Boholano

Boholano refers to the people of Bohol, a province located on the island of Bohol in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. It is also used to describe the local language or dialect and the cultural traits associated with the province. The demonym is commonly rendered as Boholano (singular) and Boholanos (plural).

Language and identity play a central role in Boholano communities. The Boholano speech is a variant of Cebuano, part of the broader Visayan language family. It is generally mutually intelligible with Cebuano spoken in nearby Cebu and Siquijor, though it features distinctive local phonetic and lexical traits. English and Filipino/Tagalog are widely used in education, media, and urban communication.

Culture and society in Boholano communities reflect a blend of Visayan traditions and local customs. The province is known for landmarks such as the Chocolate Hills and the tarsier sanctuary, which influence regional pride. The Sandugo Festival, held in Tagbilaran City, commemorates the historical blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel López de Legazpi, illustrating a key moment in local and national history. Boholanos commonly observe Catholic religious practices, celebrate local fiestas, and maintain traditional crafts, cuisine, and family-centered values, including dishes like lechon as part of festive meals.

History and demographics: Precolonial Bohol was inhabited by Austronesian communities, with Spanish contact in the 16th century shaping its religious and cultural landscape. Today, Boholanos form the province’s majority population, with diaspora communities abroad and internal migration influencing urban growth and development.