Bambanti Festival (Province of Isabela)
Bambanti Festival, aptly called the “mother of all festivals” in Isabela, draws both locals and foreigners from around the world, with 34 municipalities and three cities participating every fourth week of January at the Isabela Provincial Capitol Compound.
The festival has blossomed into a vibrant, week-long celebration that engages all sectors of the province. It showcases the best of Isabela—from world-class products, rich heritage and culture, and the people’s ingenuity to its mouthwatering cuisine and captivating street dance performances.
But there is more to the Bambanti Festival than just scarecrows. It is primarily celebrated as a communal gesture of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest, and a tribute to the resilience, strength, and determination of the Isabeleños.
1ST DISTRICT
Mammangi Festival (City of Ilagan)
The Mammangi Festival, celebrated every May in the City of Ilagan, honors the Ibanags, the early ethnic inhabitants known as “Mammangi” or corn farmers. Even before the arrival of Spanish explorer Juan de Salcedo in 1586, corn production was already a major farming activity in the area.
These early farmers represent the strength, industry, resilience, and perseverance that continue to define the Ilagueño spirit. Today, the city is officially recognized by the Department of Agriculture as both the Corn Basket and the Corn Capital of the Philippines.
Pansi Festival (Cabagan)
The Pansi Festival is an annual event in Cabagan, celebrated from January 20th to 25th in tribute to the town’s flourishing native noodle industry. Pansi is the Ibanag term for pancit, and this dish has become the most popular local noodle dish, not only in the Cagayan Valley but also across the entire Philippines.
Bangkarera Festival (Delfin Albano)
Held every March 14–17, the Bangkarera Festival commemorates the rich history and cultural heritage of Delfin Albano. In earlier times, the municipality was separated from the National Highway by the powerful Cagayan River. To reach vital government and non-government institutions in nearby growth centers such as the City of Ilagan, Cauayan City, and others, residents relied on ferries and boats for transportation. The Cagayan River also served as a lifeline for agriculture, providing essential water to irrigate the vast farmlands that span the municipality.
Ikan Festival (Divilacan)
Divilacan proudly celebrates the annual Ikan Festival as a way of expressing gratitude for its rich and abundant marine resources. The festival was inaugurated on June 20, 2009, coinciding with the launch of Bilay Ikan, the official municipal newsletter. Since then, the Ikan Festival has become a cherished tradition, highlighting the community’s deep connection to the sea and its commitment to preserving marine biodiversity.
Binaging Festival (Maconacon)
On April 14, 2014, a Municipal Resolution was passed officially declaring “Binaging” as the festival of Maconacon, celebrated annually from May 20 to 21. “Binaging,” the local term for lobster, was chosen as the centerpiece of the festival in recognition of its status as the municipality’s flagship marine product. The lobster’s ten claws represent the town’s ten barangays: Aplaya, Canadam, Diana, Eleonor, Fely, Lita, Malasin, Minanga, Reina Mercedes, and Sta. Marina. The presence of six distinct lobster species in the area reflects the municipality’s peaceful, progressive, and self-reliant character, guided by environmentally conscious and morally upright leadership.
Baka Festival (San Pablo)
A survey revealing a significant number of ranches in San Pablo paved the way for the establishment of the Baka Festival. Celebrated every January 15, the festival is envisioned to become the centerpiece of future Patronal Fiestas in the municipality. Beyond celebration, it aims to strengthen initiatives that promote the local cattle industry and showcase products developed since the launch of a major convergence project in the area.
Mabbanga Festival (Santa Maria)
The Mabbanga Festival is a week-long celebration held annually in the municipality of Santa Maria, Isabela. The Ibanag pottery tradition, believed to have been introduced by the Kalingas, has been preserved and passed down as an important part of Ibanag heritage.
The festival is celebrated every December 8 to remind the people of Santa Maria of their humble beginnings, their culture, and their traditions. It also commemorates the early foundations that helped shape the now progressive municipality of Santa Maria.
Inatata Festival (Santo Tomas)
The Inatata Festival is held every August 19 to 21 in the municipality of Santo Tomas. Inatata, a traditional glutinous rice cake, represents the core values of patience, industriousness, perseverance, humility, and unity. Recognizing its cultural significance, the local government passed an ordinance officially declaring Inatata as the town’s festival centerpiece. The celebration aims to promote this original product and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Santo Tomas.
Mangi Festival (Tumauini)
The Mangi Festival, celebrated every February 22 to 25 in Tumauini, Isabela, coincides with the town’s Patronal Fiesta in honor of St. Matthias. The festival promotes Tumauini as a major producer of corn and its by-products. “Mangi,” the Ibanag word for corn, reflects the town’s agricultural identity.
The celebration features vibrant street dancing along the national highway, showcasing local creativity, community pride, and the cultural importance of corn in Tumauini’s heritage and economy.
2ND DISTRICT
Sabunganay Festival (Benito Soliven)
Celebrated every March 18-19, the Sabunganay Festival in Benito Soliven began in 2018 as a thanksgiving for the abundant harvest of banana blossoms. “Sabunganay,” the Ilokano term for banana blossoms, reflects the town’s aim to become the Banana Capital of the North. The festival promotes the local banana industry and features various products made with sabunganay as the main ingredient.
Kuliglig Festival (Gamu)
Celebrated every August 22-23, the Kuliglig Festival honors the kuliglig—a traditional farm vehicle widely used by farmers to transport rice and other crops. More than a tool, the kuliglig stands as a symbol of Gamu’s agricultural heritage and the enduring diligence of the Gamueños. The festival pays tribute to their hardworking nature and the vital role they play in preserving the town’s rich farming culture.
Mapakanna Festival (Naguilian)
Celebrated every November 27, the Mapakanna Festival is a vibrant expression of unity between the local government and the people of Naguilian, working hand in hand to strengthen their shared commitment to community and progress. The festival showcases local agricultural products through cultural dances that portray the journey from planting to harvest, culminating in a heartfelt thanksgiving for the blessings received.
The name “Mapakanna” translates to “It can feed,” reflecting the abundance of Naguilian’s harvest and the generosity of its people. No celebration is complete without the signature Naguileño hospitality, warm welcomes and the sharing of deliciously prepared food, a true symbol of gratitude and communal joy.
Sabutan Festival (Palanan)
Held every third week of July, the Sabutan Festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of Palanan, Isabela. Named after the local term for pandan, a plant that grows abundantly in the area, the festival highlights the artistry of Palanan’s skilled weavers. Using dyed and natural-colored dried sabutan leaves, they create an array of handwoven products such as bags, hats, placemats, and more.
During the celebration, sabutan products take center stage—not only showcased as handicrafts but also transformed into vibrant costumes and decorative floats. The festival’s creativity and flair have earned it recognition beyond the town: it won Best Float Design in 2005 and was awarded 2nd Runner-Up in the same category at the Aliwan Festival 2006.
Masetas Festival (Reina Mercedes)
The Masetas Festival, held every June 10–12, takes its name from the Ibanag word “masetas,” meaning “plant.” It began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when residents of Reina Mercedes turned to planting as a way to cope with stress and uncertainty. What started as a simple hobby quickly grew into a shared passion that brought comfort, purpose, and even livelihood to many. Bougainvilleas, in particular, became a symbol of resilience, blooming brightly when everything else felt uncertain in the municipality. The Masetas Festival honors this spirit. It reminds Mercedenians that even in difficult times, life can still take root and flourish.
Dupo Festival (San Mariano)
The Municipality of San Mariano is one of the few LGUs in the province blessed with expansive agricultural lands—perfect for growing a wide variety of crops, fruit-bearing trees, and other farm products. Among these, the banana locally known as “dupo” (an Ibanag word) stands out as one of the municipality’s most important and recognizable produce.
To highlight this agricultural pride, the Dupo Festival was established as a platform to promote San Mariano’s One Town, One Product (OTOP) initiative. The festival not only celebrates the importance of the banana dupo but also supports the municipality’s vision of becoming a leading agro-industrial hub and eco-tourism destination in Northern Philippines.
In accordance with Ordinance No. 2018-1052, the Dupo Festival is held every December 6–7, bringing together the community in a vibrant celebration of harvest, culture, and progress.
3RD DISTRICT
Pagay Festival: Balitok ti Alicia (Alicia)
The Pagay Festival upholds the town’s cultural identity and heritage while promoting the municipality’s primary agricultural product, pagay (Ilocano for rice). It showcases the industriousness of the town’s people, who put their hearts into the laborious, muscle-numbing work in the fields to produce the golden grains.
Gakit Festival (Angadanan)
Gakit is a Gaddang word for raft or balsa. It’s made from bamboo poles tied together using bamboo ropes called bambam. In earlier days, the people of Angadanan, especially the Gaddangs, used the gakit to cross the Cagayan River, which separates the East and West districts of the town.
Today, the gakit symbolizes unity, cooperation, strength, and endurance. These values are at the heart of the Gakit Fluvial Festival, celebrated every April 14–16.
The festival was created so that the community could look back on its roots, appreciate its history, and reconnect with its cultural identity. Local leaders believe that by remembering the hard work and achievements of those who came before us, we can move forward with a stronger sense of who we are and where we’re going.
Kankanen Festival (Cabatuan)
The Kankanen Festival is an annual celebration held every November 4 to 6, in time with the founding anniversary of Cabatuan. It showcases the town’s culinary heritage, particularly its native rice cakes and pastries made from sweet rice or malagkit, locally known as dikit.
A key highlight of the festival is the agro-trade fair, where various kinds of kankanen, colorful, flavorful, and proudly homemade, are displayed and sold. These delicacies reflect not just tradition but also the creativity and craftsmanship of the people of Cabatuan.
The festival was officially established through a Sangguniang Bayan Resolution in November 2003, with the goal of preserving this tradition and passing it on to the next generation. It is not just a celebration of food; it is a reminder of identity, culture, and community spirit that every Cabatuanense can be proud of.
Tilapia Festival (Ramon)
The Tilapia Festival is celebrated every June 18 in Ramon, showcasing the rich aquatic resources of the Magat River and the abundance it provides. At the heart of the celebration is the tilapia, a symbol of sustenance, livelihood, and local pride.
The festival features lively dances and performances that reflect the joy of harvest and the vibrant culture of the people. It’s a tribute not just to the fish itself, but to the Creator, whose blessings make life in the municipality fruitful and full of purpose.
Balatong Festival (San Mateo)
Known as the Munggo Capital of the Philippines, San Mateo celebrates the Balatong Festival every first week of May to highlight the importance of munggo (mung beans) in the town’s culture and economy. Locally called balatong, munggo is often referred to as “black gold” for its value and potential in driving agricultural growth and livelihood in the area.
The festival was officially established through Ordinance No. 2009-560, declaring balatong as San Mateo’s One Town, One Product (OTOP) and institutionalizing the annual celebration. More than just a crop, balatong has become a symbol of resilience, prosperity, and community pride.
4TH DISTRICT
Balamban Dance Festival (Santiago City)
The Balamban Dance Festival is held every May 1 to 4, culminating on May 5 in celebration of the city’s foundation anniversary. Named after an age-old tradition of nature worship, balamban refers to a ritual dance that imitates the graceful movement of butterflies, performed as a form of praise and thanksgiving for bountiful harvests.
Since its inception in 2015, the Balamban Dance Festival has come to symbolize thanksgiving, unity in diversity, and transformation. These values reflect the spirit of Santiago and its people. From a small settlement of just 40 Indigenous Peoples, Santiago City has grown into a thriving, colorful city where various ethnolinguistic groups live and develop together in harmony.
Mannalon Festival (Cordon)
In Ilocano, “mannalon” means farmer. The Mannalon Festival, held every first week of July in Cordon, pays tribute to the hardworking farmers who play a vital role in the community’s growth and development.
Known for their perseverance, faith, and dedication, Ilocano farmers work from sunrise to sunset to provide for their families, all while staying grounded in prayer and gratitude. The festival highlights these values through cultural presentations and community activities that reflect the spirit of the mannalon.
Hilada Festival (Dinapigue)
The Hilada Festival traces its roots to a fishing competition originally organized by the Digumased Fisherfolk Association as part of their annual assembly. What began as a local activity gradually evolved into a community tradition.
In 2005, the celebration was officially named the Hilada Festival and became part of the town’s Foundation Day and Fiesta. Later, through Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 07-2018, it was formally adopted as Dinapigue’s official municipal festival on February 12, 2018, to be celebrated annually every June 21.
The festival honors the town’s fishing heritage and the hardworking fisherfolk who continue to sustain the local economy and culture.
Pinilisa Festival (Jones)
The Pinilisa Festival is a celebration of gratitude for the bountiful harvest of pinilisa, a unique upland rice variety known for its distinct color, aroma, and quality. Grown in the highlands of Jones, pinilisa has become a symbol of pride and a signature product of the town.
Held every 3rd week of March, the festival not only honors the hardworking farmers but also aims to promote the continued production and preservation of this special rice variety. Through vibrant cultural events and community activities, both locals and visitors are encouraged to support and appreciate the agricultural heritage of Jones.
Nuang Festival (San Agustin)
The Nuang Festival is celebrated every last week of September to honor the town’s identity as the Largest Murrah Buffalo Producer in the Philippines. First launched on September 26–28, 2005, the festival showcases Murrah buffaloes, their milk, and dairy products.
This thanksgiving celebration also highlights the eco-tourism treasures of San Agustin, including its rivers, rock formations, and caves. But above all, the festival is a tribute to the hardworking and hospitable people of San Agustin, whose dedication fuels the town’s success in agriculture and tourism.
The Nuang Festival stands as a proud reminder of what San Agustinians can achieve when culture, nature, and community come together.
5TH DISTRICT
Calamansi Festival (Aurora)
The Calamansi Festival is held every April 28 to 30 as a thanksgiving celebration for the town’s bountiful calamansi harvest. Since its launch in 2016, the festival has highlighted Aurora’s status as the leading producer and distributor of calamansi in the region, with approximately 500 hectares dedicated to its cultivation.
This thriving industry not only boosts the local economy but also provides year-round employment for farm workers as pickers, weeders, and laborers. The festival is a proud celebration of agricultural success and community spirit, honoring both the fruit that put Aurora on the map and the hardworking people behind it.
Kinaban Festival (Burgos)
The Kinaban Festival is celebrated every May 16 to 18 as a tribute to the town’s agricultural roots and hardworking farmers. The term kinaban comes from the Ilokano word for the way rice, corn, and vegetables are packed into sacks for storage or sale. It is derived from cavan, a traditional unit of measure for rice, equivalent to 50 kilograms.
More than a method of packing, kinaban symbolizes the collective agricultural wealth and the enduring efforts of the people of Burgos. Through Municipal Ordinance No. 16–2019, the festival was officially adopted to celebrate the town’s farming heritage, recognize its successes, and honor the dedication of every Burgoseño.
Bato Art Festival (Luna)
The Bato Art Festival is held every September 28 and was officially adopted as the municipality’s annual festivity through Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 045-2013-A, dated September 3, 2013. The word “bato,” meaning gravel or boulder, reflects the abundance of these materials from the Magat River, which runs through the town.
The festival highlights the creative reuse of these natural resources through Bato Art—unique artistic landscapes made from stone waste. Beyond aesthetics, this
Dairy Festival (Mallig)
The Dairy Festival is held every April 6 to 8 in celebration of the town’s thriving dairy industry, a vital source of livelihood for many of its residents. Launched to highlight Mallig’s role in local agriculture, the festival brings together farmers, producers, and the community to showcase the richness of their dairy products.
Festival highlights include a milk-drinking contest, dairy cooking competitions, and a wide selection of fresh milk, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy-based treats available for sampling and purchase. The event also features cultural performances, live music, local delicacies, and vibrant community activities.
Danggayan Festival (Quezon)
The Danggayan Festival is celebrated every April 17 to 19, aligning with the harvest season in the municipality. The word “dangayan,” which means unity in Ilocano, reflects the collective spirit of the community in celebrating the fruits of their labor.
Formally adopted through Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 2008-20 in 2008 and reinforced by Ordinance No. 2019-237 in 2019, the festival is a tribute to the hardworking farmers and the bounty of San Manuel’s agricultural lands.
Baraniw Festival (Quirino)
Held every May 15 to 16, the Baraniw Festival celebrates lemongrass, locally known as baraniw, which has become a symbol of Quirino’s identity. Known for its strength, usefulness, and healing qualities, baraniw reflects the character of the Quirinians—resilient, united, and adaptable.
The festival began in 2011 and continues to grow as one of the town’s most anticipated events. It highlights not only the economic and wellness potential of lemongrass but also the traditions, values, and pride of the community. Through this celebration, Quirino hopes to strengthen its local economy, promote its cultural heritage, and attract more visitors in the years to come.
Pinakbet Festival (Roxas)
The Pinakbet Festival is celebrated every April 25 to 30 in the municipality of Roxas, highlighting the town’s aspiration to become the Pinakbet Vegetable Bowl of Region 2. Rooted in a strong commitment to preserve and promote local history, culture, and agricultural traditions, the festival brings the community together in celebration of its vibrant farming identity.
Created to support tourism and local development, the Pinakbet Festival showcases a colorful array of activities centered on the iconic Ilocano vegetable dish—pinakbet. With an abundant harvest and a shared sense of pride, the people of Roxas turn this celebration into a symbol of unity, progress, and cultural pride.
Cariada Festival (San Manuel)
In San Manuel, rice farming is the heart of everyday life, with harvests taking place regularly in March and October. The Cariada Festival, held every April 23, traces its roots to the traditional practice of transporting cavans of rice from the fields to the kamalig (barn) using carabao-pulled sleds or cariton (two-wheeled carts).
The term cariada comes from the Spanish word cargada, meaning “load,” and has since come to represent the communal spirit of helping one another during harvest time. Back then, neighbors and families would assist in carrying rice together, a tradition that fostered strong bonds among residents. As a gesture of gratitude, landowners would prepare simple feasts for the karyadones and tenants, giving thanks to God for a bountiful harvest.
Today, the Cariada Festival honors this age-old custom, celebrating San Manuel’s farming heritage, culture of cooperation, and deep sense of thanksgiving.
6TH DISTRICT
Gawaygaway-yan Festival (Cauayan City)
Gawaygaway-yan is a Gaddang word that means bountiful livelihood and merriment. The festival celebrates the ancestral roots of Cauayeños from the Gaddang ethnolinguistic group and honors the diverse cultural communities that now call Cauayan City home.
Held every March 31 to April 14, the festival is a time for remembering traditions, showcasing local talents, and celebrating the hardworking spirit of the people. It’s a proud reminder of Cauayan’s heritage and its growing identity as a modern and united city.
Mengal Festival (Echague)
The Mengal Festival was established to help promote and preserve the rich and positive Yogad culture. After meaningful consultations with community elders, the religious sector, retired educators, and other stakeholders, the idea of the festival was carefully planned and brought to life.
Through Municipal Resolution No. 2016-054, the month of October was officially declared as the celebration period of the Echague Mengal Festival. It honors the bravery and contributions of the town’s local heroes and heroines—known as the “Yogad Mengals”—and aims to keep their legacy alive for the next generations.
Kasabbaan Festival (San Guillermo)
The Kasabbaan Festival honors the rich banana plantations of San Guillermo, which have become a symbol of the town and its people. The rolling hills and fertile terrains are home to a wide variety of banana species.
Despite challenges, the people of San Guillermo continue to recover and grow, much like new banana shoots after a storm. The red banana blossoms, or “kasabbaans,” represent the values of kindness, love, and unity that live in every resident.
Celebrated every June 17 alongside the town’s founding anniversary, the festival includes cultural performances, parades, exhibits, pageants, and sports activities. It is a tribute to the town’s agricultural roots and the enduring spirit of its people.
Patik Festival (San Isidro)
The Patik Festival takes its name from the words pato (duck) and itik (Campbell duck), reflecting the municipality of San Isidro’s pride in its thriving duck industry. The celebration highlights traditional practices, livelihood activities, and the creativity of the locals through various events and performances. It is a festive way to promote San Isidro’s identity and to recognize the hardworking farmers and raisers who have made duck production a key part of the community’s progress.
