The Philippines is a beautiful country with a festive people who are always thankful for all their blessings. The warm and friendly people of Dagupan are no exception as they celebrate the Bangus Festival 2013, a colorful and exciting celebration of all the great and wonderful things about bangus and everything else that the city of Dagupan is proud of.
Although preparations have been going on months in advance and other events like photo contests and celebrity shows were held earlier, the festival formally started in earnest with the Bangus ed Carosa, a float parade with the bangus or milkfish as the main theme, on April 22. It featured many colorful floats that have been lovingly crafted by various groups, like the city government, private businesses, schools and NGOs.
Throughout the festival, there were more than 20 events, features and attractions to entertain the thousands of visitors from around the country and even around the world during its duration as the Bangus Festival has indeed become a global event.
Shows from the major local TV networks have made shows and presentations here with their famous stars and personalities to the delight of the people. There was also the Dagupan Best Trade Fair held over nine days. The fair prominently featured the many wonderful, unique and ingenious locally-made products of the people of Dagupan. It was highly successful as exhibitors got to showcase their best wares in front of many attendees.
One of the highlights of the festival was the 101 Ways to Cook Seafood, an exciting culinary competition held on April 23, as well as the Pigar-Pigar Festival, which is one of the most famous delicacies of Dagupan made from thinly-cut beef which has been deep fried with assorted vegetables.
Other exciting events included the Bangus Rodeo, Little Miss Dagupan, D’ BSL Lechon Festival and Drum and Lyre Competition. There was also the thanksgiving mass by the Pantal River, the Dragon Boat Race, BomboRadyo Night at the City Plaza, and SMB Battle of the Bands by Tondaligan Beach.
The main events at the closing of the festival included the Gilon-Gilon ed Dalan Street Dancing Competition and the much celebrated Kalutan ed Dalan where revelers packed the city’s street and danced the day and night away.
The Bangus Festival has been a success with more than a million visitors taking part in the various events, making it one of the biggest and one of the most popular festivals in the Philippines, with the people already looking forward to next year’s.
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