and diligence wherever they may be as a community.
The event is open to everyone who are eager to celebrate with the community, learn about the Igorot culture and forge connections to illuminate the abilities and aspirations of the community. Registration Fees are collected on site.
For inquries: Contact Gretchen Mangahas, President - smangahas27@gmail.com
JULY 2, SUNDAY MAIN EVENT 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
JULY 1 to 3 - OVERNIGHT CAMPING
Wonderful event!, As a fellow-eBenguet and co-architect of the Adivay biennial reunion between the KaBenguetan of Toronto and Benguet 13 East Coast, USA, I can't be more prouder of its continued evolution and success. I am sure, among my contemporaries up there, north of our border feels the same way. It is one of those social events in life that you look forward to every two years (thanks for Covid we missed some years). I wish I could be there this year but rest assure, I will be in the future. Enjoy everyone... mayat kuma eh pan-aaspulan jo. matagotago tako am-en!!!
one of the originals,
Pete T. Buasen