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The Bonok-Bonok Festival: Celebrating the Downpour of Blessings in Surigao

September 10, 2025

The Bonok-Bonok Festival, also known as Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival, is a yearly cultural and religious festival and charter day celebration in Surigao City, the capital of the province of Surigao del Norte, Philippines.

The festival is held in honor of the patron saint of Surigao City, St. Nicholas of Tolentino (San Nicolas de Tolentino), who is also the patron saint of Zaragoza, Spain, the sister city of Surigao.

The festival is one of the oldest and most awaited events in the country and the region, as it celebrates the rich and diverse culture and heritage of Surigao.

The name of the festival comes from the word bonok, which means downpour in the local language. It symbolizes the blessings received from the Creator and the gratitude of the people for a yearlong bountiful harvest and peaceful living.

The festival originates from the pre-Hispanic practice among indigenous peoples Mamanwa and Manobo who performed dance rituals for the rains to come. The main feature of the festival is the Bonok-Bonok, an ethnic Mamanwa dance performed by the locals during fiesta, workshop, and wedding ceremonies.

The festival features various activities such as street dance competitions, fashion shows, trade fairs, musical concerts, sports events, chavacano song festival, Miss Surigao pageant, and the famous Regatta de Zamboanga, which is a race of colorful vintas (traditional sailboats).

The highlight of the festival is the nine-day novena and procession of St. Nicholas of Tolentino on his feast day, September 10. Thousands of devotees gather to pay homage and seek blessings from the saint.

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Details

Date:
September 10
Event Category:

Venue

Surigao del Norte
Surigao, Surigao del Norte Philippines + Google Map