Preparations are now underway for the return of the face-to-face celebration of the Paraw Regatta Festival next month.

“The excitement keeps sailing as the Paraw Regatta Festival comes back into the waters of Iloilo City,” Mayor Jerry Treñas said in a statement.

The city government released on Wednesday, Feb. 8, the calendar of activities for the 50th edition of the festival.

The celebration is set to kick off on March 12 with a mass and followed by a program. It will run until March 19.

Major activities include Sinamba sa Regatta, Pinta Tawo, Lechon Contest, Paraw Race Sailing, and Lighted Paraw.

Other activities are Paraw Photo Contest, Miniature Paraw Making Contest, Pinta sa Regatta Mural Making Contest, Slalom Race, Pinta Layag, and Beach Volleyball.

Paraw Regatta is considered the oldest traditional craft event in Asia and the largest sailing event in the Philippines.IMT