The Bantayog Festival is a month-long celebration held every April in the province of Camarines Norte (CamNorte). It commemorates the province's founding anniversary and the historic Daet Revolt of 1898. This year, you can join the festivities from April 12 to May 10. Planning to take a trip down south to join the festivities? Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the festival like a local.

CamNorte holds a unique place in Jose Rizal’s legacy. The festival's name, Bantayog, honors the first monument built for the national hero. It was erected in Camarines Norte in February 1899—a full 14 years before the iconic Luneta monument. Inspired by Rizal's call for reform and nationalism, the people of Daet rebelled against Spanish authorities in 1898 and laid siege to Florencio Arana's residence, where the Spaniards took refuge.

The Bantayog Festival began in April 2005 as part of the province's 85th founding anniversary celebration. It honors both Rizal's national significance and the local heroes of Camarines Norte.

What’s a Bantayog celebration without some monumental dancing? Experience the energy in dance workshops like the Zumbayugyog sa Bantayog on April 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Provincial Capitol Grounds. Or immerse yourself in the Bantayog Street Moves: Dance Battle 2024 on April 26 at 7 p.m. at the CN Agro Sports Center. This competition features communities showcasing their unique styles and traditions.

The community also organizes other events like local sports competitions, music festivals, and fashion shows: 

• 7th Bantayog Climb, April 12 to 14 at the mountains of Camarines Norte
• Binibining Camarines Norte 2024 Festival Costume Presentation & Fashion Show, April 20, 5 p.m. onwards at the Provincial Capitol Grounds
• Bantayog Music Festival 2024, April 27, 6 p.m. onwards at the Daet Airport
• Talisay Triathlon Year 3, April 28, 4 a.m. onwards at the Centennial Wharf
• 3rd Bantayog CNM Runway Fashion Show 2024, April 28, 2 p.m. at SM City Daet Activity Center
• Bantayog Modelo Cam Norte Fashion Show 2024, May 5, 3 p.m. at SM City Daet

Visit the official Facebook Page of the Cam Norte Provincial Tourism Office for a full schedule of activities.

The Bantayog Festival showcases the artistry of local craftspeople through various arts and crafts exhibits. From intricately woven textiles to handcrafted pottery, there's no shortage of beautiful handiwork to admire. Discover the beauty of Bicol handicrafts at the Agri-Tourism, Trade, and Artisan Fair 2024, running from April 15 to May 10, 11 a.m. onwards, at Freedom Park. Or feed your inner culture vulture at the 7th Bantayog Art Awards, which will be held on April 20, 10 a.m., at SM City Daet. 

Support CamNorte’s filmmakers during the Bantayog Film Festival 2024 in the Central Plaza Cinema. The premiere showing is scheduled for April 18 at 3 p.m., while the regular showing will be held on April 20 and 21 at 10 a.m. To get a glimpse of the films before then, watch the official trailers of the finalists.

Catch homegrown kusineros representing their barangays at the Bantayog Masterchef 2024: Inter Municipality Cook-Off on April 25 at 10 a.m. at the Central Plaza Mall. 

While you’re in town, eat like a local and sample all Camarines Norte has to offer the hungry traveler. Bicolanos take pride in their love for all things spicy and gata, so enjoy Bicolandia’s best dishes like laing, pinangat, sinantolan, and kinunot. Try the ginataang pusit at Leo’s Cuisine and the dinailan and tinumok at Pratesi Cafe. Don’t forget the famed Bicol Express, a dish named after the Philippine National Railway train route from Manila to Legazpi.

Leo’s Cuisine is at Bagasbas Rd, Daet, Luzon 4600 Philippines. You can reach them at 0956 172 7820, while Pratesi Cafe is  located at Taft Ilaod street, Daet, Philippines. You can reach them at 0998 558 2265.

Don't miss these key events that capture the heart of the Bantayog Festival. Start your celebration with the Flag Raising, Opening Salvo, Interfaith Thanksgiving, and Flower Offering at the First Rizal Monument on April 15, 8 a.m. at the Provincial Capitol Grounds. Honor the exceptional men and women of Camarines Norte at the Gawad Parangal Sa Natatanging Cam Norteño on April 17, 5 p.m. at the CNSC Amphitheater. 

Experience the glamor of the Binibining Camarines Norte 2024 pageant on April 28 at 7 p.m. at the CN Agro Sports Center. Finally, witness the pinnacle of the festivities with the Grand Festival Parade and Street Dancing Competition on May 1, 1 p.m. at Downtown Daet. This visual spectacle features contingents from different towns showcasing their cultural heritage through colorful costumes and energetic dance routines.

Explore the province beyond the main festival venues. One of the most popular Camarines Norte attractions is the Calaguas island chain, famed for its fine sands and crystalline water. In 2013, an online poll of Isla Lipana & Co. voted it the top Philippine Tourism Gem. Lay out your beach mat, pull up your best summer Spotify playlist, and hit play. Then, kick back and relax.

If you’ve never attended a festival in the Philippines, the Bantayog Festival is a great place to start. Whether you're participating in the dance activities or striking up a conversation with a local, don't be afraid to go all out. Stay connected with loved ones throughout all the excitement—a postpaid plan or prepaid promo will keep your updates flowing seamlessly. Plus, monitor your data usage easily with the GlobeOne app, so you can keep sharing your Bantayog adventure!