[1] They are the descendants of the Austronesian-immigrants who came from South China during the Iron Age who probably came to Masbate after reaching the more southern Visayan islands.
Most of the people of Masbate speak Masbateño a language that is closely related to Hiligaynon and Capiznon.
In the vicinity of the towns of Cataingan, Palanas and Dimasalang, most residents speak Waray-Waray.
This festival features a week-long tournament of bull riding, cattle wrestling, lassoing, calf casting, post driving, carabao racing and a host of other ‘rodeo’ games.
This unique observance is also accompanied by cattle raising contests, a trade fair and parades, much like the rodeos in the American West.