Six major provincial festivals are converging in the City of Baguio for the staging of the 2nd edition of the Cordillera Festival of Festivals on November 11, 2023 at the Rose Garden, Burnham Park.
The Cordillera Festival of Festivals will continue to showcase the rich tapestry of cultural celebrations from the various provinces and cities within Cordillera region. The Festival will begin with a parade down Session Road to the Rose Garden, Burnham Park.
The Province of Apayao will feature the newest festival in region – Lapat Festival. The inaugural Lapat Festival was held on 23 June 2023 as part of the Municipality of Calanasan’s 60th founding Anniversary.
Additionally, the Lapat system of the Isnag people where the festival was derived from, is credited for increasing the population of the critically-endangered Philippine Eagle.
The Province of Benguet will showcase Adivay Festival, a vibrant celebration of the province’s indigenous culture. The festival celebrated during the month of November is named after the Ibaloi term meaning “coming together”. It brings together all the tribes of Benguet in a grand celebration that allows the sharing of cultural beliefs practices.
The Province of Ifugao will highlight Hagabi in their Gotad Ad Ifugao Festival performance. The Hagabi represents a position of influence, a symbol of wealth, power and prestige.
The Province of Kalinga will showcase two of its festivals: Tabuk City’s Matagoan Festival Performance will feature the Banga Dance to pay tribute to the Province’s Guinness World Record for the Largest Banga Dance (4,681 participants) which was achieved on 15 February 2023 and the Municipality of Lubuagan’s Laga Festival which will showcase the weaving industry and traditions passed from generations to generations of the people of Lubuagan.
Mountain Province will showcase the Lang-ay Festival. The festival is held to celebrate the customary living tradition of the people of Mountain Province for merrymaking to celebrate, share happiness, nurture friendship, strengthen family ties and foster brotherhood.
And the City of Baguio will showcase a Panagbenga Festival performance. 𝘗𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢 Festival is an annual flower festival celebrated every February which takes place in Baguio City. The term “𝘗𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢 ” comes from a Kankanaey term meaning “season of blooming”. This festival reflects the history, traditions and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras. It lasts over a month long and flourishes through community spirit involvement.
Recognizing the immense potential of cultural tourism as a catalyst for drawing both domestic and international travelers seeking unique experiences, the Cordillera Festival of Festivals stands as a testament to the region’s commitment to celebrating its rich heritage. This event is not just a convergence of diverse cultural festivities but also a demonstration of pride and unity among the provinces and cities of the Cordillera Administrative Region.
The DOT-CAR’s initiative to organize this festival stems from the vision to contribute to the recovery of the tourism industry while also establishing a platform to perpetuate the unique cultural heritage of the Cordillera region. This event also serves as an annual commemoration during the Indigenous People’s (IP) Month, marked in October by virtue of Proclamation No. 1906, s. 2009, which honors the signing of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act in 1997.