CAGAYAN de Oro City — Residents, visitors, and local businesses can look forward to 11 days of cultural performances, food bazaars, agricultural activities, and entertainment as Camiguin celebrates its 47th Lanzones Festival from Oct. 15 to 25.
The celebration opens with pre-festival activities from Oct. 15 to 17, featuring government agency showcases, agricultural forums, the Daos Ki Festival Food Bazaar, and the Rocktober Night concert series at the Ugmad site.
The main festivities begin on Oct. 18 with a Thanksgiving Mass at San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish, followed by the Lanzones Festival Extravaganza, an Eat-All-You-Can Lanzones contest, and a grand parade featuring 15 floats and performances by participating contingents.
“Ang kanang October 15, 16, and 17 mao na siya ang Pre-Festival,” said Floren Mae Tarnate, provincial tourism operations officer, during the Come Again to Camiguin radio program.
Other highlights include the Kalanrakas sa Kabataan street competitions, the Inter-Agency Dance Contest, the Lanzones King and Queen pageant, and the Lanzones Geographical Indication Stakeholders Forum.
The activities will bring together young people, government agencies, local producers, and communities to celebrate the province’s cultural traditions and signature fruit.
Beyond the festivities, the festival also provides opportunities for local businesses and tourism workers to promote their products and services to visitors.
The Provincial Tourism Office is conducting capacity-building activities and enforcing accreditation requirements for tourism service providers and accommodation establishments.
Tarnate said accredited tour guides also undergo training to ensure they provide visitors with accurate information about Camiguin.
“Mao pud na sila ang gi-train kay para insakto ang mga impormasyon nga ilang ihatag sa mga turista,” she said.
The festival will conclude on Oct. 25 with the “One Last Time Lanzones Festival Encore Party” at the Ugmad Concert Grounds, according to Mariam Lagrada of the Provincial Tourism Office.
Residents and visitors can check the official social media pages of the provincial government and the Camiguin Tourism Office for the complete schedules and venue details. (With a reports from Rushen Mae N. Dacera and Recthie T. Paculba/PIA-10/Camiguin)
