PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL

By Group 7
9-SSC LAVOISIER

THE PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL

Panagbenga, which means "Season of
Blooming" in Kankanaey, is a month-
long annual flower celebration in
Baguio. The festival, which takes place
in February, was founded as a tribute
to the city's floral beauties and as a
means of recovery following the
devastating Luzon earthquake of 1990.
The celebration features floats that are
mostly covered in flowers, similar to
those seen in Pasadena's Rose Parade.
The festival also includes street
dancing performed by dancers dressed
in floral costumes and modeled after
the Ibaloi celebration dance known as the Bendian, which originated in the Cordilleras. Today, it is
considered one of the Philippines' biggest cultural events and the largest Non-Religious Festival in the
country.

WHEN IS PANAGBENGA CELEBRATED?

Panagbenga Festival is a month-long annual flower occasion in Baguio. Held annually in the City of Pines,
Baguio City, it is a much-awaited event attended by both local and foreign tourists. Now that we are
slowly getting back to our normal pre-pandemic activities, the Panagbenga Festival 2023 will run for 5
weeks starting February 1 of 2023, until the first week of March 2023.

It is celebrated in February because it is the season of blooming for Baguio City's beautiful flowers,
particularly the city's signature blooms, the blooming of the Benguet's flowers (including the Baguio
Flower), and the blossoming of the "Narra" trees. The festival was originally scheduled for the weekend
closest to Valentine's Day to boost tourism in the city during the traditionally slow tourism season. The
timing of the festival coincides with the cool weather in Baguio, making it a perfect time to showcase the
city's beautiful flowers and unique culture.

WHERE IS IT CELEBRATED?
Panagbenga Festival is celebrated in Baguio City, which
is located in the northern region of the Philippines.
Baguio City is also known as the "City of Pines" due to
its abundant pine trees and cool climate. The city is a
popular tourist destination, especially during the
Panagbenga Festival, which attracts millions of visitors
from all over the world. The festival's various events
and activities take place in different parts of the city,
including the streets, parks, and cultural centers. Overall, Baguio City is the perfect location for the
Panagbenga Festival. Its scenic beauty and vibrant culture make it an ideal backdrop for this celebration
of flowers and community spirit.

WHY IS IT CELEBRATED?
The Panagbenga Festival is a significant cultural event that showcases Baguio City's unique identity and
history. The festival provides an opportunity for the locals to come together and celebrate their heritage
through various cultural activities, such as street dancing, parades, and competitions.

The festival also serves as a platform for promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. Baguio
City is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, and the festival highlights the importance of preserving
and caring for the environment. The festival's organizers encourage the use of eco-friendly materials,
such as recycled paper and cloth, for the festival's decorations and costumes.

Overall, the Panagbenga Festival holds great cultural, economic, and environmental significance for the
people of Baguio City, and it is a source of pride and identity for the locals.

EXPERIENCES DURING PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL:

During the Panagbenga Festival, Baguio City comes alive with

vibrant colors and joyful celebrations. Visitors can witness street dancing and live performances, and
marvel at the stunning flower exhibits and parades. The festival's highlight is the grand street parade,
featuring elaborately decorated floats adorned with colorful flowers, making it a feast for the eyes and a
celebration of the city's unique culture.

FACTS ABOUT PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL:

● The festival's name comes from the Kankanaey term "Panagbenga" which means "a season of
blooming."
● The festival's highlight is the grand street parade, featuring elaborate floats adorned with
colorful flowers.
● It was first held in 1995 to help boost tourism in Baguio City, which was still recovering from the
devastating earthquake that hit the region in 1990.
● The festival's street dancing competition is considered one of the most competitive in the
Philippines.
● The festival attracts millions of visitors from all over the world, making it one of the most
popular festivals in the country.