Baguio City’s annual Panagbenga Festival is back for another season of cultural showcase. This February 22 to 23, tourists from all over the archipelago are anticipated to come along to witness a whole spectacle of floral exhibitions, floats, and street performances. As the grand parades approach, local authorities and brigades are bracing for a megacrowd. More participants will be presented at the Panagbenga Grand Floral Float Parade, too, totaling to a record-breaking roster of 42 compared to last celebration’s 33.
To drumroll the festivities, five drum and lyre contingents will lead the charge at the Panagbenga Grand Street Dance Parade on the 22nd, while seven groups will compete in the open category’s grand showdown. On the 23rd, however, 12 are competing in the Panagbenga Grand Floral Float Parade’s small category, 9 in medium, and 14 in large. Artisans and local makers will also partake in the affair to sell regional specialties in pop-ups and bazaars, pitching in to bring an extra dash of excitement.
Roads closures and routes
As for control measures, circumferential roads were groomed for reroutes, while motorist assistance and medical desks will be deployed to ensure a safe and enjoyable space for festivalgoers. The police force, similarly, will keep a strict watch on misdemeanors and wrongdoings to prevent escalation to probable acts of violence. Areas for vehicle parking are also designated to avoid disruptions during the parade. Throughout the flower fest and trade on February 22 and 23, several roads such as Abad Santos Drive, Harrison Road, Kalaw Street, Lake Drive, Mabini Street, North Drive, Part of Abanao Street, Part of Magsaysay Avenue, Perfecto Street, Session Road, Shanum Street, and South Drive will be out of bounds from 1:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Scheduled to kick off at 8:00 AM on the 22nd, the Grand Street Dance Parade will start at the Panagbenga Park, South Drive and then through Upper Session Road Main Thoroughfare to Melvin Jones Football Grounds. The Grand Floral Float Parade on the 23rd, however, will commence on Upper Session Road and conform to the same trail as the street dance fiesta. Digital maps are also made available for the convenience of commuters.
A crash course on Panagbenga
Baguio’s famous flower festival hinges on Cordilleran heritage, core values, and customs. Its month-long mission of cultivating and showcasing Baguio’s community and spirit takes the shape of traditional activities that aim to promote the rich culture of the region. Becoming a benchmark for other Filipino festivals, Panagbenga offers a local perspective on Philippine lifestyle, communities, and craftsmanship.
Taking inspiration from the Kankanaey term “panagbenga,” which translates to “season of blooming,” the celebratory gathering came up with a 2025 theme titled “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries.” This new edition will navigate traditional practices and philosophies, with an event slate that started in February and will extend to early March.
In collaboration with top brands that champion heritage and innovation, the Panagbenga Festival is host to industry partners including Coca-Cola, Globe, Jollibee, Smart, Mang Inasal, PLDT Home, Pepsi, GCash, Surf2Sawa, Chowking, Surf, Power Mac Center, Jolly Claro, Minute Burger, Alaska, Nature’s Spring, Pickup Coffee, Foodpanda, Delight Northern Crest Trading, Pixelhub, Baguio Conventions and Visitors Bureau, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio, Baguio Country Club, Pocari Sweat, Victory Liner, Department of Tourism, Regroe, Dermplus, and Converge FiberX.
Organized, managed, and operated by the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Incorporated (BFFFI), the Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival continues to evolve with its characteristic energy, animating Baguio’s outlandish appeal. Through a collective commitment that empowers identity expression, Panagbenga seeks to safeguard, recognize, and reflect the pride of the province, homeland hospitality, and treasured traditions.
