The Islamic City of Marawi welcomed residents, community leaders, government partners, cultural workers, athletes, entrepreneurs, and guests for Araw ng Marawi 2026, the 86th Marawi City Charter Day celebration held from August 19 to 23, 2026.

Guided by the theme “Weaving Heritage, Strength and Progress,” the five-day celebration brought together culture, public service, livelihood, recreation, and entertainment through activities created for the people of Marawi.

From the Float Parade Competition and Pagana A Meranaw to the Government Services Exhibit and Trade Fair, Sportsfest, Meranaw Heritage Day, the Marawi Langkit Exhibit 2026, People’s Day, the Open Fun Run, fireworks, raffles, awarding ceremonies, and LGU Marawi Gala Night, each activity offered a different way to experience the city.

Araw ng Marawi 2026 also gave visitors a closer look at Meranaw identity through music, dance, weaving, okir-inspired art, hospitality, local products, and community participation. More than a city anniversary, it became a shared expression of confidence in Marawi’s history, people, and future.

Araw ng Marawi 2026 Brought the City Together

The opening activities carried a message of unity and remembrance. Mayor Shariff Zain L. Gandamra described Araw ng Marawi as a day for Marawians to come together as one community, recognize where they came from, and continue building their future together.

The mayor also reflected on the difficulties Marawi has faced, including the 2017 tragedy, while emphasizing the city’s ongoing recovery and commitment to the next generation.

As he expressed during the celebration, “Marawi may be challenged, but it does not give up easily.”

Vice Mayor Sultan Atty. Majul Usman Gandamra likewise highlighted the role of cultural and traditional activities in bringing communities from across the city together.

The five-day program showed that history can be remembered not only through speeches and ceremonies, but also through food, artistry, sport, service, and shared experiences.

Complete Araw ng Marawi 2026 Schedule and Highlights

August 19: Opening Ceremony and Float Parade Competition

August 19, observed as a local holiday in Marawi City, opened at 7:00 a.m. with the city program and Float Parade Competition at Sarimanok Sports Stadium.

Entries represented Marawi’s five districts and the city’s 101 barangays, bringing together different communities for one of the most anticipated opening-day activities.

The program also included Pagana A Meranaw, followed by the opening of the Government Services Exhibit and Trade Fair at the Marawi Convention Center. The exhibit and fair remained open until August 22.

August 20: Sportsfest and Islamic Activities

Sportsfest brought together participants for basketball, pickleball, a football exhibition, tennis, golf, and traditional games at designated venues, including the City Hall Gym and the Sarimanok Sports Stadium.

The program also included Islamic activities at 8:00 a.m. at the Marawi Museum and Rizal Park, adding a faith-centered component to the day.

August 21: Meranaw Heritage Day

Meranaw Heritage Day began with a Cultural Heritage Showcase at 8:00 a.m. at the School of Living Traditions Building in Rizal Park.

It was followed by the opening program of the Marawi Langkit Exhibit 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

The evening program at Sarimanok Sports Stadium began at 7:30 p.m. and included the Open Fun Run, free raffles, and a fireworks display.

August 22: People’s Day and Sports Championship

The fourth day featured MUG-Serbisyo, or People’s Day, at 8:00 a.m. at the Marawi Convention Center, bringing government assistance and public information within easier reach of residents.

The Sports Championship was also held at the City Hall Gym and other assigned venues.

August 22 marked the final scheduled day of the Government Services Exhibit and Trade Fair.

August 23: Awarding Program and LGU Marawi Gala Night

The final day included the awarding of prizes at 1:00 p.m., followed by LGU Marawi Night, the Araw ng Marawi Gala Night, and Marawi Got Talent at the Marawi Convention Center at 7:00 p.m.

The evening combined department performances, special presentations, raffle draws, live music, dinner, an event film showing, recognition, and closing ceremonies.

Five Districts and 101 Barangays Take Part in the Float Parade

The Float Parade Competition served as a major opening-day attraction. Entries from Marawi’s five districts transformed the route and stadium grounds into a colorful presentation of Meranaw design and community cooperation.

The floats featured forms inspired by okir, the Sarimanok, mosque architecture, flowers, traditional structures, and other symbols associated with Marawi and Meranaw culture.

Behind every entry were the combined efforts of artists, builders, barangay officials, youth volunteers, drivers, and community members.

Each district deserves recognition for contributing its own concept and interpretation. Together, the five entries showed what can be achieved when barangays unite around a shared cultural presentation.

The parade was not only a visual attraction. It allowed the city’s 101 barangays to take part in a citywide opening program and gave residents a reason to gather early, cheer for their communities, and document a memorable Charter Day morning.

Pagana A Meranaw Honors Food, Hospitality, and Community

Opening day also featured Pagana A Meranaw, an activity rooted in Meranaw food traditions and hospitality.

Food carries memory, family history, and social meaning. Through Pagana A Meranaw, guests could appreciate how meals are connected with welcome, generosity, and gathering in Meranaw communities.

The activity added another cultural dimension to the opening program. While the parade presented artistry through structures and ornament, Pagana A Meranaw expressed identity through preparation, sharing, and the experience of eating together.

Where Service Found Its Way to the People

One of the most meaningful parts of Araw ng Marawi 2026 was the Government Services Exhibit and Trade Fair, held at the Marawi Convention Center from August 19 to 22.

It was more than a display of agency programs. National government offices, local departments, financial institutions, and partner organizations stepped outside their regular workplaces and met residents directly.

Information, assistance, referrals, applications, and public services were placed in one accessible venue.

Participating offices represented a wide range of needs, including:

• Legal, justice, and human rights services
• Health, medical, nutrition, and wellness services
• Civil registration, identity, and government records
• Employment, labor, career, and skills development
• Banking, financial, and social insurance services
• Business, investment, trade, and tourism
• Social welfare, protection, and community assistance
• Livelihood, cooperatives, agriculture, and agrarian reform
• Information technology, telecommunications, and digital services
• Environment and natural resources
• Transportation and land transport services
• Utilities, basic infrastructure, and postal services

The medical services component included consultations, selected diagnostic services, essential medicines, dental care, nutrition support, immunization, family planning, maternal and child health programs, tuberculosis services, assistance for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, noncommunicable disease screening, mental health support, blindness prevention, HIV and STI services, health education, and water and sanitation assistance.

The exhibit reflected a simple but meaningful idea: government becomes more effective when it reaches people where they are.

Different offices carried different mandates, yet all shared one responsibility—to make assistance more accessible and responsive to the Marawi community.

The City Government expressed its appreciation to every agency, partner, and stakeholder that contributed personnel, expertise, resources, and time. Their participation gave the Charter Day celebration practical value beyond entertainment.

In Marawi, service is not only delivered; it is carried closer to the people.

Trade Fair Supports Local Businesses and Community Enterprise

Alongside the public service booths, the Araw ng Marawi Trade Fair created space for local businesses, makers, and entrepreneurs to present their products at the Marawi Convention Center.

Held from August 19 to 22, the fair promoted a clear message: support local and buy local.

Visitors could discover locally offered goods, access selected promotions and discounts, meet business owners, and learn about partnership opportunities.

The fair also provided entrepreneurs with a platform for networking, customer engagement, and greater public exposure.

Local enterprises have a direct role in tourism. When visitors purchase locally made products, eat at local restaurants, and hire community-based services, more economic activity remains within the city.

The Trade Fair connected the Charter Day program with that wider goal while recognizing the talent and determination of Marawi’s business community.

Sportsfest Adds Energy and Friendly Competition

Sportsfest brought athletes, teams, coaches, officials, and supporters together at several venues across Marawi.

The program included basketball, pickleball, a football exhibition, tennis, golf, and traditional games. These activities gave participants different ways to represent their communities and connect through friendly competition.

The Islamic activities held as part of the day’s program also kept faith and reflection present within the celebration.

The value of Sportsfest went beyond results. It encouraged physical activity, teamwork, discipline, and social connection.

It also gave families and supporters additional reasons to visit the City Hall Gym, Sarimanok Sports Stadium, Rizal Park, the Marawi Museum, and other activity locations.

Recognition is due to every athlete, coach, referee, organizer, medical team member, security officer, and volunteer who helped the games proceed safely and smoothly.

Meranaw Heritage Day Presents Music, Movement, and Tradition

On August 21, the focus shifted toward living cultural practices through Meranaw Heritage Day.

The Cultural Heritage Showcase began at 8:00 a.m. at the School of Living Traditions Building in Rizal Park.

The scheduled presentations included:

• Kasipa sa Lama
• Cultural dance
• Kulintang
• Kutyapi performance

Organized by the City Administrator’s Office and the City Advisory Board, the showcase brought several expressions of Meranaw culture together in a single morning program.

The sounds of kulintang and kutyapi, the movement of cultural dance, and the inclusion of Kasipa sa Lama reminded audiences that heritage continues through practice.

These traditions remain meaningful because artists, families, teachers, and communities continue to perform, teach, and support them.

Marawi Langkit Exhibit 2026 Connects Heritage, Design, and Livelihood

The Marawi Langkit Exhibit 2026, carrying the message “Heritage. Design. Identity.”, was one of the central cultural programs of Araw ng Marawi 2026.

Langkit is a narrow, carefully woven strip traditionally used to connect or decorate portions of garments such as the malong. Its patterns reflect patience, skill, geometry, and Meranaw artistic knowledge.

The exhibit did more than place finished pieces on display. It created a meeting point for weavers, designers, buyers, cultural advocates, government partners, and guests interested in strengthening the craft’s future.

Opening Program and City Leaders

The formal program began at 9:00 a.m. with an invocation and the Philippine National Anthem.

Princess Tarhata “Petit” Pacasum-Mangotara, Chief City Tourism Officer and head of Marawi’s tourism efforts, delivered the welcome remarks.

Her presence reflected the city’s commitment to placing cultural identity at the center of tourism promotion.

Vice Mayor Sultan Atty. Majul Usman Gandamra delivered the opening message.

Commissioner Baicon Cayongcat Nuska of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and City Administrator Atty. Ombra C. Gandamra also gave messages of support.

Local weaver Saadia Sharief Abdulrahman represented the weavers’ perspective, ensuring the makers’ voices remained central to the event.

Designers and Industry Guests

The Designers’ Perspective segment featured creative professionals and brands working in fashion, accessories, and product development:

• Martha Rodriguez of VESTI
• Pamela Nicole Mejia of PAMME
• Carmaela Alcantara of Crystal Seas
• Nor Gutoc of ZIYA PH
• Marielle De Leon of TALI Handmade PH

Their participation offered opportunities for conversation between traditional makers and contemporary designers.

Such exchanges can help weavers reach new buyers, explore responsible product applications, and strengthen appreciation for authentic Meranaw work.

The event also recognized cultural and industry guests connected with national and international creative platforms, including Marian Pastor Roces, Linang Cabugatan of the Aga Khan Museum, Chris Gomez, Trexy Paris Roxas of Miss Eco Teen International Philippines 2026, and Angel Ngo, a Miss Universe Philippines local franchise director.

Their attendance helped introduce the Langkit Exhibit to wider networks while keeping the local weavers and their knowledge at the center of the program.

Assistance, Recognition, and Networking

The Langkit program included the awarding of livelihood assistance and the turnover of weaving kits to weavers.

Guest designers, industry guests, sponsors, and the Provincial Gender and Development Office were also recognized for their support.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened the exhibit at 10:00 a.m., followed by an exhibition walkthrough at 10:30 a.m.

At 11:30 a.m., the socials and networking session allowed weavers to meet designers and buyers. The scheduled program concluded with lunch at 12:30 p.m.

By connecting cultural preservation with skills, market access, and livelihood assistance, the Marawi Langkit Exhibit showed how tradition can remain rooted in identity while supporting present-day opportunities.

Open Fun Run, Free Raffles, and Fireworks Light Up Sarimanok Stadium

The evening of August 21 brought residents back to Sarimanok Sports Stadium for one of the most anticipated public gatherings of the five-day celebration.

The Open Fun Run invited the community to take part in an accessible recreational activity. Families, young people, athletes, and casual participants could join the event and share the stadium experience together.

Free raffle prizes added excitement, while the fireworks display gave the evening a memorable finish.

The show above the stadium created a shared moment for participants and spectators as Marawi marked its 86th Charter Day.

The combination of a community run, raffles, and fireworks made the evening welcoming for different age groups. It was active, festive, and open to everyone.

People’s Day Brings Assistance Closer to Residents

On August 22, MUG-Serbisyo, or People’s Day, continued its public-service focus at the Marawi Convention Center.

Residents could speak directly with participating offices, ask questions, receive guidance, and learn more about available government programs.

The activity helped reduce the distance between institutions and the people they serve.

People’s Day also coincided with the final scheduled day of the Government Services Exhibit and Trade Fair, allowing residents one more opportunity to access services and support participating local businesses.

At the same time, the Sports Championship continued at the City Hall Gym, the MSU Golf Course, and other designated venues, bringing the athletic program to a close.

Awarding Ceremony and LGU Marawi Gala Night Close the Celebration

The official Araw ng Marawi 2026 program concluded on August 23.

An afternoon awarding program recognized participants and achievements from the celebration’s activities.

In the evening, the Marawi Convention Center hosted LGU Marawi Night, the Araw ng Marawi Gala Night, and Marawi Got Talent under the message “One LGU. One Stage. One Marawi.”

The program began with registration and the arrival of guests accompanied by a live-band procession.

It continued with a call to order, an invocation led by Alim Abdulkarim Siddiq, formal opening rites, and messages from city leaders.

The central portion of the evening featured department performances for Marawi Got Talent, raffle draws, and special presentations.

The program also included:

• An inspirational message from the city leadership
• A live-band intermission
• Dinner and camaraderie
• Additional raffle draws
• Announcement and awarding of Marawi Got Talent honorees
• An Araw ng Marawi same-day-edit film showing
• Special awards and tokens
• Closing remarks by City Administrator Atty. Ombra C. Gandamra
• Formal culmination at 11:00 p.m.

The gala allowed city employees to present talents beyond their regular public duties.

It also gave organizers, partners, and guests time to recognize the work completed throughout the five-day celebration.

Recognizing the People Who Made Araw ng Marawi 2026 Possible

A citywide event of this scale depends on many hands.

Recognition is due to Mayor Shariff Zain L. Gandamra, Vice Mayor Sultan Atty. Majul Usman Gandamra, City Administrator Atty. Ombra C. Gandamra, Chief City Tourism Officer, Princess Tarhata “Petit” Pacasum-Mangotara, the City Council, and the offices of the City Government of Marawi.

The event also relied on the participation and support of:

• The five districts and 101 barangays of Marawi
• National government agencies and partner institutions
• Local offices and frontline service teams
• Float artists, builders, and community volunteers
• Cultural performers, musicians, and tradition bearers
• Langkit weavers, designers, buyers, and industry guests
• Athletes, coaches, officials, and sports organizers
• Local entrepreneurs and Trade Fair exhibitors
• Health workers, security personnel, and emergency teams
• Traffic, sanitation, and venue staff
• Sponsors, volunteers, and community organizations
• Residents and visitors who attended and supported the activities

Why Araw ng Marawi Matters for Marawi Tourism

Araw ng Marawi offers visitors the opportunity to experience many facets of the city’s identity over five days.

A traveler can hear kulintang and kutyapi, watch cultural performances, see langkit weaving, learn about okir-inspired design, support local businesses, attend community sports, join a fun run, enjoy public entertainment, and witness how city institutions work with residents.

This kind of cultural tourism benefits more than event venues. It can support weavers, designers, food providers, accommodation establishments, drivers, photographers, local shops, and event suppliers.

It also helps visitors understand Marawi through the voices and work of its own people.

The city is not defined only by the challenges it has faced. It is also shaped by creativity, faith, resilience, hospitality, family, and a strong commitment to rebuilding.

For residents, the Charter Day celebration strengthens a sense of belonging and connection. For guests, it offers a respectful introduction to Meranaw culture and the continuing story of the Islamic City of Marawi.

A Celebration Worth Remembering and Sharing

Araw ng Marawi 2026 showed how a Charter Day program can honor history while serving present-day needs.

The floats celebrated community artistry. Pagana A Meranaw honored hospitality. The Government Services Exhibit placed assistance within reach. The Trade Fair supported local enterprise. Sportsfest encouraged teamwork. Meranaw Heritage Day placed tradition onstage. The Langkit Exhibit connected weaving with livelihood and design. People’s Day strengthened public access. The fun run, raffles, fireworks, and gala gave families and participants moments to enjoy together.

The 86th Marawi City Charter Day carried one message across every venue: Marawi remembers its roots, stands together, and continues moving forward.

As preparations begin for future editions, Araw ng Marawi offers a compelling reason to visit the city, meet its people, support its makers, and experience Meranaw hospitality firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Araw ng Marawi?

Araw ng Marawi is the annual celebration of Marawi City’s Charter Day. It brings together cultural programs, public services, sports, local enterprise, entertainment, and community activities.

When was the 86th Marawi City Charter Day celebrated?

The official Araw ng Marawi 2026 schedule was held from August 19 to 23, 2026.

How many days was Araw ng Marawi 2026?

The official celebration lasted five days, beginning on August 19 and concluding on August 23.

What was the theme of Araw ng Marawi 2026?

The theme was “Weaving Heritage, Strength and Progress.” It reflected the city’s focus on cultural continuity, collective strength, public service, and development.

Who led the celebration?

The celebration was led by Mayor Shariff Zain L. Gandamra and Vice Mayor Sultan Atty. Majul Usman Gandamra, together with the City Council, City Administrator Atty. Ombra C. Gandamra, Chief City Tourism Officer, Princess Tarhata “Petit” Pacasum-Mangotara, and the offices of the City Government of Marawi.

What were the main Araw ng Marawi 2026 events?

The main events included the Float Parade Competition, Pagana A Meranaw, Government Services Exhibit and Trade Fair, Sportsfest, Islamic activities, Meranaw Heritage Day, Cultural Heritage Showcase, Marawi Langkit Exhibit 2026, Open Fun Run, raffles, fireworks, People’s Day, Sports Championship, awarding ceremonies, LGU Marawi Night, and Marawi Got Talent.

What happened during the Float Parade Competition?

The city’s five districts, representing Marawi’s 101 barangays, presented floats inspired by Meranaw design, community identity, and local cultural symbols.

The event recognized the teamwork of barangays, builders, artists, and volunteers.

What is langkit?

Langkit is a narrow strip of woven Meranaw fabric traditionally used to connect or decorate parts of garments such as the malong.

It is known for detailed patterns, careful technique, and strong cultural meaning.

What services were offered at the Government Services Exhibit?

Participating agencies provided information and assistance related to health, legal matters, civil registration, employment, social welfare, banking, insurance, business, agriculture, digital services, transportation, environmental services, utilities, and other public programs.

What sports were part of Sportsfest?

Sportsfest included basketball, pickleball, a football exhibition, tennis, golf, and traditional games.

Where were the main activities held?

Major venues included Sarimanok Sports Stadium, the Marawi Convention Center, City Hall Gym, Rizal Park, the Marawi Museum, the School of Living Traditions Building, and other designated sports locations.

Why should visitors attend a future Araw ng Marawi?

A future visit can offer cultural performances, weaving, local products, community sports, public events, food, and direct interaction with the people who preserve and share Meranaw traditions.

It is also an opportunity to support local businesses and experience the hospitality of Marawi City.