Santa Ana, Cagayan Marks a Decade of Coastal Heritage with 10th Viray Festival
The Municipality of Santa Ana, Cagayan proudly celebrated a decade of honoring its vibrant maritime heritage with the successful staging of the 10th Viray Festival, held from May 26 to 28, 2025. This milestone event reaffirmed the town’s deep-rooted connection to the sea and its enduring commitment to preserving coastal traditions.
The three-day celebration featured a diverse lineup of cultural and community-centered activities, including the Belt Fishing Tournament, Cultural Festive Dance Competition, Fluvial Parade, Seafood Grilling, Agri-Fisheries and Viray Tiangge, Sand Sculpting Competition, Canvass Painting Competition, and Kite Flying Contest. These events not only showcased the creativity and passion of residents but also highlighted the vital role that coastal resources play in shaping Santa Ana’s unique identity.
One of the standout highlights of this year’s festival was the Belt Fishing Tournament—an activity that pays tribute to traditional fishing practices while setting the stage for future gamefishing competitions in the region. With sustained collaboration and strategic promotion, this initiative has the potential to attract more tourists seeking authentic and adventure-filled coastal experiences. The Department of Tourism – Regional Office 2 extended its support by providing prizes for the tournament, further reinforcing its commitment to fostering grassroots tourism activities that honor local traditions.
In previous years, the Department of Tourism – Regional Office 2, in partnership with the LGU of Santa Ana, launched the stand-alone tourism circuit “Santa Ana, Cagayan: Your Adventure Paradise,” recognizing the immense tourism potential of the town. Today, Santa Ana continues to draw visitors with its natural beauty, cultural vibrance, and distinctive tourism offerings—of which the Viray Festival remains a proud highlight.
“We commend the strong leadership of the Municipal Mayor and all local officials for their unwavering commitment to tourism development and cultural preservation. Their vision and dedication have been instrumental in elevating Santa Ana as a leading tourism destination in the region,” said Regional Director Troy Alexander Miano.
As the Viray Festival grows in scope and impact, it stands as a powerful testament to community pride, coastal heritage, and the promise of sustainable, inclusive tourism.
The Department of Tourism – Regional Office 2 remains steadfast in its mission to promote Santa Ana as a premier destination where culture, adventure, and coastal life converge.#
