Panagbenga Festival

The Panagbenga Festival is a vibrant, month-long celebration of flowers held every February in Baguio City. The name "Panagbenga" derived from the Kankanaey language, means "season of blooming." This festival originated as a tribute to the city's exquisite flowers and as a means to uplift the community after the devastating 1990 Luzon earthquake.

One of the main highlights of the festival is the parade of floats, lavishly adorned with beautiful flowers, reminiscent of Pasadena's Rose Parade. Adding to the spectacle, street dancers wear flower-themed costumes inspired by the Bendian, a traditional Ibaloi dance from the Cordilleras.

The Panagbenga Festival is not only a time for fun and beauty; it also plays a crucial role in preserving indigenous traditions. It provides a platform for younger generations to connect with their cultural roots. Initially, there was some skepticism about the government's involvement in promoting tourism, but over time, the local communities have embraced it.

The festival's logo, designed by a student, features indigenous sunflowers and was a joint effort between the BCDA and JPDC. In 1996, the festival was officially renamed Panagbenga, signifying "a season of blossoming."

Like many events worldwide, the Panagbenga Festival faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After being postponed, it was ultimately canceled in March 2020.

The festival kicks off with opening activities on the first day of February and offers a variety of events throughout the month. The grand finale takes place in the final week, featuring the much-anticipated Street Dancing and Float Parade. Following these main events, Session Road is closed off for a week-long exhibit. Additional activities at Wright Park celebrate pony boys and horse trainers, and the festival concludes with a closing ceremony on the last night.