The Panagbenga Festival 2016 Grand Float Parade

Panagbenga is one of the well-known festivals here in the Philippines. It is a month-long annual flower festival occurring in Baguio. The term Panagbenga is basically a Kankanaey term ( a South-Central Cordilleran language) which means “a season of blossoming, a time for flowering” as it is celebrated on the month of February when flowers are starting  to bloom. This festival reflects the history, traditions and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras.
I am so glad that I was able to witness this festival for the first time. Although I am really afraid to travel alone in Baguio, i decided to conquer that fear and I’m so happy I made it through! As I said, this Festival is a month long celebration but the grandest of them all are the last two days of February where the Street Dancing and Grand Float Parade are being held.I was there during the Grand Float parade which is really great because it was an all out parade and the Street Dancers from yesterday’s event will accompany each float too. Despite of the striking heat, the smell is overwhelming good! We arrived in Baguio early as expected so I had enough time to view the Floats while they are being prepared for the parade! The floats covered mostly with flowers and you will surely admire the effort they offered to make this wonderful floats. I admire all the details and i also realized that each float represents a certain product (maybe their sponsors). Nevertheless, they are all amazing!A big float of SitelSession Road is where most of the events in Panagbenga will take place including the Grand Float Parade! I wonder how much flowers are there for each float and how long it took them to complete these grand floatsThey said that the parade will begin at 7 yet we waited for more than an hour before it officially started. I also learned that you should really come here early than the scheduled time of parade because people will start to gather and the place will be crowded instantly. Luckily i had enough time to take a closer look to each float and found myself a nice position before the parade begins.Well, it’s not really an ideal position because I was in a location where the actual parade begins. This is a spot where the formation of each float is bein arranged. I wasn’t able to witness the street dance performances. It is also interesting to note that it is not just an exhibition but a competition! Each float is being judged too based on their category and so as the Street Dance!Street dancers and their colorful costumes are starting to line up! The parade was about to begin (finally).Drums and music starting to rollSpotted this minature Jeep named Jeepito. A Maleficent-inspired FloatDrummers in Igorot costume!These are celebrities.. I just don’t know their names but according to them, they were PBB Housemates. Not SureZagu Float, one of my favoritesMinecraft-inspired float by Mang Juan, Blend 45 and NissinJust look at the crowd!Here’s a float that pokes fun to the viral Carrot ManAlso spotted Asi TaulavaSpotted Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco.I wasn’t able to finish the entire parade but I also spotted Coco Martin and their Probinsyano-Inspired float but I wasn’t able to take a decent photo! I really had a blast and hopefully I can attend the same event next year!

Check Out the rest of my Baguio Trip entries here

Panagbenga Festival Grand Float Parade │ Wright Park and The Mansion│Mines View Park│Cordillera World│Strawberry Farm│Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto │What To Buy In Baguio