February 23-25, 2008
Panagbenga is month-long annual flower festival occurring in Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines. The term is of Malayo-Polynesian origin, meaning "season of blooming".The festival, held during the month of February, was created as a tribute to the city's flowers and as a way to rise up from the devastation of the 1990 Luzon earthquake.The festival includes floats that are decorated with flowers unlike those used in Pasadena's Rose Parade. The festival also includes street dancing, presented by dancers clad in flower-inspired costumes, that is inspired by the Bendian, an Ibaloi dance of celebration that came from the Cordillera region.
Aside from economic boosts from tourism, the festival also helped the younger generation of indigenous people to rediscover their culture's old traditions. The indigenous people was first wary with government-led tourism because of the threat that they will interfere or change their communities' rituals
Schedule of events
Opening parade
Date: February 1
Venue: Session Road and Melvin Jones Grounds.
The parade signals the start of the Panagbenga. This will be participated by a representative contingent of volunteers. The parade will be followed by a short opening program, together with competitions between drum and lyre including street dancing contingent among elementary students.
Trade Fair and Bazaar
Date: First Saturday of February until First Sunday of March
Venue: Burnham Park
Grand Festival Parade and Street Dancing Competition
Date: Fourth Saturday of February
Venue: Session Road up to Melvin Jones Grounds
Float and Marching Band Competitions
Date: Fourth Sunday of February
Venue: Session Road up to Melvin Jones Grounds
The parade opens with a shower of rose petals along Session Road while marching bands played lively tunes that sets the mode for the parade. Colourful costumes and lively dance numbers come next followed by cleverly- crafted, vibrant and multicoloured floats made entirely from flowers of every kind.
Session Road in Bloom
Date: Fourth Monday of February until First Sunday of March
Venue: Session Road
Flower and related stalls together with side walk cafés and food outlets shall be set-up along Session Road that will be closed to vehicles during the occasions. Street and musical entertainers shall be performing in selected areas in Session Road. This activity shall be organized and managed by the tourism sector of the city.
Closing ceremonies
Date: First Sunday of March
Venue: Athletic Bowl
Field demonstrations and other exhibitions shall be featured. A fitting and appropriate closing ceremony program will formally end the festival followed by a fireworks display in the evening.
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