The Pineapple (pinyasan) Festival

daet pinyasan festival costumes

Daet has its annual Pineapple Festival every 15th-24th of June officially
but its basically on for the whole month with several smaller associated
festivities . The importance of this festival is the unique pineapple its self
, named the “Queen of Formosa” pineapple well known for its sweet
flavour and is only produced in this region.

The “Pinyasan” as the Daetenos call it is known as one of the most

colourful parades in the Philippines . Since its start in 1992 knowledge of
the queen of formosa has spread even to out side of the Philippines .

The main part of the celebration lies with the highly decorated floats and
costumes all well rehearsed and choreographed in there own rights .
With brass bands and schools and many different groups and
associations being involved marching and dancing through the streets of
Daet .

The most important and significant part to this spectactular celebration

is the whole agriculture industry that this province holds . As well as the
arts and culture it brings with it .

Other places have festivals and events to promote there products which
is good for the producers , the people and the city’s themselves . Here
we simply want to salute the farmers of Daet .

The Abaca Festival or formally known as Catanduanes Abaka Festival is a festival held each year
in Virac, Catanduanes, Philippines. The celebration happens every 4th week of the month of May.
The festival is cognizance of the importance of abaca fiber or Manila hemp industry in the local
economy and the need to showcase its versatility as a major source of livelihood and craft material
which has brought Catanduanes fame and fortune. The festival will showcase the life and resilient
spirit of the Catandunganon and its culture, as well as the uniqueness and exoticness of the island
and its people.[1]
Catanduanes Island is the native habitat of the endemic abaca plant (a banana relative) which is
globally renowned for its strong fiber. In fact, the Philippines FIDA (Fiber Industry Development
Authority) declared the island as the highest abaca producing province in 2010. In 2009-2013, The
Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) and the Department of Agriculture, Bicol Region had
39% share of Philippine Abaca production, emerged as the biggest produce while overwhelming
92% comes from Catanduanes the biggest abaca producing province in the country. The island
province is also home of the finest grade of abaca fiber.

Bantigue Festival
A festival among the Bantigue folk, right across the Masbate town proper. The barangay is
famous for its deeply preserved traditional folk dance called the “Batigue Dance.” Batigue is
famous for its boatmakers

Overview
Legazpi is the center of socio-economics in the province of Albay and it is the one
with the biggest population. Legazpi has the advantage of having a geographical
core and it is no surprise that Legazpi festivals are held here. Most of the Legazpi
festivals are held in honor of their patron saint or as a tribute to its rich cultural
heritage.

Magayon Festival
Strictly speaking the Magayon Festival is celebrated by the entire province but it is
held primarily in Legazpi City. The word ‘magayon’ literally means ‘beautiful’ and
this Legazpi festival has been rightly described by its very name. The Magayon
Festival is not something that has been celebrated for a very long time, in fact it was
first celebrated in 1998 as part of the governor’s effort to increase tourism in Albay.
The province of Albay is primarily Catholic and during the Magayon Festival,
Catholic traditions are primarily what are showcased.

Aside from the religious aspect of the Magayon Festival, this event is also ingested
with Bicolano culture. There is a cooking competition held during this Legazpi
festival that draws contestants from the entire region and the theme of this contest
is local delicacies. For those who are not aware, most Bicolano dishes are prepared
with chili and coconut milk. Among the other events held during the Magayon
Festival are marathons and an eco-camp that focuses on increasing awareness of
the need to protect Bicol’s environment.

Ibalong Festival
Held every October for 6 whole days, the Ibalong Festival celebrates the myths of
Legazpi before the Spanish colonizers arrived. Apart from the myths, this Legazpi
festival also showcases how resilient the inhabitants of this region are. The main
event of the Ibalong Festival is the choreographed dances in the street prepared by
high school students. There are other merry making activities during this Legazpi
festival including street parties, drag races, concerts and the night always ends with
a magnificent fireworks display. For those who like shopping, during the Ibalong
Festival, the flea markets here also take center stage and here handicrafts can be
bought as well as other items such as clothing and accessories. During the Ibalong
Festival, the culture of the Bicolanos come shining through and the liveliness of the
event is something that most visitors can’t resist. This Legazpi festival takes place in
Albay with the Mayon Volcano and its perfect cone as the background. The Ibalong
Festival allows the locals to remember times long gone and the tourists to learn the
heritage of this region.

Butanding Festival (Donsol, Sorsogon)

A festival which ushers in the Butanding (Whaleshark) Season as well as a thanksgiving
for the blessings that the butanding’s presence has given the people of Donsol. The
festival is highlighted by a street parade.

Pili Festival (Sorsogon City; June 28-29)

Pili is an indigenous crop of the Bicol region, particularly Sorsogon. Coinciding with the
city’s patronal fiesta, the festival showcases the Pili, known as “The Majestic Tree”
because of its myriad economic uses. A street dance presentation, a highlight of the
festival, presents the three growth stages of the Pili, from green (young fruit) to violet
(half-mature) to black (mature). The Pili nut is being processed into different kinds of
sweets and delicacies.

Padaraw Festival (Bulan, Sorsogon; May 30)

A festival showcasing colorful costumes fashioned from abaca fiber. It is highlighted by a
grand street presentation with the participants clad in these colorful abaca costumes.

Hin-ay Festival (Irosin, Sorsogon; September 28-29)

This festival is a commemoration of the feast day of the town’s patron, St. Michael the
Archangel, and at the same time a rediscovery of the town’s cultural heritage. The
festival traces the struggles of the people of Irosin at various stages of its history and
aims to renew the enthusiasm in community building. Various activities include the
Mardi Gras, which depicts the victory of the Archangels over the Black Angel, cultural
show, agro-trade fair, beauty pageant, food festival, among others.