Updated: March 11, 2023

The Paraw Regatta Festival is one of the most exciting and colorful events in the Philippines, and it is back in 2023 with a jam-packed schedule of events. The Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), headed by Event Chairperson John Lex Espinosa Bayombong, has confirmed the official schedule of events for the 50th Paraw Regatta Festival on March 12–19, 2023.

The Paraw Regatta Festival is a celebration of the sea and the sailing tradition of the Philippines. It is a week-long event that includes various competitions, contests, and activities that showcase the culture, talent, and skills of the Ilonggos. Here’s what you can expect in the Paraw Regatta 2023:

Paraw Photo Contest and Exhibition (March 12-31, 2023)

• Location: Robinson’s Place Jaro

The Paraw Photo Contest is open to all photographers who want to capture the beauty and excitement of the Paraw Regatta Festival. The participants are encouraged to submit their best shots of the paraws, the people, and the scenery during the festival.

Miniature Paraw Making Contest and Exhibit (March 17-24, 2023)

• Location: SM City Iloilo Southpoint
• Time: 10 AM – 9 PM

The Miniature Paraw Making Contest is a competition that tests the creativity and craftsmanship of the participants. The challenge is to create a miniature paraw that is both beautiful and functional.

Paraw Job Fair (March 13, 2023)

• Location: SM City Iloilo
• Time: 10 AM onwards

The Paraw Job Fair is an opportunity for job seekers to find employment opportunities in the sailing industry. Various companies that offer jobs related to sailing, navigation, and tourism will be present in the job fair.

Slalom Race (March 16, 2023)

• Location: Tatoy’s Arevalo
• Time: 6 AM onwards

The Slalom Race is a competition that tests the skills of the paraw sailors. The challenge is to sail through a course of buoys and markers while avoiding obstacles and competing against other paraws.

Pinta Layag (March 13-18, 2023)

• Location: JBLFMU Arevalo
• Time: 8 AM – 5 PM

The Pinta Layag is a parade of paraws decorated with colorful sails. The participants showcase their creativity and artistry by designing and painting their sails with different motifs and themes.

Beach Volleyball (March 18-19, 2023)

• Location: Breakthrough Restaurant
• Time: 7 AM – 5 PM

The Beach Volleyball competition is a fun and exciting activity for beachgoers and sports enthusiasts. It is an opportunity to showcase skills, stamina, and teamwork.

Sinamba sa Regatta (March 18, 2023)

• Location: Downtown Area, Freedom Grandstand
• Time: 4 PM – 10 PM

The Sinamba de Regatta is a traditional religious procession that honors the patron saint of fishermen and sailors, St. Anne. The procession is a symbol of the Ilonggo’s devotion to their faith and their gratitude for the blessings of the sea.

Pinta Tawo (March 19, 2023)

• Location: Tatoy’s Arevalo
• Time: 9 AM

The Pinta Tawo is a competition that showcases the creativity and artistry of the Ilonggos. The participants are tasked to create a human-sized paraw using bamboo and other materials.

Lechon Contest (March 19, 2023)

• Location: Tatoy’s Arevalo
• Time: 10:30 AM

The Lechon Contest is a competition that tests the culinary skills of the participants. The challenge is to roast the best-tasting lechon (roast pig) using traditional methods and ingredients.

Paraw Race Sailing (March 19, 2023)

• Location: Tatoy’s Arevalo
• Time: 8 AM

The Paraw Race Sailing is the main event of the Paraw Regatta Festival. It is a competition that pits the best paraw sailors against each other. The race takes place in the open sea, and the participants sail their paraws to the finish line.

Lighted Paraw Contest (March 19, 2023)

• Location: Tatoy’s Arevalo
• Time: 6 PM

The Lighted Paraw Contest is a spectacle of light and color that showcases the beauty of the paraws at night. The participants decorate their paraws with colorful lights and designs, creating a stunning display that illuminates the sea.

Below is the official schedule of activities.