tiNeLAs FesTiVaL - LaGuNa CitY mAy2008

Tsinelas Festival in Liliw The little town is actually the Footwear Capital of Laguna, being the source of quality footwear, most notably tsinelas (slippers). No wonder not only residents of neighboring towns patronize their products but balikbayans as well. Because of the thriving footwear industry, the local government, through the encouragement of the Southern Tagalog Tourism Council whose main concern is to develop tourism in Region IV through the implementation of FESTIVALS, conceptualize the Gat Tayaw Tsinelas Festival. The festival is dubbed as such in honor of the town’s founder-Gat Tayaw- and its major industry-tsinelas.

First held in April 5-7, 2002, the Gat Tayaw Tsinelas Festival was a raging success with no less than Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the guest of honor. This almost 4-year old 5-day festival showcases street party featuring all night dancing, street dancing participated in by different cultural dance troops who perform native and traditional dances depicting the life of the early Liliweños in participation, Music in the Making, and the search for Mutya ng Liliw. The festival also showcases other native products such as uraro (arrow root) cookies and lambanog ( coconut wine) and other local delicacies. A visit to Liliw on regular days is already a treat for people, but during the festival, it will be an experience to beat.