DAPIL FESTIVAL: Bangued, Abra celebrated sugarcane fiesta with vibrant colors, lively dances

Bangued, Abra - The streets of Bangued, Abra once again came alive with vibrant colors and lively dances as the town celebrated its annual Dapil Festival from February 14 to 24, 2025.

Dapil Festival is a celebration showcasing Bangued’s rich cultural heritage and key agricultural product, the sugarcane. Dapil, according to the Philippine Information Agency – Abra, is derived from the word “panagdapil” which is the traditional method of extracting sugarcane juice.

Sugarcane, being one of the main agricultural crops cultivated by farmers in Abra capital town, is processed by locals into wine, muscovado sugar, vinegar, and ‘balikutsa’, among others.

On February 14 – 24, said byproducts were displayed at the trade fair along with other local products like Abra delicacies, loom-woven clothes, agricultural produce, furniture, handicrafts, and the works of inmates of the Bucay District Jail.

Among the highlights of the celebration were the farmers day, the Bangued Idol competition, the search for Miss Bangued 2024, and the much-anticipated street dancing which had participants light up the streets of Bangued with creativity, colorful costumes, and synchronized dancing.

This year’s Dapil Festival concluded with the celebration of the LGU Night 2025, recognizing the efforts and sacrifices of all the employees of the Municipality of Bangued.

The local officials, headed by Mira A. Valera, have expressed pride in how the festival continues to bring attention to the town’s agricultural roots and vibrant tradition.