The streets of Cavite City are once again bursting with color, energy, and celebration as the Regada Water Festival makes its much-anticipated return. Held annually from June 17 to 24, Regada — derived from the Spanish word “regar,” meaning “to water” or “to sprinkle” — is one of the country’s most unique and joy-filled cultural festivals, turning the city into a weeklong celebration of water, heritage, and community.
The festival is spearheaded by Cavite City’s very young and visionary mayor, Denver Chua, whose dynamic leadership has helped revitalize and expand the scale of this beloved tradition. Under his guidance, Regada has grown not only in size and spirit but also in cultural significance and national visibility.
This year’s Regada 2025 schedule features a vibrant mix of cultural shows, community contests, and musical performances:
- June 15 – Salvo Street Party at the Regada Waterfest Event Area
- June 16 – Coastal Cleanup at Barangay 30 (Bid-Bid)
- June 17 – Juego Caviteño (Traditional Games) at Unlad Cavite Park
- June 18 – Exhibicion del Artes (Arts Exhibition) at Samonte Park
- June 19 – Dampa Cooking Competition at Mercado de Cavite
- June 20 – Miss Gay Regada 2025 at Unlad Amphitheater, in celebration of Pride Month
- June 21 – Oath-taking of City Officials led by Mayor Denver Chua and Vice Mayor Denver Rusit
- June 22 to 24 – The main festival days, culminating on June 24 with Basayawan sa Kalye, Tugtugan sa Paulan, and live performances by Flow G and Rocksteddy
The highlight falls on June 24, the feast day of St. John the Baptist, the city’s patron saint. The streets are transformed into a joyful “wet zone” as locals and visitors join the “Basayawan sa Kalye” — a spirited water splashing event, with sound systems blasting music in a full-on street party known as “Tugtugan sa Paulan.”
A profound spiritual component runs through the celebration. The “Caracol ni San Juan Bautista,” a revered fluvial procession, brings the saint's image through Cavite Bay and into the heart of the city to bless the community. For many, this is not just a tradition but a moment of prayer and reflection.
One of the most cherished beliefs about Regada is that the water used during the festivities is blessed — and that those who join the basaan and get soaked in the blessed water may have their prayers answered or their wishes come true. It’s this mix of faith and fun, tradition and thrill, that draws thousands of pilgrims, devotees, and festivalgoers year after year.
Regada 2025 promises to be the grandest yet — a vibrant expression of Caviteño pride, Filipino spirit, and the unbreakable joy that water, faith, and community bring together. Thanks to the forward-looking leadership of Mayor Denver Chua, the Regada Water Festival continues to grow as one of the must-experience cultural events in the country.
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