By Rose Frejane A. Cruz

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The city government led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and officials of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) formally opened the Calendar of Activities of the month-long celebration of the much-anticipated crowd-drawing event Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival during a launch held at the Baguio City Hall grounds on January 12.

The historic event with the theme “Blooming Without End” symbolizing three decades of stability, cultural pride, and community celebration.

 

BFFFI is now preparing for the re-blooming of the Summer Capital in celebration of the 30th Panagbenga Festival, with traditional events included in the more than month-long celebration from February 1 to March 8, once again delighting residents and tourists.

 

Aside from the visual appeal of the events, Panagbenga is considered a powerful tourism and local livelihood booster for Baguio City, continuously providing economic support to small and large businesses, while strengthening the city’s identity as a cultural and creative hub of the Cordillera.

 

Panagbenga will begin with the traditional grand opening parade on February 1, where elementary students will showcase their skills in their Drum and Lyre competition, followed by the opening of the Market Encounter at Burnham Park.

 

The much-anticipated grand street dance parade is on February 28 and the following day, March 1, the grand floral parade and Session Road in Bloom on March 2 to March 8.

 

Panagbenga, which means “time of flowering” and comes from the Benguet word Kankanaey, was started in 1996 in an effort to help the city recover from the devastating 1990 Luzon earthquake.

 

Over the years, it has grown to become one of the most iconic festivals in the Philippines, attracting thousands of visitors with its unique flower parades, street dances, and cultural performances and has been recognized as a member of the International Festivals and Events Association.