Celebrating the Cordillera Festival of Festivals 2023
Cordillera Festival of Festivals 2023
As the Cordillera Administrative Region is slowly bouncing back from the effects of the pandemic, it again showcased the Cordillera Festival of Festivals 2023! This colorful parade of culture and tradition in the Cordillera Region is a living testament that every tourist and local alike should “find themselves in the Cordilleras.”
Read also: Baguio Restaurants with a good view and great food (Part 1)!
True to its theme of Find Yourself in the Cordilleras, the Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region makes every visitor tickle their curiosity into experiencing the region on a deeper level. This year, a total of seven (7) local and indigenous festivals participated in the annual Cordillera Festival of Festivals. Here are some highlights:
PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL (Baguio City)
Celebrated every February in the City of Baguio, the famous Panagbenga Baguio Flower Festival is the main highlight when you come to visit Baguio City. brought to life to rise from the ashes of the deadly 1990 earthquake, this festival sensation is one of the most celebrated festivals in the Philippines. “Panagbenga” meaning ‘season of blooming’ in Kankana-ey, the Baguio Flower Festival is a symbol of the city’s resilience and creativity throughout the years.
GOTAD AD IFUGAO (Ifugao)
This cultural festival celebrated every June in Lagawe is also celebrated alongside the founding anniversary of the province of Ifugao. “Gotad Ad Ifugao” comes from the word ‘gotad’ which means ‘a big gathering or celebration’ in the Ifugao dialect. Gotad refers to a phase of ‘uya-oy,’ a solemn rite that is observed in the elevation of status of a rich family or clan in the province / locality. The celebration is marked by the drinking of ‘bayah,’ a local alcoholic beverage.
LAGA FESTIVAL (Lubuagan, Kalinga)
Since its inception in 2011, the Laga Festival is celebrated every April in the municipality of Lubuagan, province of Kalinga. This enlivening the traditional art of weaving is the municipality’s expression of traditional art as their source of identity and livelihood.
ADIVAY FESTIVAL (Benguet)
The agri-tourism festival of Adivay is celebrated in the province of Benguet rediscovering the rich history, culture, arts and trades of the province. The Adivay Festival was formed to gather all the indigenous tribes of Bengeuet to come together and share each other’s beliefs, traditions, and practices. Adivay in Ibaloi means ‘coming together and having fun.’
MATAGOAN FESTIVAL (Kalinga)
The Matagoan Festival of Kalinga is celebrated every June in the province, particularly in Tabuk City. This social gathering features the different indigenous practices in the province featuring the clans and groups residing in Kalinga.
LANG-AY FESTIVAL (Mountain Province)
The week-long celebration of the Lang-ay Festival in Bontoc, Mountain Province is celebrated every April. Coming from the word “Lang-ay” which means ‘fellowship’ in the Bontoc dialect, this festival celebrates the founding anniversary of the province as well. The Lang-ay festival aims to unify the tribal communities of Mountain Province to promote and preserve their common cultural heritage.
LAPAT FESTIVAL (Apayao)
One of the newest festivals in the region and in the Cordillera Region, the Lapat Festival of Apayao is one of the oldest practices of the people of Apayao in honoring and celebrating their departed loved ones. When the ‘lapat’ is lifted, the family of the departed holds a “say-am” or ‘feast.’
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