ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Guinakit fluvial parade held during the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival has drawn thousands of spectators and local tourists as it commemorates the 16th-century arrival of Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan, who introduced Islam to mainland Mindanao.

The fluvial parade was held on Thursday  along the Rio Grande de Mindanao featuring a vibrant procession of intricately adorned boats.

This year’s Shariff Kabunsuan Festival carries the theme, “Colors of Guinakit: Honoring the Past, Navigating the Future.”

The Guinakit fluvial parade, celebrated annually on 19 December in Cotabato City, commemorates Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan’s arrival in mainland Mindanao, featuring a vibrant procession of intricately adorned boats along the Rio Grande de Mindanao.

The event features vibrant, ornately designed boats, once used by royal families, that navigate the region’s iconic river in a display of culture and history.

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim has paid tribute to Shariff Kabunsuan, recognizing him as the cornerstone of the Bangsamoro identity and homeland.

“If there were no Shariff Kabunsuan, there would be no Bangsamoro and no Muslim Mindanao,” Ebrahim said during the Guinakit fluvial parade held along the Rio Grande de Mindanao.

Chief Minister Ebrahim emphasized the festival as a vital recognition of the Bangsamoro’s rich heritage and enduring aspirations.

“This festival reflects the strength of our ancestors, the richness of our culture, and the aspirations woven into our collective spirit,” he said.

Ebrahim urged his constituents to embrace the teachings of Shariff Kabunsuan, emphasizing compassion, faith, and an unyielding commitment to one another.

Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao, reiterated Cotabato City’s commitment to fostering unity and inclusivity as the heart of the Bangsamoro region.