September is fiesta season in Calbayog City, Samar, and 2026 is particularly interesting because this will be one of the first celebrations held after Hadang Festival was formally declared the city’s official festival.

Every year, Calbayog celebrates its patronal fiesta in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with the main feast falling on September 8.

For 2026, that means the principal fiesta day will be:

Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

But don’t expect the celebration to begin only on September 8.

Hadang is traditionally a weeklong cultural celebration leading toward the city fiesta, with performances, arts events, pageants, concerts and religious activities happening during the first week of September. The Calbayog City Government describes the festival as coinciding with the Roman Catholic feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.

And there is already confirmed activity for Hadang Festival 2026: the City Arts and Culture Office opened the search for the 2026 Miss Hadang Festival Queen in July, confirming that preparations for this year’s celebration are underway.

If you’re thinking of visiting Samar in September, here’s everything you need to know about the Calbayog City Fiesta and Hadang Festival 2026.

Calbayog City Fiesta 2026 at a Glance

Celebration: Calbayog City Fiesta 2026
Festival: Hadang Festival
Location: Calbayog City, Samar
Expected festival period: First week of September 2026
Main fiesta day: September 8, 2026
Day: Tuesday
Patroness: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary / Our Lady of Nativity
Major cultural event: Hadang Festival
Province: Samar
Region: Eastern Visayas

The city government’s historical and religious information identifies September 8 as the feast day of the Nativity of Our Lady Parish and describes the annual celebration as one of Calbayog’s most important religious traditions.

When Is Calbayog City Fiesta 2026?

The principal fiesta date is:

September 8, 2026 – Tuesday

This is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patronal celebration at the heart of Calbayog’s annual fiesta.

Religious observances generally build toward September 8 through novena prayers, liturgical celebrations and other parish activities. The city says the feast draws parishioners, returning Calbayognons and visitors from neighboring communities.

The cultural festival usually takes place throughout the days leading to the feast.

In 2025, for example, the city described Hadang as a weeklong celebration, with a concert series scheduled on September 3, 5 and 7 before the September 8 fiesta.

For travelers, I would consider September 3 to 8 the most important period to watch in 2026, although the exact official 2026 schedule should be followed once the city releases the complete program.

Is There Already a Hadang Festival 2026 Schedule?

There are clear signs that the 2026 celebration is already being prepared, but as of August 21, 2026, I have not found a complete publicly searchable day-by-day Hadang Festival calendar with all concerts, competitions and event times.

What is confirmed is that the City Arts and Culture Office has a 2026 Calendar of Events and Activities, and preparations for one of Hadang’s major components are already underway.

On July 16, the City Arts and Culture Office opened applications for the 2026 Miss Hadang Festival Queen. The city describes the pageant as a major component activity of Hadang and says it has developed into a platform for promoting Calbayog’s traditions, culture and tourism.

So watch for further announcements covering:

• Opening of Hadang Festival
• Miss Hadang Festival Queen 2026
• Cultural performances
• Art competitions
• Music events
• Concerts
• Festival presentations
• Civic parade
• Religious procession
• Novena and fiesta Masses
• September 8 activities

Individual events should still be verified through the City Government or City Arts and Culture Office before making travel plans around them.

Hadang Is Now the Official Festival of Calbayog City

This is probably the most important update visitors should know.

For years, many websites and older tourism references called Calbayog’s celebration the Sarakiki-Hadang Festival.

That changed in 2025.

On September 1, 2025, Calbayog City Mayor Raymund C. Uy approved Ordinance No. 2025-27-658, formally declaring Hadang Festival as the official festival of Calbayog City.

The ordinance institutionalized the annual celebration and provided a formal framework for its future organization.

It also officially ended the city’s use of the combined Sarakiki-Hadang name.

So for 2026, the appropriate current name is:

Hadang Festival

rather than Sarakiki-Hadang Festival.

You may still encounter the older name in travel blogs, old videos, tourism documents and previous festival photos online. Those references reflect earlier editions of the celebration.

Why Did Calbayog Drop “Sarakiki” From the Festival Name?

According to the City Government, combining Sarakiki with Hadang had created concerns about cultural representation and authenticity.

When the ordinance was approved, city officials said they wanted to protect the original historical and cultural roots associated with Hadang and create a clearer direction for the festival going forward.

That makes Hadang Festival 2026 notable.

It’s not a completely new celebration. Rather, it represents a clearer official identity for a festival Calbayognons have celebrated for years.

If you’ve visited Calbayog in the past for Sarakiki-Hadang, expect to see familiar cultural energy—but under the formally recognized Hadang Festival identity.

What Does “Hadang” Mean?

The meaning of Hadang gives the festival much of its cultural depth.

The Calbayog City Government researched the term and explains that hadang has roots in indigenous Visayan ritual traditions.

A historical Spanish-Bisaya dictionary described the term in connection with giving food and making ritual offerings to spirits. The city also points to related Visayan traditions in which food, drink or other offerings were presented in spiritual or agricultural rituals.

So Hadang can be understood in the cultural context of:

offering, sacrifice, thanksgiving, reverence and communication with the spiritual world.

That makes the festival more than colorful costumes and dancing.

Its concept reaches back to traditions that existed in Visayan communities before modern festival competitions became popular.

Hadang and Calbayog’s Cultural Identity

Calbayog has a particularly strong arts tradition.

The city identifies itself as an important cultural center in Samar, with a heritage that includes local music, visual arts, theater and traditional dances.

Hadang gives performers an opportunity to transform that cultural heritage into festival storytelling.

When Calbayog represented Hadang at Samar’s Festival of Festivals in 2025, the city’s performance was praised for its rhythmic storytelling, synchronized choreography and cultural symbolism. Hadang ultimately finished as a co-champion with Catbalogan’s Manaragat Festival, giving Calbayog its third consecutive championship.

That record says something about the quality of Calbayog’s festival performers.

Hadang isn’t merely a local fiesta presentation.

It has become one of Samar’s strongest competitive festival contingents.

Who Is the Patron Saint of Calbayog City?

Calbayog honors the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also referred to locally through the Nativity of Our Lady Parish.

The feast is celebrated every September 8.

September 8 is traditionally celebrated by Catholics as the birthday of Mary.

For Calbayognons, however, the date carries a strong local identity because devotion to the Nativity of Our Lady has been part of the city’s history for generations.

The city describes September 8 as one of Calbayog’s most important religious celebrations, with novenas, liturgies, processions and community gatherings bringing residents together annually.

The Nativity of Our Lady Parish and Calbayog Cathedral

Calbayog’s religious history goes back centuries.

According to the City Government’s historical account, Jesuit missionaries reached the settlement that would eventually become Calbayog near the end of the 16th century.

The community developed through several locations before eventually establishing itself around the Calbayog River and coastal area.

Calbayog became a separate pueblo in 1785, and the religious community later developed into a full parish.

The church later became the cathedral of the Diocese of Calbayog.

The city notes that the church was consecrated as the diocesan cathedral in 1912 and was once regarded as one of the largest and most beautiful churches in Samar and Leyte.

Today, it remains one of the most important religious landmarks in the city.

And during fiesta week, it becomes the spiritual center of the celebration.

Religious Activities During Calbayog Fiesta

Hadang may provide the entertainment and cultural spectacle, but the fiesta remains deeply rooted in Marian devotion.

Visitors can expect the religious side of the celebration to revolve around activities such as:

Novena prayers
Daily Masses
Special fiesta Masses
Marian devotions
Religious procession
September 8 liturgical celebrations

The exact Calbayog Fiesta 2026 Mass schedule should be confirmed with the parish or Diocese of Calbayog once published.

If you’re attending Mass or the procession, remember that these aren’t simply festival attractions.

For devotees, these are acts of faith.

Give processions enough space, avoid interrupting worshippers for photographs and dress appropriately when entering the cathedral.

Miss Hadang Festival Queen 2026

One event we already know is returning is the Miss Hadang Festival Queen competition.

The search officially opened in July 2026, with the City Arts and Culture Office accepting applications for the new queen.

The competition was first staged in 2015.

After a pause during the pandemic years, it returned in 2023 and has once again become one of the festival’s most anticipated events.

The recent winners have included:

2023 – Jazzel Rain Cuadling
2024 – Barbara Yrigon Sarcida
2025 – Jasmine Liao

The 2026 winner will become the next name on that list.

But don’t think of Miss Hadang as simply a conventional beauty pageant.

Festival costumes and cultural representation play an important role.

During the 2025 competition, the city emphasized that the pageant was intended to showcase Calbayog’s heritage, culture, identity and tourism.

For anyone visiting during the 2026 fiesta, this is definitely one event to watch once the final date is announced.

What Happened During Hadang Festival 2025?

Looking at the previous edition gives us an idea of the scale of Calbayog’s September celebration.

The city organized a concert series featuring local bands and artists on September 3, 5 and 7 at the CACO Theater in Nijaga Park.

The Miss Hadang Festival Queen was held during fiesta week at the Calbayog City Sports Center, with Jasmine Liao winning the 2025 crown.

Previous fiesta editions have also incorporated:

• Art exhibitions
• Children’s art competitions
• Painting competitions
• Songwriting events
• Dance competitions
• Band performances
• Civic parades
• Concerts
• Festival pageants
• Fireworks
• Religious celebrations

The actual 2026 lineup may differ, but Calbayog’s festival tradition clearly goes well beyond a single street-dancing event.

Concerts During Hadang Festival 2026

Concert announcements are usually among the most searched fiesta details.

People naturally want to know:

Who is performing in Calbayog?

What night is the concert?

Is there a free concert?

Where will it be held?

As of August 21, I haven’t found a confirmed complete Hadang Festival 2026 concert lineup from the city.

Previous editions show that concerts can take place throughout fiesta week rather than only on September 8.

For example, the 2025 city-organized concert series used the CACO Theater at Nijaga Park and deliberately highlighted local bands and artists.

So keep an eye on the City Arts and Culture Office as September approaches.

Is September 8 a Holiday in Calbayog City?

A fiesta does not automatically create a holiday every year.

However, Calbayog does have recent precedent.

For the 2025 celebration, Malacañang issued Proclamation No. 1007, declaring September 8, 2025 a special non-working day in Calbayog City so residents could participate in Hadang Festival.

That does not automatically mean September 8, 2026 is already a special non-working day.

A separate proclamation would normally be needed for 2026.

So if you’re checking for:

#WalangPasok
no government work
office closures
special non-working holiday

wait for an official 2026 proclamation or LGU announcement.

Where Is Calbayog City?

Calbayog is a component city in the province of Samar in Eastern Visayas.

One thing that surprises many first-time visitors is its size.

The City Government describes Calbayog as the largest city in Eastern Visayas in terms of land area.

Because of that enormous territory, Calbayog isn’t simply a compact urban center.

The city includes mountains, rivers, waterfalls, coastal communities and beaches.

That makes it particularly interesting for travelers.

You can attend festival activities in the poblacion one day and head to waterfalls or the coast the next.

Things to Do in Calbayog During Fiesta Week

If you’re traveling several hours to attend Hadang Festival, I’d definitely stay longer than one night.

Calbayog has enough attractions to turn the fiesta into a proper Samar getaway.

1. Visit Calbayog Cathedral

Start with the landmark that explains why the fiesta happens in the first place.

The cathedral is closely connected with Calbayog’s history and its September 8 Marian devotion.

During fiesta week, however, expect more worshippers than usual.

If your goal is architecture or photography, consider visiting between scheduled religious services.

2. Bangon-Bugtong Falls

Calbayog is particularly known for waterfalls.

Bangon-Bugtong Falls is one of the natural attractions promoted by the city and is among the better-known waterfalls associated with Calbayog tourism.

Waterfall access can depend heavily on weather and trail conditions, especially in September.

Arrange your trip locally and don’t assume conditions will always be suitable after heavy rain.

3. Tarangban Falls

Another popular nature destination is Tarangban Falls.

It is one of several waterfalls officially included in Calbayog’s tourism inventory.

The falls are known for water cascading over a wide rock formation rather than one simple vertical drop.

Again, weather matters.

Wear footwear suitable for slippery paths and confirm current access before leaving town.

4. Malajog Beach

If you’re more interested in the coast, Malajog Beach is another established Calbayog attraction.

The city has developed a broader Malajog ridge-to-reef tourism area, combining coastal and nature experiences.

This can be a nice contrast after spending a day in the busy fiesta crowds.

5. Nijaga Park

For something much easier, visit Nijaga Park in the city proper.

The park is particularly relevant during Hadang because the City Arts and Culture Office has traditionally staged festival performances at the nearby CACO Theater.

In 2025, for example, the Hadang concert series was held there.

If you’re staying near the center, you’ll probably pass through or near Nijaga during fiesta week anyway.

6. Handumanan Museo de Calbayog

Travelers interested in local history can also check Handumanan Museo de Calbayog.

The City Government describes it as a museum preserving Calbayog’s cultural history through memorabilia, ancestral objects, art, music and other materials related to local life.

It’s a good complement to Hadang because the festival makes more sense once you understand Calbayog’s broader cultural identity.

Calbayog Is a City of Waterfalls

One thing that separates Calbayog from many other fiesta destinations is the sheer number of natural attractions within its territory.

The city identifies more than 20 waterfalls, together with caves, beaches, hot springs and river areas.

That means Hadang Festival can work as the centerpiece of a longer adventure trip rather than the sole reason to visit.

If you’re interested in nature, you could easily dedicate an extra day or two to exploring outside the city proper.

Just remember that September weather can affect waterfall trips significantly.

What to Eat in Calbayog

A fiesta trip isn’t complete without food.

Calbayog is particularly associated with tinapa or smoked fish, one of the city’s recognizable food products.

Local delicacies also include rice cakes and sweets, while fresh seafood such as crab, prawns, mussels and fish is widely available because of the city’s coastal setting.

During fiesta week, though, some of the most memorable food may not come from restaurants.

Like many Filipino hometown celebrations, fiesta means families preparing large meals for:

relatives, neighbors, returning family members and visitors.

Expect familiar fiesta favorites such as pancit, lumpia, meat dishes, grilled food and desserts alongside local Samar specialties.

How to Get to Calbayog City

Calbayog is relatively accessible compared with smaller towns in Samar.

By Air

Calbayog Airport serves the city.

Flight availability and routes can change, so check airline schedules for your specific September dates.

If a suitable direct flight is operating from your origin, this is naturally the fastest way to reach the city.

From Tacloban

Another common option is flying into Tacloban City and traveling overland to Calbayog.

Buses and vans connect different parts of Samar and Leyte.

Travel time depends on traffic, stops and road conditions, so don’t schedule your arrival too close to a major festival event.

From Manila by Bus

Travelers who enjoy long overland trips can also take buses toward Samar.

The usual route heads south through Bicol, reaches Matnog, Sorsogon, crosses by ferry to Allen in Northern Samar, and continues by road toward Calbayog.

It’s a long journey, but it avoids the need to fly.

Where to Stay During Hadang Festival 2026

Calbayog has considerably more accommodation options than many smaller municipalities in Samar.

If Hadang is your priority, consider staying around the city proper.

That should give you easier access to:

Calbayog Cathedral
Nijaga Park
festival venues
restaurants
transportation
city events

Properties farther from the center may provide a quieter stay but could make attending nighttime events more complicated.

Book ahead for fiesta week.

Returning Calbayognons, festival participants, visitors and government guests can increase room demand during major celebrations.

Weather in Calbayog in September

Be prepared for rain.

September is part of the Philippine rainy and tropical cyclone season.

That matters when you’re attending an event where many activities may happen outdoors.

Bring:

• Umbrella
• Lightweight rain jacket
• Quick-drying clothes
• Comfortable footwear
• Waterproof pouch for your phone
• Power bank
• Drinking water
• Sun protection

The weather can also affect waterfall visits, river conditions and road travel.

For outdoor attractions, always check conditions locally.

Tips for Attending Hadang Festival 2026

Arrive Before September 8

Don’t arrive only on fiesta day.

If 2026 follows the established pattern, many cultural and entertainment events will happen during the week leading up to September 8.

Watch for the Official Program

The announcements I’d watch most closely are:

Hadang Festival opening
Miss Hadang Festival Queen
concert lineup
cultural performances
parade schedule
religious procession
September 8 Mass schedule
closing activities

Follow CACO Updates

The City Arts and Culture Office, or CACO, plays a major role in organizing Hadang.

It’s therefore one of the most useful official sources for cultural schedules.

Don’t Search Only for “Sarakiki Festival”

Remember that the city officially changed the festival’s identity.

For 2026, search using:

Hadang Festival 2026

and

Calbayog Fiesta 2026

rather than relying only on older “Sarakiki-Hadang” results.

Stay Near the City Proper

This is particularly useful if you plan to attend evening programs.

Some events finish late, when local transportation may be more difficult.

Make Time for Nature

Calbayog isn’t just a festival destination.

Give yourself at least one extra day if you want to visit the waterfalls or coast.

Frequently Asked Questions About Calbayog Fiesta 2026

When is Calbayog City Fiesta 2026?

Calbayog’s annual patronal fiesta is celebrated on September 8, 2026, in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

What day is Calbayog Fiesta 2026?

September 8, 2026 falls on a Tuesday.

What is the official festival of Calbayog City?

The official city festival is now Hadang Festival.

Calbayog formally declared Hadang its official festival through Ordinance No. 2025-27-658, approved in September 2025.

Is Sarakiki Festival still the official festival of Calbayog?

No.

The city formally ended the combined Sarakiki-Hadang designation in 2025 and institutionalized Hadang Festival as its official celebration.

What does Hadang mean?

The city connects the term with indigenous Visayan traditions of ritual offering and sacrifice, including the presentation of food or other offerings in spiritual practices.

Who is the patron saint of Calbayog?

Calbayog’s September fiesta honors the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known locally through the Nativity of Our Lady Parish.

When does Hadang Festival 2026 take place?

Hadang traditionally takes place during the first week of September, leading to the September 8 fiesta. Exact 2026 event dates should be checked against the final City Government schedule.

Is Hadang Festival 2026 already confirmed?

Yes, the annual festival is institutionalized as Calbayog’s official festival, and the city already opened applications for the Miss Hadang Festival Queen 2026 in July.

Is the complete Hadang Festival 2026 schedule available?

As of August 21, 2026, preparations are underway and CACO has a 2026 events calendar, but I have not found a fully published searchable schedule containing every Hadang concert, competition and September event time.

Is September 8 a holiday in Calbayog in 2026?

That should be confirmed through a separate 2026 proclamation.

September 8 was declared a special non-working day in Calbayog in 2025, but that proclamation applied specifically to 2025.

Who won Miss Hadang Festival Queen 2025?

Jasmine Liao was crowned Miss Hadang Festival Queen 2025.

What places can I visit in Calbayog?

Popular attractions include Bangon-Bugtong Falls, Tarangban Falls, Malajog Beach, Calbayog Cathedral, Nijaga Park and Handumanan Museo de Calbayog. The city promotes waterfalls, beaches and heritage sites as important tourism assets.

Final Thoughts

The Calbayog City Fiesta and Hadang Festival 2026 is definitely one of the September celebrations to watch in Samar.

The main date is:

Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

That’s when Calbayog celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, continuing a religious tradition deeply rooted in the city’s history.

But the days before September 8 are just as important for visitors.

Hadang brings the cultural side of Calbayog to life through music, art, performance, pageantry and community events.

And 2026 has added significance.

Following the 2025 ordinance, Hadang is now officially and permanently recognized as Calbayog City’s festival, giving the celebration a clearer identity going forward.

Preparations have already begun, including the search for the Miss Hadang Festival Queen 2026.

The next big thing to watch for is the complete official schedule—particularly the pageant date, concerts, cultural performances, parade, religious activities and any special holiday declaration.

For travelers, Calbayog also gives you plenty of reasons to stay after the fiesta.

There are waterfalls to discover, beaches to visit, local food to try and centuries of religious and cultural history to explore.

So if you’re planning a Samar trip this September, remember the date:

September 8, 2026 – Calbayog City Fiesta

and the name you’ll be hearing throughout fiesta week:

Hadang Festival.