PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL
"Dan dan..dan dan dan dan dan dan dan dan…" says the tune of the Panagbenga Hymn, which permeates every Baguio from February to March. My hometown celebrates the local Panagbenga festival every year. Panagbenga, pronounced pa-nag-buh-nga, refers to the blossoming season commemorating history, and citywide festivities that highlight regional culture and flora are held. Beginning with a street dancing parade, the festival features Mr. and Ms. Baguio and local schoolchildren performing various street acts, including dancing and singing. The dancers are dressed in flower-themed costumes based on the Bendian Dance from the Ibaloi Celebration in the Cordillera area. The Panagbenga parade circles the city before ending at Burnham Park, which lasts an hour.
PANAGBENGA SCHEDULE
The entire month of February is for Baguio's yearly Panagbenga Festival Celebration. Not only is February the month of love here, but it's also a time for lavish celebrations and floral blossoms.
Therefore, if you're considering visiting Baguio and want a truly unique experience, February is a great time to travel because you'll have the chance to participate in the Panagbenga Festival celebration. The timetable for the Panagbenga Grand Street parade and Grand Float Competition, the festival's centerpiece, is noteworthy.
Source: Baguio City Public Information Office, Feb. 3, 2023
MUST-DO EXPERIENCE: PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL
The most excellent place to see the Grand Float Parade and Panagbenga Street Dance is on the renowned Session Road. Thus, to catch all the action, get up early, have a hearty meal, and head directly to Session Road for the performance.
Prepare yourself for a day full of vibrant colors and a tribal beat! The streets are crowded with residents and tourists who are joyfully witnessing the parade, feel the street dancers' boundless energy and smiles as they move to the rhythm of pounding drums, and marvel at the enormous floats decorated with an array of vibrant fresh flowers- it's truly that amazing!
It was evident that all event elements, including the costumes, choreography, and floats, resulted from much effort and passion. They must have spent many months preparing before they could genuinely put on such a fantastic spectacle. It's a unique piece of art, and it's incredible how they maintain innumerable blooms alive until the parade ends. And that's what sets this flower festival apart.
Undoubtedly, the Panagbenga Festival is a unique nationwide celebration that will make an impression on everyone who attends.
P.S:
Photos taken by myself