The Philippine archipelago, with its thousands of islands, is a country that loves its traditions, splendors, and celebrations, as evident from its tens of thousands of Festivals or Fiestas all-year round. With its colorful, vibrant, and sometimes extravagant occasions, you can surely find at least one festival happening from the northernmost islands of Batanes down to the southernmost area of Tawi-Tawi.
Though Philippine Festivals have traditionally been a way to celebrate and commemorate Catholic saints and other activities with religious origins and significance, some festivals veered away from their historical roots and transformed the celebration to honor their local culture, champion their causes, and showcase their food and products.
Starting at the northern tip of the island of Luzon is the province of Ilocos Norte, known for the Bangui Windmills, old but well-preserved churches, sand dune adventures, and mouth-watering famous Ilocano cuisine. Ilocos Norte also boasts its festive spirit with its dozens of cultural and religious festivals from its 21 municipalities and two cities.
Since Ilocos Norte is in the northern part of Luzon, it is only natural to take some travel time, especially via land transportation. So If you plan on riding a bus, you will reach the capital City of Laoag in at least nine hours because of the regular stopovers from several neighboring provinces along the way.
However, it can be reduced to one night of sleep or eight hours if you drive a car or join local tours. But if you want to choose the fastest way, then a plane ride from Manila to Laoag is the way to go, reaching the province in just a change over an hour of flight.
So, if you’re looking to explore the culture and heritage of Ilocos Norte through its festivals, then let’s learn more about the best festivals in the province. Let’s go and read on!
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1. Bac-bacarra Festival (November) – Municipality of Bacarra
The town of Bacarra may be small in size. Yet, it boasts a rich culture and history, being the third oldest municipality in the province. They are also lively folk, celebrating not just one but five festivals, according to the town website. One of which is the Bac-bacarra Festival.
The Bac-bacarra Festival, similar to the town of Bacarra, according to local folklore, got its name from the freshwater fish that was once abundant in the area during the Spanish era. It was said that the local fishermen mistakenly thought the Spaniards were asking for the name of the fish instead of the place.
Photo Credit: Bac-bacarra Festival
This festival is in its 17th year, which started in 2005, in the hope of cultural renewal and celebration of the town’s heritage and rich history among the Bacarreños. The festivity is attributed to their patron Saint Andrew the Fisherman. Bac-bacarra Festival is the town’s thanksgiving for its abundant fish catch during the year and also a celebration of the hard work of their fishermen.
2. Guling-guling Festival (February) – Municipality of Paoay
Home to one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines, Saint Augustine Church (Paoay Church), the small municipality of Paoay is another historic location in the province of Ilocos Norte, filled with the province’s rich culture.
To revisit their cultural and historical heritage, they celebrate the 400-year-old tradition of the annual Guling-Guling Festival every February, a day before the Catholic Ash Wednesday. Guling is the Ilocano word, meaning “to smear.”
During the festivities, colorful dancers dressed in various costumes fill the streets. They also eat their local delicacy, Dudol.
Photo: The BernTraveler
All these merriments are done before they enter the Lenten Season or Semana Santa, traditionally a solemn time for Catholics.
READ MORE: Suba Paoay Sand Dunes in Ilocos Norte
3. Pamulinawen Festival (First Week of February) – Laoag City
The City of Laoag is the main thoroughfare and the capital of the province of Ilocos Norte. It houses important locations for governance, transportation, and industry. It is also a great place to be during the first week of February as they celebrate the Pamulinawen Festival.
Photo: Laoag City Gov
The festival’s namesake is the woman’s name of the local Ilokano Song with the same title. The festival celebrates and commemorates the patron saint of Laoag, Saint William the Hermit.
Like other festivals, the Pamulinawen Festival showcases Laoag’s people, culture, and tradition as hundreds of participants from all walks of life join the annual parades and performances. The festivities also attract tourists from nearby municipalities and provinces.
Learn more: https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Pamulinawen-Festival
4. Empanada Festival (June 23) – Batac City
The noticeable orange tint containing a savory filling of the garlicky-flavored Batac longganisa, grated papaya, bean sprouts (toge), and egg makes the iconic look and taste of the Batac Empanada that is now sold outside its city of origin, Batac City, Ilocos Norte – even reaching faraway provinces.
Photo: PositivelyFilipino
Celebrating the long-standing culinary tradition of Ilocos Norte’s second oldest town and its famous atsuete-colored pastry, Batac hosts an annual Empanada Festival every 23rd of June in conjunction with the City Charter Day.
So, whether it’s the Empanada Festival or a regular day in Batac, tasting this flavorful delicacy will definitely bring joy to anyone’s tummy and face.
5. Pinakbet Festival (1st week of March) – Municipality of Marcos
Another food-related festival in Ilocos Norte celebrates an original Ilocano dish mixed with different local vegetables like string beans, bitter gourd, squash, eggplant, and many more with the addition of fish sauce or bagoong and cooked until it shrunk or shriveled – the Pinakbet.
The Pinakbet Festival is a celebration of the tasty Ilocano cuisine which also celebrates and gives thanks to the town’s plentiful harvest. You’ll know that whenever a festival is food-themed, you will surely have a great time!
They also have parades and dances, performances, pageants, and all the other common activities that are enjoyed by tourists and locals, alike.
6. Panagabuos Festival (April) – Municipality of Banna
The small town of Banna in Ilocos Norte is known locally for its unusual and exotic food choice of eating weaver ants and their eggs, also known as abuos. The weaver ant eggs are a great source of protein, normally cooked as Adobo or Sinigang.
Though not a popular Ilocano food choice compared to Pinakbet and Batac Empanada, Banna still has a lot to offer.
Photo: Banna – Panag-Abuos Festival
Hence, the creation of the Panagabuos Festival, celebrating the local exotic food while introducing it to the country. The said festival starts in the first week of April.
7. Ani Festival (Last week of March) – Municipality of Dingras
The municipality of Dingras is an agricultural town celebrating an annual occasion called the Ani Festival. It is a commemoration and a thanksgiving celebration for the plentiful harvest of the Dingras farmers.
Photo: PGIN Communications & Media Office
The Ani Festival is a week-long celebration attracting tourists to the town. There are dance parades, agro-industrial fairs, pageants, and other fun-filled activities. Since they are celebrating the harvest, it is almost certain that great food will be served.
8. Bawang Festival – Municipality of Pinili
It seems that the province of Ilocos Norte loves to celebrate its wide array of food choices, both the popular Ilocano cuisine and the more exotic tastes – and one of the common and crucial food products that enhances the authentic Ilocano flavor is their garlic or bawang.
Photo: Pinili Ilocos Norte
To celebrate and give thanks to the garlic farmers who harvest the province’s most important crop, commonly referred to as “white gold,” the town of Pinili hosts an annual Bawang Festival every April.
There are parades and dances, pageants, and of course, food. It is also a great time to taste the sumptuous food they are ready to serve, deliciously made from small but very tasty Ilocos Bawang.
READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Best Ilocos Norte Tourist Spots
9. Gameng Festival – Municipality of Solsona
The municipality of Solsona had a different idea when they conceptualized the Gameng Festival. Gameng is the Ilocano word for treasure. They look at all types of food as the real treasure, as they celebrate the wide array of polarizing exotic foods, which some would love while others may be tempted.
Photo: Solsona Gov
Some of the food included in the recipes are frogs, honeybee eggs, deer meat, and more. They also toss in different vegetables, freshly gathered around the agricultural town.
10. Binakol Festival – Municipality of Sarrat
Photo: Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival of Festivals
Aside from food products, the province of Ilocos Norte is also known for its indigenous woven fabric used as ceremonial cloth, locally known as Binakol. So, to celebrate another local product, the municipality of Sarrat has the Binakol Festival. They host colorful dance performances and parades wearing the town’s popular woven products.
Final Thoughts
The Province of Ilocos Norte is not only a sanctuary of historical significance, tourist attractions and destinations, and of course, food. Though there is some ethnic stereotyping of Ilocanos, they still show that they know how to celebrate, as seen in their dozens of festivals year-round.
So, suppose you’re planning to go to the north for a vacation or getaway. In that case, you may want to consider going during one of the province’s festivals to really have a feel of their culture, meet their people, and experience what they truly have to offer.
FAQs about Festivals in Ilocos Norte
1. What are the festivals in Ilocos Norte?
Ilocos Norte is home to a wide array of festivals, each celebrating the province’s rich cultural heritage, religious traditions, and local products. Some notable festivals include the Bac-bacarra Festival, Guling-guling Festival, Pamulinawen Festival, Empanada Festival, Pinakbet Festival, Panagabuos Festival, Ani Festival, Bawang Festival, Gameng Festival, and the Binakol Festival.
2. When is the Pamulinawen Festival held?
The Pamulinawen Festival takes place during the first week of February in Laoag City. It’s a vibrant celebration that showcases the city’s culture, traditions, and community spirit.
3. What is the Empanada Festival?
The Empanada Festival, celebrated on June 23rd in Batac City, honors the iconic Batac Empanada. It’s a culinary festival that highlights the unique taste and tradition of making this savory pastry, which is a local favorite and a must-try for visitors.
4. Can you tell me more about the Guling-guling Festival?
Sure! The Guling-guling Festival is a 400-year-old tradition celebrated in Paoay, usually a day before the Catholic Ash Wednesday. It involves colorful costumes, street dances, and the enjoyment of local delicacies. The festival is a way for the community to come together and celebrate before the solemn Lenten Season begins.
5. Why is the Bawang Festival important in Ilocos Norte?
The Bawang Festival, celebrated in April in the municipality of Pinili, is important because it honors garlic, a staple ingredient in Ilocano cuisine. Garlic, or “bawang” in Filipino, is considered “white gold” in the province due to its significant role in the local economy and culinary practices. The festival features parades, dances, and of course, delicious garlic-infused dishes.
6. What makes the festivals in Ilocos Norte unique?
What sets the festivals in Ilocos Norte apart is their deep connection to the province’s history, culture, and agricultural practices. From celebrating historical traditions and religious figures to honoring local cuisine and products, these festivals are a vibrant expression of the community’s identity, pride, and way of life.
7. Are tourists welcome to join the festivals in Ilocos Norte?
Absolutely! Tourists are more than welcome to join in the festivities. It’s a fantastic way to experience the local culture, meet the people of Ilocos Norte, and enjoy the province’s hospitality and traditions. Each festival is an opportunity for visitors to learn about and participate in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
8. How can I find out the dates for these festivals?
Festival dates can sometimes change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest information online or contact the local tourism office of Ilocos Norte. They can provide you with the most current schedules, event lineups, and any details you might need to plan your visit.
