This annual festival of lights honors the “Birhen sa Kasilak” (Our Lady of Light), patroness of Loon. It also expresses the enduring qualities of the festivities of the town. The Visayan words “sidlak” (rise) and “silak” (shine) best describe the character of Loonanons as they conquer life’s adversities and make the best out of their inherent talents and capabilities.
The various sectors of the community mount sociocultural activities during the ten-day celebration which was started in 2000. Highlighting the festival is a fluvial procession followed by street dancing and dance of lights competitions. Other contests, all requiring the use of light, are also mounted. SidlaKasilak was inspired by past religious processions in Loon when the faithful would light candles in colorful hand-held lanterns or “parow”, the local version of the “parol”. In fact, during the first few years of the festival, the dancers brought traditional lanterns wrapped in Japanese paper.
Candles, however, are no match to the wind made even stronger with every sway of the hands that held the lanterns. The Japanese paper, too, could not withstand too much heat nor could it resist the rain. Thus candles were later replaced with permanent yet adjustable lights like flashlights, magic sticks, light-emitting diodes and others. Glazed paper, plastic wrap and cloth have been used instead of Japanese paper. The distinctive nature of SidlaKasilak is manifested in its being the only evening street dancing event in Bohol. In addition, it does not require lavish costumes and props that onlookers do not appreciate in the dark. In fact, participating schools are required to use only their respective student uniforms. Community-based delegations choose their own attire. The contest criteria revolve solely on the lights and have remained the same for many years, to wit: lights design, color harmony and brightness (20%); choreography or movement and formation of lights (40%); and dynamics or manipulation and synchronization of the lights with the music (40%).
Below are the list of activities:
| DATE | TIME | ACTIVITY | SPONSOR |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 27 Sunday | 6:00 PM | Food Bazaar * | Youth Sector |
| August 29 Tuesday | 8:00 PM | PYM Night * | Parish Youth Ministry |
| August 30 Wednesday | 5:00 AM 6:00 AM 8:00 PM | Fun Run/Fun Walk ** Zumbafest: Hataw sa Kapistahan * Women and Senior Citizen's Night * | LGU Masterpay Avenue Kahugpungan sa Kababayen-ang Loonanon/Loon Federated Senior Citizens Association |
| August 31 Thursday | 8:00 PM | Encantada sa Loon 2017 * | Glam Gays of Loon |
| September 1 Friday | 8:00 PM | Loon High Schools Night | Junior and Senior High Schools First Consolidated Bank |
| September 2 Saturday | 9:00 AM 1:00 PM 8:00 PM | Inter - High Play-offs (Junior and Senior High Schools Competition) *** 2nd Juan M. Relampagos DAMA Tournament *** DepEd Night * | LGU Loon Federated Senior Citizens Association Loon North & South Districts |
| September 3 Sunday | 7:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 8:00 PM 10 PM | Food & Fruits Fair 2017 ** Blessing of the new Mercado de Loon **** Inter - High Play-offs (Finals) *** Tawag ng Tanghalan sa Loon * Hip-hop Dance Competition * | Municipal Agriculture Office LGU LGU Sangguniang Bayan Youth Sector |
| September 4 Monday | 8:00 PM | Search for Loon Campus Personality 2017 * | LGU |
| September 5 Tuesday | 8:00 PM | Dos Compañeros Jr. and Variety Show * | Liga ng mga Barangay/Business Sector |
| September 6 Wednesday | 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM | Pagtagbo sa Kasilak (Napo) Street Dance Offering Dance of Lights Competition * | Lumad Napoanon/Napo Barangay Council DepEd and Poblacion Barangays LGU |
| September 7 Thursday | 8:00 PM | Fiesta Disco Extravaganza * | LGU |
| September 8 Friday | 8:00 PM | Live Band Concert * | Congressman Rene Relampagos |
| September 9 Saturday | 7:00 PM 10:00 PM | The Voices of Bohol * The Fasttrack Family Showtime | C & D Entertainment Fasttrack Dancers |
| September 10 Sunday | 9:00 AM | Motocross Competition **** | Loon Racing Team |
Venues:
* Loon Town Square
** Mercado de Loon
***Loon South Central ES
**** Cogon Norte