Hamtic: History and Local Traditions

If you’re looking for a hotel in Hamtic, the town’s history can help you understand the destination in light of your interests. Hamtic connects the early history of Antique Province with memories of General Leandro Fullon, local traditions, and links to the Binirayan Festival. Its historical milestones range from the province’s establishment in 1790 to individual festival events in 2022 and 2024.

Hamtic and the History of Antique

When Antique was established as a politico-military province in 1790, Hamtic was its first capital. In 1802, the capital was moved to San Jose de Buenavista. The marker at Hamtic Church records this sequence as a historical reference.

Another part of the town’s history is the General Leandro Fullon National Shrine. Hamtic’s municipal plaza was converted into the shrine in 2004. The shrine grounds cover 4,200 square meters. A law passed in 1982 recognized General Fullon’s role in the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War.

The Santa Monica Statue and Its Traditions

The Santa Monica Statue in Hamtic is depicted wearing a black robe with gold lace trim. The tradition about its care begins with a missionary who brought the statue to Hamtic and entrusted it to the Javier family. Exelino Delgado Javier passed it on to his youngest daughter, Blesilda A. Javier. Later, its care passed to her nieces and nephews, Mary Jane, Jocelyn, and Exelino Javier Jr.

A local tradition links the statue to an event from the 1950s: a woman in black, believed to be Santa Monica, is said to have calmed a fierce tidal wave during an earthquake. Alongside the family’s history of caring for the statue is a story connecting the figure to a natural event.

Simbanan: Rock Formation and Local Stories

Simbanan is a large, reddish-brown rock formation on the grounds of General Leandro Fullon National School in Fabrica, Hamtic. Local traditions link the rock to stories of unexplained illnesses and visits to seers or traditional healers. Simbanan represents a different thread from the dates in the province’s history: here, the focus is on stories and practices associated with the rock.

Binirayan Festival: Origins and Events in Hamtic

The origin story of the Binirayan Festival belongs to Antique Province: it was conceived in 1974 under the leadership of then-Governor Evelio B. Javier. Later editions of the festival included specific events in Barangay Malandog, Hamtic. At the end of 2022, oversized statues of the ten Malay datus were unveiled there during the festival.

At the 50th Binirayan Festival in 2024, a parade traveled from Malandog to EBJ Freedom Park. The unveiling of the statues and the parade are distinct connections: one concerns the datus, the other the route of a parade. If you’re planning your trip around a festival event, check the dates for your travel period.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Talisay City, Calatrava, Ivisan, Oton, Sibunag, Carles, Buruanga, Hinoba-An

For the broader travel overview: Western Visayas.