Profile

Distance from Bacolod: 14.4 kilometers

Land Area: 21,486 hectares
Classification: 2nd Class
No. of Barangays: 16 Barangays
Population: 107,722 (May 1, 2000) 115,236 (2006 Projection)
Language: Hiligaynon/Ilonggo/English is spoken and understood
Website: www.silaycity.gov.ph
History(short version)
Founded in 1760, Silay evolved from being an old Spanish settlement. Migrant families from
Iloilo gave vigor to Silay, making it an important commercial and agricultural settlement during
the Spanish era. In 1846, cultivation of sugarcane led by Yves Leopold Germain Gaston made the
town prosperous. November 5, 1898 played a significant role in Silays history. Sugarcane
workers attacked the Spanish garrison and made the Spaniards surrender peacefully. It was a
bloodless revolution. The Philippine flag was raised for the first time at the public plaza. Silay,
famous for its artists and cultural shows, became the Paris of Negros. Kahirup Theater was the
center of these activities. Jose Pitong Ledesma, a Silaynon pianist, conductor and
philanthropist was one of those responsible for inviting operatta and zarzuela performers from
Europe. Silay is the second town in Negros Occidental to become a city on June 12, 1957.
Silay is known as the seat of arts, culture and eco-tourism and is recognized by the Department
of Tourism as one of the top destinations in the Philippines.

Cultural Festivals
SILAY CITY
Charter Anniversary/Hugyaw Festival (June 12)
Feast of San Diego de Alcala (November 13)
Negros Revolution Anniversary (November 5)
Special Interests
1. Lenten Procession held every Holy Week featuring carrozas depicting different Lenten
scenes
2. Silay History Quiz 3. Annual Charter Day Celebration (June 12)
4. St. Didachus Parish Annual Fiesta (November 13)
5. Viva Parol (Christmas Lantern Contest)

Kansilay Festival in Silay City, Negros Occidental

http://nup.org.ph/Lifestyle/Cat/Guide/Article/49
(pls check the link above)
HISTORY of Kansilay (short version)
It is said that in the early days, pirates invaded the land but Princess Kansilay defended her
people and fought courageously with her life. They were successful in driving out the pirates but
the princess died in the battle. Her people were surprised after a tree grew from the ground where
they buried her body. Thus, her name was shortened to Silay.
Special events include a food festival, quiz contest, Ilonggo poetry reading, agro-industrial trade
fair, and a street dance-drama competition named after a forest tree with purplish pink flowers,
the "Kansilay."
The streetdancing competition is not only a spectacle for the people to behold but a tribute to the
ancestors of this old city in Negros Occidental.

Songs
Martsa Sang Silaynon
Silaynon bansagon nga Negrosanon
Inanak sang isganan kag dungganon
Mapisan, maalwan may balatyagon
Daku ang handum nga magmadinalag-on
Halin sa baybayon tubtob sa kaumhan
Silaynon aton gid masaligan
Refrain:
Matam-is ang yuhum nga daw kalamay
Putli ang gugma, Diyos ang nagbugay
Sa tion sang kalisud kad kabudlay
Silaynon pat-ud nga maga-unungay
Kaptanay sa kasakit kag kalipay
Silaynon Negrosanon nga tunay.
Gain kamu upod sa amon
Dakbanwang Silay aton duawon
Mauswagon ang mga banwahanon
Silaynon pumuluyong Kristohanon
Silaynon maligdong nga Negrosanon
Sila tanan isa sa pag-ugyon.

Generalization..