February is upon us and so is another celebration of the famous Panagbenga Flower Festival. This year’s festival marks its 23rd edition, bearing the theme “Celebration of Culture and Creativity.” The theme also reflects Baguio’s recent designation as a UNESCO Creative City for crafts and folk art.
What’s in store at this year’s festival? Read on to find out what events and activities are lined up.
Traditional Events: Parades And Competitions During The Festival
The Panagbenga Opening Parade and Ceremonies will be on Feb. 1, Thursday. It features a parade of the Drum and Lyre Competition contestants from the elementary division. It will start at Panagbenga Park in Upper Session, down Session Road, then Harrison Road. The Baguio Athletic Bowl will be the final stop for the parade.
One of the most awaited parades is the Grand Street Dance Parade which happens on Feb. 24, Saturday. This will take the same route as the Opening Day parade. Winners of the street dance competition and drum and lyre will be announced at the Baguio Athletic Bowl.
The Grand Float Parade which features magnificent floral floats will be on Feb. 25, Sunday. This starts at the DILG along Session Road and ends at the Melvin Jones Football Grounds. As usual, visitors will be able to see the floats up close when they are on the football grounds.
All parades entail the closing off of some major roads and streets in the city such as Session Road and Harrison Road. Although the police have yet to issue traffic advisories, visitors and residents are advised to prepare for the impact of road closures.
Events To Celebrate Creativity
Boysen Paints comes back once again to sponsor Let A Thousand Flowers Bloom on Feb. 11, Sunday. Anyone who wants to participate in this creative event at the Melvin Jones Grandstand is welcome. There will also be an Open Kite-Flying Competition on that day, and a Panagbenga Cultural Show.
March 4 marks the end of the month-long festival and will be capped with Closing Ceremonies in the morning and a Grand Fireworks Display in the evening.
Baguio artist groups have yet to share details of their participation in Panagbenga, particularly during the week-long Session Road in Bloom from Feb. 26, Monday to March 4, Sunday. Keep it here on Pilipinas Popcorn for more details.