LINGAYEN, Pangasinan–Don’t look now but Pangasinan might just earn the coveted moniker “Festival Capital” what with its array of festivals in many towns and cities in the province from December through summer.

Note that while Metro Manila and other key cities in the country observed May 1 as a day of street protests, the day was calendared as a day for celebrating with friends and families at the beach. It was after all  Pista’y Dayat  in all the province’s coastal towns including Dagupan City.

“Each town has its own characteristics and traditions. In a sense, we unite everybody here by putting what we have,” said Governor Victor Agbayani.

Those who had established their own festivals were invited to join the parade held in front of the Capitol Building here on May 1. On that day, thousands of Pangasinenses and those living in nearby provinces came and enjoyed the merriment as they watched street dancers swaying to the beat of the drums under the scorching summer heat, clad in colorful costumes and depicted  through their dance steps how their own festival came into existence.

Puto Festival

The town of Calasiao, aside from being famous for its miraculous shrine of Señor Divino Tesoro is also touted as the center of “Best Puto” in the country.

It was under Mayor Roy Macanlalay in cooperation with the town’s puto makers that the first Calasiao Puto Festival was held on Dec. 28, 2002.

Pandan Festival

Through the initiative of Mapandan Mayor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, the town now boasts of Pandan Festival, highlighting the unique product of the town, pandan (screw pine), from which the town derived its name.

The first Pandan Festival in 2003 showcased the town’s agricultural wealth, a celebration of its people’s industry and diligence as well as a commemoration of the town history.

 Galicayo Festival

The town celebrates the call of the miraculous Our Lady of Manaoag to build a church on a hill where her apparition appeared.
Manaoag has since become the foremost tourist destination in Pangasinan. Galicayo is held annually every second Sunday of December.

Binongey Festival

In the coastal town of Anda, binongey cooking dates back during the “dappat” period in Anda. (Binongey is sticky rice cooked with coconut milk inside a bamboo and cooked in a low fire).

Binongey Festival was launched in April 2004 under then Mayor now Board Member Alicia Pulido. Today, it has become part of the town’s fiesta celebration.

 Mango and Bamboo Festival

Under Mayor Julian Resuello’s administration, Mango and Bamboo Festival was launched in April 2001 wherein both major products of the city are showcased.

The plump, juicy and sweet carabao mangoes and the unique and artistic handicrafts made of bamboo take center stage in this celebration.

Longanisa Festival

Known for its majestic and world famous Hundred Islands, Alaminos City also takes pride in its popular meat product, longanisa.

Mayor Hernani Braganza included the Longanisa Festival as one of the activities during their city fiesta on March 18 and 19 in 2004.

Goat Festival

Launched during the town fiesta in March 2005, Balungao Mayor Jose Peralta Jr. aimed to have the Goat Festival to showcase the town’s  important livelihood in a bid to save the goat industry. Since its successful launch, the population of goats in the town increased from 7,000 to 25,000 heads.

It will now be a regular highlight of the annual town fiesta celebration.

Pista’y Dayat

What used to be a simple thanksgiving for the bounties of the sea, Pista’y Dayat celebration every May 1 in the province’s coastal towns including Dagupan City, has evolved into a week-long event of trade and food fair, singing and dancing, selection of Pangasinan’s most beautiful lady.

May 1’s Pista’y Dayat has become Pangasinan’s answer to national festivals like Mardigras, Ati-Atihan and Sinulog.

Bangus Festival

Dagupan City‘s Bangus Festival which seeks to promote its famous bangus (milkfish) product dovetails its celebration of Pista’y Dayat. 

Talong Festival

Villasis recently launched its Talong Festival, seeking to reinforce its claim as the vegetable capital of the province. It’s the highlight of its January town fiesta

Sugpo and Malaga Festival

Sugpo and Malaga Festival is Binmaley’s own version of a festival highlighting its main produce. This is observed in conjunction with its town fiesta as well.– EVA

 

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