The town of Cabatuan was first noted for the "Sinulugans" or hillside tribesmen who annually practice the art of "Sinulog" or Dance of Death characterized by sword fighting rituals.

[8] The town was founded on April 9, 1732, after a molave cross (with only its base currently existing) was planted on the peak of Pamul-ogan Hill.

This early settlement was then flourishing on a level zone of land near the northern bank of the Tigum River where the poblacion or the commercial center of the town is now located.

Furthermore, the town was placed by the priest under the spiritual protection of Saint Nicholas de Tolentino whom Cabatuananons venerate as their Patron Saint whose feast is celebrated from September 1–10 every year through a 10-day celebration that is grandiosely culminated on September 10 by the highly anticipated Tinuom Festival patterned from Iloilo's Kasadyahan Festival.

[9] During the Second World War, Cabatuan officially became the last defense of Western Visayas against the Japanese forces which led to the destruction of most of its edifices.

[8] Lt. Col. Ryoichi Tozuka, the commander of the Imperial Japanese Army in Panay Island, signed the document of surrender at Cabatuan Airfield located in Cabatuan, Iloilo, Panay Island, Philippines, on September 2, 1945,[10] the same day as the surrender signing in Japan aboard the U.S.S.

The church was given the title "Model of Temples" since it was the best representation of European architecture on the Philippine islands during the Spanish era.

The complex carvings on the chapel's facade is considered to be the most distinct cemetery relief which can only be found in Cabatuan.

The first level of the town hall is already centuries old and its interior is characterized by the Art Deco cubical columns and semi-arched Tuscan windows adorned with capiz shells.

Every lent, traditional devotees start their journey from the mouth of Barangay Pamulogan to the peak of the hill as penitence.

This picturesque shrine located in Balic Hill, is one of the places in Cabatuan that attract many tourists and pilgrims during lenten season.

The Shrine of the Bondage Tree lies in the Town plaza directly in front of the Municipal Hall of Cabatuan.

It is believed that the natives were tied in this tree and whipped if they refuse the polo or forced labor during the Spanish Era.

There are six (6) competing groups (called tribes or "tribu" in the local dialect) composed of students from six secondary schools in Cabatuan.

This year, Tribu Ilahas from Tiring National High School, winner of the 2007 Tinuom Festival placed third in the Kasadayahan Competition.

[26] Cabatuan is also known to have the most wooden and porcelain statues being showcased on Lenten processions (a religious parade evident in almost all parishes in the Philippines during Holy Week).

In the morning of Good Friday, the statue of the Nazareno together with thousands of Cabatuananons and tourists alike follow a procession locally called Via Crucis from the Church to the Balic Hill pausing on the 14 Stations of the Cross erected along the path.

In the afternoon, on the other hand, another procession is held after the Good Friday Mass around the poblacion where the said wooden and porcelain statues embellished with fresh flowers, royal cloths and personalized lighting are paraded.

The Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital (RTMDH) located in Barangay Pungtod, Cabatuan is the major health service institution that serves the municipality and its neighboring towns.

The town has its own official hymn entitled Ang Banwa nga Namat-an composed by Jesus Pablito G. Villanueva.

2007-002) that the hymn be sung after the National Anthem in flag ceremonies in all public schools, agencies, and institutions in Cabatuan.