Relive the epic story of the ancient heroes is the theme

of the Ibalong Festival a feast that is celebrated

every second week of October, and last for days, in Legaspi, Albay. 

People involved in this clamorous merriment parade in the

streets wearing masks and costumes to imitate the appearances

of the heroes and the villains, portraying the classic battle

that made its way to the history of Bicol.

In this event, the spectators also play a good part of the celebration.

People who dress in outstanding costumes win prizes,

while everyone else is invited to dance behind the floats in the band’s music.

 Not only costumes of the famous heroes are seen.

Some are costumed depending on the chosen theme of the year

 for each tribe or group, like wearing costumes of ancient warriors

 complete with weapons such as spearheads,

while other wear large body costumes of paper mache.

In the early times, ancient heroes of extraordinary strength

 and abilities namely Handiong, Bartlog, and Oryol marked

their names in Bicol’s history as their heroic stories of them fighting foes

and wild animals are repeatedly being told in an epic portrayal

that is held as the main feature of the Ibalong Festival.