Getting ready for anti-witch festivity

Residents of Capiz in central Philippines are busy preparing for a witch-oriented festivity to be held end of October, said an organiser, adding the purpose is to "de-mystify" the image of Capiz as a haven of grotesque witches, known as 'aswang'.

There will be a cultural show that will be devoted to Capiz's mythical witches, said Thursday Ortiz, one of the organisers who belongs to Dugo Capiznon Incorporated, a non-government organisation.

The Sigmahanon Foundation under the directorship of Alphonsus Tesoro will present the cultural show.

"We want other people to know the other face of Capiz," said Thursday, adding that the festivity will introduce "the kinder kind of witches in Capiz".

For centuries, Capiz has been known as the country's source of 'mananagal' or flying witches.

Folklore, including comic stories, have magnified Capiz's alleged underworld creatures, to a point of embarrassment among the residents there.

"Aswangs" have been presented as witches hungry for human flesh and blood.

"Enough is enough," said Ortiz, adding that the new festivity, to be held from October 29 to 30, will soon become a tradition meant to fight the "wild and untrue image of Capiz".

"Hopefully, we will change the grotesque image of Capiz, which was created by outsiders anyway," she said, but did not explain why witches are still featured in the event that was meant to clear Capiz of grotesque images.