Iloilo Paraw Regatta

2026 ran Feb 22–Mar 1 (main races Mar 1) — expect late Feb 2027

Asia's oldest traditional sailcraft race, run every February since 1973. Dozens of paraw — the native Visayan double-outrigger boats with hand-painted triangular sails — launch from Villa Beach in Arevalo and race roughly 30km across the Iloilo Strait toward Guimaras and back, powered only by wind and crew skill, no motors. On shore there are sail-painting and body-painting contests and Ilonggo dance. Local's tip: the sails are the whole show, so position yourself on Villa Beach for the mass launch when the painted fleet fans across the water, and chase it with batchoy and fresh oysters in Arevalo afterward.

Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net