Today, people know Siargao for surfing and beach photos, but the island’s story didn’t start there. Long before Cloud 9 became famous, Siargao was already full of life. Families lived off the sea, told stories passed down through generations, and followed traditions that made the island what it is. If you really want to understand Siargao, it helps to know what came before the surfboards and selfies.
A Life Built on the Sea and Land
The first people who lived in Siargao were part of the Austronesian and Surigaonon communities. They had a close relationship with the land and the sea. Fishing, farming, and making crafts weren’t just jobs, they were part of everyday life. They also traded with nearby islands, sharing goods and stories. Some believe the island’s name, Siargao, came from siyagaw, a type of mangrove that still grows here today. Others say it reflects their deep connection to the ocean. Through songs, stories, and old traditions passed down by word of mouth, we get a picture of a people who lived simply, shared what they had, and respected the world around them.
There’s an old story locals still tell about a place called Sulangan. It was known as a peaceful, thriving village where people lived well and had everything they needed from the land and sea. Over the years, that name slowly faded, and the area became known as Siargao. But some believe the name still carries pieces of the island’s true identity, one rooted in nature, community, and a way of life that came long before tourists ever arrived.
The Spanish Era and Shifting Traditions
When Spanish missionaries came to Siargao in the 1500s, they brought Catholic beliefs and new ways of farming. They built churches and introduced different crops, slowly changing how people lived. But because Siargao was far from the bigger islands, it stayed a bit more untouched. Many local traditions and ways of life continued, even as religion and daily routines started to shift.
As time went on, Catholic practices started to mix with local beliefs. The result? Colorful fiestas filled with music, dancing, and traditions that blend both old and new. These celebrations still happen today and show how Siargao’s culture grew by weaving different influences together over the years.
War, Resilience, and a Quiet Transformation
During the American era and World War II, Siargao stayed mostly rural and quiet. Schools and roads were slowly added, but life still revolved around fishing, farming, and tight-knit communities. When the Japanese occupied the island, many locals joined guerrilla groups to fight back. After the war, people came together to rebuild, leaning on each other and holding onto the traditions that helped them survive.
For a long time, Siargao stayed quiet, resilient, and deeply connected to nature. That changed in the late 1980s, when foreign surfers stumbled upon a wave now known as Cloud 9. What started as a hidden gem quickly put the island on the world map and marked the beginning of Siargao’s rise as a tourist destination.
Culture and Craft Beyond the Waves
The traditions of Siargao’s earliest people are still very much alive today. You can see this in the handmade baskets and palm hats crafted by local artisans, who pass these skills down from one generation to the next using materials like pandan, abaca, and rattan.
Storytelling, music, and dancing are also important parts of daily life. Events like the Bonok‑Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival celebrate the islanders’ strong bond with both the sea and their spirit. Through music and dance, the people of Siargao proudly keep their culture and community alive.
Why Siargao’s Hidden History Still Matters
Learning about Siargao’s past gives you a richer picture beyond the surf and beaches. It’s about the people who lived here long before the waves became famous, their strength, traditions, and deep connection to the land and sea. Siargao is not just a destination for surfers; it’s a place full of living history and culture waiting to be discovered.
When you walk through local markets, join in village celebrations, or buy handmade crafts, you’re taking part in a story that’s been unfolding for hundreds of years, long before Instagram and selfies came along.
ALSO READ: Echoes of Paradise: Unraveling the Rich History of Siargao
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