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7 Ways to Enjoy Baguio's Panagbenga Festival
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
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. Admire the Fluvial
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and watch the Fluvial Parade on February 18.
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.
3. 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.
4. Watch the Dance Parade
Feel the beat at the Street Dance Parade, where you watch participants dancing in vibrant costumes.
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.
5. Marvel at the Parade of Floats
A bird's-eye view captures the splendor of blooming artistry at the Baguio Flower Festival, where nature's palette comes alive.
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.
6. Explore the Street Fair
Savor the sweetness of strawberry taho at the street fair and delight in the fusion of local flavors.
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
Refresh yourself and delight in the serene pathways of 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.
You can also join the festival fun through the Globe Panagbenga booth from February 26 to March 3, 2024, 8 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Upper Session Road. Lots of exciting activities and prizes like claw machines and interactive games are lined up for customers and festivalgoers. You wouldn’t want to miss The Flower Art Wall Co-Lab and a woven bag hand painting activity, too! These immersive experiences are accessible through Globe Rewards donations via the GlobeOne app.
You also get the chance to win ₱15,000 GCash credits through the G Creator Photo walk, which is designed to inspire aspiring and professional Baguio creatives to showcase the city's charm as part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. Globe customers may join in by doing their photo walk on their own time in five Globe photo spots in Leandro’s Bistro, VIVISTOP, Baguio Ukay, Yomichee, and Cafe Leche.
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.