The Tboli people are known for their vibrant cultural expressions, which are showcased through their traditional festivities. These celebrations reflect their deep spirituality, respect for nature, and strong community bonds. Among the most notable Tboli festivities are the following:
Seslong Festival
Held in: March (annually in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato)
The Seslong Festival is the most prominent celebration among the Tboli, highlighting their rich heritage through colorful dances, music, chants, and traditional crafts. "Seslong" means a marketplace or gathering, symbolizing the unity of Tboli and neighboring tribes.
Key features include:
T’nalak weaving demonstrations
Horse fights (traditional sport)
Cultural performances (e.g., Kadal Tahaw or bird dance)
Display of traditional Tboli attire and brass accessories
Helobung Festival
Meaning: “Never-ending joy”
This festival is a thanksgiving celebration filled with traditional music using native instruments like the hegelung (two-stringed lute) and kulingtang (gong set). It is marked by storytelling, chanting of epics, and performances that express gratitude to the spirits and ancestors.
Lemlunay (Tboli Mythical Festival)
Conceptual: Not always publicly celebrated, but present in oral tradition
Lemlunay refers to a mythical paradise in Tboli beliefs where harmony exists forever. Some cultural events symbolically reenact this concept through rituals and dances, especially during peace or harvest ceremonies.
T'nalak Festival (Shared with other tribes like Hiligaynon and Blaan)
Held in: July, General Santos City or South Cotabato
Though broader in scope, this festival honors Tboli craftsmanship—especially the sacred T’nalak cloth, woven by dreamweavers. Tboli weavers are often featured in parades and exhibits during this province-wide event.
These festivities not only serve as cultural preservation tools but also offer an opportunity for younger generations to reconnect with their heritage and for outsiders to appreciate the Tboli’s unique identity.
