LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Municipality recently kicked off its highly anticipated Strawberry Festival 2024 with a grand ceremony at the Municipal Park. The festivities began with an Ecumenical Service, followed by the opening and ribbon-cutting of the Strawberry Lane and the Agro-fair. The theme of this year’s celebration is “La Trinidad: The Strawberry Capital of the Philippines (Sirom ni Duting),” highlighting the town’s significant role in strawberry production.
A focal point of the festival, Strawberry Lane, is an agro-fair that mesmerizes visitors with a display of flavorful strawberries, delightful by-products, and an assortment of strawberry-themed goods and items. Open throughout the month, the agro-fair is a vibrant celebration of La Trinidad’s 42nd Strawberry Festival.
Before the Strawberry Festival, the town will celebrate its municipal fiesta, giving thanks to the Sangguniang Bayan for Ordinance No. 5-2011. This ordinance institutionalized the conduct of the “La Trinidad Strawberry Festival” every March in the municipality. The strategic timing aligns with the celebration of the Saint Patron of San Jose on March 19. Despite the initial celebration date of March 18, the executive committee decided to hold the festivities on March 15 to accommodate a mid-program celebration. The event schedule includes a small float, street dance parade, and drum and lyre performance on March 16 and a strawberry cake fest on March 17.
The Strawberry Festival plays a crucial role in evolving strawberry production and sustainability. Spanning 39 hectares, the dedicated strawberry farmers and the Benguet State University (BSU) contribute significantly to La Trinidad’s position as the Strawberry Capital. The festival recognizes the collaborative efforts of various barangays, showcasing the town’s commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Mayor Romeo K. Salda extends his appreciation to the dedicated producers and caretakers of La Trinidad’s strawberry farms. “We would like to thank our 1,120 strawberry farmers who sustain their production with an area of 39 hectares, and of course, we would like to thank BSU for maintaining the strawberry farm. Yon na yung big production natin aside from the outskirt from the different barangay who have helped us from the strawberry production.”
This year, instead of the traditional giant cake, the festival opted for a unique approach creating 10,000 strawberry cupcakes. The decision is a departure from the norm, adding an element of surprise and innovation to the festivities. The action reflects the town’s commitment to adapting and evolving its traditions.
The organizers have already set their sights on 2025, planning to create giant twin cakes. While aiming to break their own Guinness Book of World Records, collaboration with the La Trinidad Bakers Association is essential. Including the rare Snow White strawberry variety adds an extra layer of excitement despite the challenges posed by its limited production.
On behalf of the Municipal officials of La Trinidad, Mayor Romeo K. Salda warmly invites the public, both local and foreign tourists, to partake in the Strawberry Festival 2024. “On behalf of the municipal officials of La Trinidad, we would like to invite all the public, local and foreign tourists, to participate in all the identified programs of the festivities of Strawberry Festival 2024.”
La Trinidad’s Strawberry Festival 2024 celebrates the iconic fruit and is a testament to the town’s commitment to sustainable farming practices, cultural preservation, and innovative festivities. With an open invitation to all, the Strawberry Festival encourages visitors to join in the celebration and savor the sweetness of La Trinidad’s success as the Strawberry Capital of the Philippines. By Jackielyn Reyes