Term used by Spanish colonists to describe the tattooed indigenous Cebuano Visayan people.They were found on the islands of Cebu, Bohol, eastern part of Negros, Samar and Leyte in the Biçayas (Visayas) region of the Philippines.The word itself means "painted," and was first used during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.The men are known for their tattoo art, which often covers most of their bodies. They apply the tattoos by pricking the skin with sharp pieces of iron and then applying black powder to the open wounds which is absorbed into the skin permanently. The inhabitants of the province of Camarines, located at the eastern end of the islands, resemble the Pintados.

Writing in 1565, in describing the natives, Rodriguez says: "... these Indians wear gold earrings, and the chiefs wear two clasps about the feet. All the body, legs, and arms are painted; and he who is bravest is painted most."

This tradition has been developed by the Pintados Foundation, Inc. in 1986. It oversees the first Pintados Festival in 1987 in Leyte. It is celebrated every June in Tacloban City as a memorial to the colorful and rich history and culture of the Leyte and Samar provinces. Some of the key parts of the festival are the "Fun Festival of Festivals," "Ritual Dance," and "Pagaranhak" Grand Parade. Every Pintaya Festival, the streets are filled with dancers to paint the body like the Pintados.

Also part of a month's enjoyment is the salutation of Señor Sto. Niño, patron of the Tacloban and former festivals on the third Sunday of January. The long history of the image began in 1888 when the ship flew back from Visayas to Manila. The image was lost in the sea and the cholera disease in Tacloban was spread. In the midst of the epidemic, the Governor of Leyte received a letter from Mindoro saying that the seaport found in Sto. Niño with heavy duty candlesticks. On 30 June 1889, the Consuelo ship arrived in Taclobanthe image was lost and he became the new town feast. At the same time the sudden disappearance of the epidemic in the town. Since then, the end of June has been a day of gratitude. (CID)
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