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Every year, the colorful and vibrant Panagbenga Festival blooms in Baguio, showcasing the region's rich floral beauty and cultural heritage. It features a spectacular array of festivities that starts on February 1 and continues until March 3, 2024.
The Flower Festival started in 1995 to help Baguio City heal after a massive earthquake in 1990. "Panagbenga" means "season of blooming" in the Kankanaey dialect and symbolizes the city's strong community spirit. Now, it’s Baguio's biggest event, drawing large crowds every year. Explore the different ways to enjoy this vibrant celebration and discover why it remains a cherished event in the Philippines.
1. Enjoy a Garden Exhibit
Take a stroll through charming green spaces adorned with floral installations. The Panagbengascapes is a month-long garden exhibit and features the official entries of the Professional Landscaping Competition and Exhibition. It highlights two categories: the Vertical Garden Category and the Freestyle/Open Category. The exhibit showcases landscaping artistry that blends natural beauty with creative design.
The Panagbengascapes: A Garden Exhibit runs from February 1 to March 3, 2024:
Vertical Garden Category is at Juan Luna Drive, Burnham Park
Freestyle/Open Category is at Melvin Jones Football Grounds
2. Experience a Cultural Event
Discover the rich cultural heritage and traditional dances of the highlands at the Rhythm and Blooms cultural showcase. This event represents the official entries of the Panagbenga Cultural Dance. It's a wonderful celebration of life and nature that will leave you feeling invigorated.
Watch Rhythm and Blooms of the Highlands on February 18, 2024, 2 p.m., at Melvin Jones Football Grounds, Burnham Park.
3. Watch the Dance Parade
Image Credit: Panagbenga: The Baguio Flower Festival Facebook
Feel the energy at the Panagbenga Grand Street Dance Parade. Participants in vibrant costumes dance to the rhythm of drums and music, celebrating the cultural heritage of the region. The procession starts at Panagbenga Park, South Drive, and moves through Upper Session Road to Melvin Jones Football Grounds. The Dance Parade starts with an assembly at 6 a.m. and kicks off at 8 a.m.
Watch the Panagbenga Grand Street Dance Parade on February 24, 2024, 8 a.m., at Panagbenga Park, South Drive.
4. Marvel at the Parade of Floats
Image Credit: Panagbenga: The Baguio Flower Festival Facebook
Join the crowd in watching the highlight of Panagbenga Festival. The Grand Floral Float Parade features three competition categories: small, medium, and large floral carts. Here, you’ll see how each entry uses flowers, natural materials, and vegetation to decorate their floats, turning their artistic visions into reality. The procession starts at the Upper Session Road main thoroughfare to Melvin Jones Football Grounds.
Enjoy the Panagbenga Grand Floral Float Parade on February 25 2024, 8 a.m. at Upper Session Road.
5. Admire the Fluvial
Image Credit: Cordillera Tourism Facebook
Celebrate the beauty of Baguio with the Fluvial Parade at the Lake. Hosted by the Department of Tourism, this picturesque parade on water showcases floral-decorated boats that embody the festival's floral theme on water. Boats decorated with flowers compete to show the festival’s theme: Celebrating traditions, embracing innovations.
Catch the Fluvial Parade at the Lake on February 18,2024, 10 a.m., at Burnham Lake, Burnham Park.
6. Explore the Street Fair
Experience Session Road in Bloom—where Baguio's main thoroughfare transforms into a pedestrian paradise filled with food stalls, exhibits, and entertainment. It's the perfect way to enjoy the best of local culture, cuisine, and crafts during the festival's conclusion.
Keep your energy levels high and taste buds satisfied by indulging in Baguio's delicious local delicacies. Try the sweet strawberry taho or some savory ukoy (shrimp fritters). These treats are sure to keep you fueled throughout your mountain adventures.
Head to Session Road in Bloom on February 26 to March 3, 2024.
7. Visit the Botanical Garden
Take a break from the festival crowds and visit the tranquil Botanical Garden. This lush, green oasis is home to numerous plant species and beautiful landscaped gardens. It's a peaceful retreat where you can relax, recharge, and enjoy nature's beauty.
Discover the garden’s hidden gems, including the 150-meter Japanese Tunnel walkway, the vibrant Orchidarium, and the nip hut-dotted Cordillera Village. Each adds a unique charm to your visit and serves as the perfect backdrop for stunning photos.
The Panagbenga Festival: Tips and Essentials
From the grandeur of parades to the creative garden exhibits and the delicious local delicacies, this festival presents a beautiful bouquet of experiences that can’t be missed. Check out Panagbenga’s official site for the complete list of events.
Because kasama mo ang Globe in making moments more rewarding, you can also join the festival fun through the Globe booth at Upper Session Road near SM Baguio from February 24 to March 2, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Join exciting activities—from a grand raffle where you can win prizes by completing a short survey to spin-the-wheel giveaways for instant rewards. Festivalgoers can also redeem exclusive merch at the swag station using their Globe Rewards Points.
If you're traveling from Manila, the celebration starts even before you reach Baguio! From February 21 to 23, visitors at the Victory Liner bus terminal in Cubao can enjoy instant freebies in partnership with Leslie Corporation. Globe customers who opt into the All-New Rewards program will also get 10 Globe Rewards Points, which can be used to play G Swipe on the GlobeOne app for a chance to win a Flyaway trip to the Star Wars Japan event for two or a Southeast Asia cruise for two! SIMs and top-ups will also be available at the booth to keep you connected throughout the festivities.
Don’t miss G Music Fest on March 1, where Northern Luzon’s rising bands, including PREZA and Medyo Maybe, will take the stage alongside OPM favorites Arthur Miguel and Calein. Get ready to sing along, vibe with the crowd, and capture every unforgettable moment with #GlobePanagbenga2025! Tag your friends and family along to #GoForwardTogether and create lasting music festival memories. Students can also enjoy exclusive discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise at partner spots like Hot Cat Cafe, Uji-Matcha Cafe, R&B Library, and Mt. Cloud Bookshop by simply showing their student ID and donating 1 Globe Rewards Point via the GlobeOne app.
To have the ultimate festival experience, don't forget to equip yourself with the necessary tools. Before setting off on your journey, ensure you can easily manage your data by downloading the GlobeOne app. This allows you to track your usage, subscribe to affordable prepaid promos, and pay bills as you enjoy the month-long Panagbenga Festival. And if you’re interested in exploring more of what the Philippines has to offer, check out other festivals and events across the country—perfect for planning your next adventure.
