MAKING SENSE OF ‘SADSAD’

THE DISPUTE over the term “sadsad” between Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan Festival and Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival brings to the forefront issues of cultural ownership and representation. The term, signifying a vibrant dance parade, became contentious following a Facebook post by the National Museum of the Philippines – Iloilo, which discussed the energetic nature of Dinagyang’s sadsad. This portrayal was met with resistance from Aklanon advocates, who see sadsad as a deeply ingrained aspect of their cultural and Ati-Atihan Festival identity, sparking a debate that transcends mere semantics to touch on regional cultural identities and traditions.

For Kalibonhons, sadsad encapsulates a blend of rituals, traditions and expressions that are fundamental to their cultural identity, particularly during the Ati-Atihan season. Thus its cultural significance and context within the Aklanon community cannot be overlooked. This highlights the nuanced balance between cultural sharing and appropriation, especially in a culturally rich setting like the Philippines, where cultural expressions often cross regional boundaries.

The debate also underscores the challenges faced by institutions in representing shared cultural practices without diminishing their origins and meanings. The National Museum’s portrayal of sadsad in the Dinagyang context, while not inaccurate, perhaps lacked acknowledgment of its Aklan roots, illustrating the complexities of cultural representation. The cultural literati advocate for a focus not just on the term’s linguistic aspects but on its role in defining Aklanon cultural identity during Ati-atihan, shifting the discussion towards a more inclusive understanding of shared heritage.

The ongoing debate suggests a need for a collaborative approach in cultural representation, where both Ati-Atihan and Dinagyang can celebrate sadsad while respecting its historical and cultural significance.

In essence, the sadsad debate is less about ownership of a term and more about fostering cultural understanding and acknowledging our diverse and shared cultural expressions.