BAGUIO, Philippines – Every year, without fail, memes flood social media advising locals to stay home during Panagbenga Festival, as if traffic, massive crowds, and tourists armed with selfie sticks are a new phenomenon. And yet, like clockwork, both locals and visitors still show up in droves, drawn to the magic of Baguio’s most celebrated festival, the one time in the year when the city is in full bloom, not just with flowers, but with culture, creativity, and community spirit.
Now on its 29th year, the Panagbenga Festival, from the Kankanaey word meaning “season of blooming,” continues to thrive, proving that this isn’t just about flowers. It’s about Baguio, its people, and its enduring ability to rise, flourish, and celebrate.
The much-awaited Grand Street Dance Parade turned Session Road and Harrison Road into a burst of energy, rhythm, and color. Despite the memes discouraging attendance, the turnout was impressive, as locals and tourists filled the streets, eager to witness the spectacle.
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From Mabini Elementary and Tuba Central’s drum and lyre corps to festival dancers from Saint Louis University, Pinsao National High School, and cultural ensembles from as far as Nueva Ecija, the parade showcased both tradition and innovation in movement, music, and costume. Even the Bureau of Fire Department Street Dance Performers joined the revelry, proving that even firefighters can keep up with the beat.
Accompanying the performers were the powerful sounds of the Saint Louis University Marching Band, the Philippine Military Academy Band, and the Citizens Brigade Band of Dasmariñas, Cavite, because what’s a parade without a proper marching theme?
Baguio City, the country’s summer capital, sits high in the mountains of northern Luzon, where the air is cooler and the people are known for their warmth. After the devastating 1990 Luzon earthquake, which left Baguio in ruins, the city needed something to help it heal.
In 1995, a small group, led by lawyer Damaso Bangaoet Jr., envisioned a festival that would showcase Baguio’s culture and attract visitors back to the city. Thus, Panagbenga was born.
Since then, the festival has grown bigger and brighter, much like the flowers that define it. It is now recognized internationally, bringing together artists, performers, farmers, and entrepreneurs, all working together to make it happen.
While tourists marvel at the grand floats and street dancers, an entire community works tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the festival to life.
The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) ensures that Panagbenga stays true to its roots, organizing events and securing funding. The City Government of Baguio, along with the Baguio Tourism Council, manages logistics, ensuring that the festival runs smoothly despite the surge of visitors. Even barangay officials, students, artists, and volunteers step up, because, let’s face it, Panagbenga belongs to everyone.
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And then, there are the Benguet farmers, the unsung heroes of Panagbenga. Without them, there would be no flowers. No breathtaking floats, no Session Road in Bloom, no city decked out in florals. These farmers, who battle unpredictable weather and rising production costs, work year-round to supply the festival’s signature blooms. Supporting Panagbenga is also supporting the very people who make it possible.
Panagbenga has never been just about flowers. It’s about a city that refuses to wilt. It’s about farmers who work year-round so the festival can bloom. It’s about artists, musicians, and dancers who bring life to the streets.
So, yes, expect crowds, traffic, and the occasional tourist asking where Good Taste is, but also expect a festival that remains uniquely, undeniably Baguio. Because Panagbenga is not just an event, it’s Baguio’s heart, blooming year after year. – Rappler.com