Panagbenga: A Spectacle of Colors, Scents, and Artistry

BAGUIO CITY—The love month takes a much more beautiful meaning as thousands of tourists head off to the summer capital not just to enjoy the cool breeze, but more importantly to experience its uniquely fantastic celebration, the Panagbenga.

Taking its origins from the kankanaey word for “a season of blooming,” the Panagbenga is a month-long festival that showcases the creativity and ingenuity of the Cordillera residents through dance, music, and the arts.  A Cordilleran ritual dance, Cañao, usually kicks off the celebration, held at the Athletic Bowl in BurnhamPark on February 1.

While the rest of the country celebrates Valentine’s Day by going on dates and holding different parties, Baguio residents and tourists enjoy a visual feast as BurnhamLake is filled with bancas adorned with beautiful blooms of various hues and sizes.  Other attractions that one should not miss are the following: Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom (an art event), Pony Boys Day, the Flower Tee Golf Tournament, Mr. and Ms. Panagbenga, plus various concerts around the metro. 

On February 28, the Grand Street Parade takes place along Session Road and BurnhamPark, with dance groups from different schools and universities in Baguio showcasing their talents.  And then on March 1, the Panagbenga Grand Float Parade takes center stage, with each float displaying a beautiful variety of blossoms following a certain theme.

Add a little San Miguel Beer to your Panagbenga experience and preserve the colorful memories of your adventure in this side of the country, where artistry, creativity, and natural beauty bloom all year long.

Article by: Zañata Lim

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