Mt. Province celebrates 18th Lang-ay Festival, showcases spirit of fellowship

Bontoc, Mt. Province – The rich culture and traditions of Mt. Province take center stage as the province celebrates its 58th Founding Anniversary and 18th Lang-ay Festival, which kicked off on Monday, March 31.

The word "Lang-ay," according to the Department of Tourism - Cordillera, signifies fellowship. It is a time-honored tradition among the people of Mt. Province, marked by merrymaking, sharing of alcoholic beverages, and communal feasts with butchered livestock.

Held annually in April in the capital town of Bontoc, the festival brings together the province’s ten municipalities in a vibrant display of culture through street dancing, chanting, cultural presentations, and indigenous games, among others.

With the theme "Mt. Province at 58: Honoring Traditions and Reaching Greater Heights", this year’s Lang-ay festival highlights both the province’s rich heritage and its progress over the past years.

Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr. and Vice Governor Francis Tauli led the festival’s kick off on March 31 through an inaugural program and the opening of the Agro-Industrial Trade Fair.

In their respective speeches, the officials expressed their gratitude to all participants and visitors for joining the event.

"...despite the many cultural groups, I believe that we share the same cultural values. We are a people who can put aside differences and unite for the common good. We are a people who may possess opposing religious or political convictions, but we can work hand in hand for the good of our children and the coming generations," Lacwasan said, as quoted by the province’s Information Office.

The 18th Lang-ay Festival will run until April 17 with various activities, including the search for Mr. and Ms. Mt. Province, a veterinary mission, a medical/surgical caravan, PRC Mobile outreach, Governor’s night, and exhibitors night, along with other competitions and cultural performances.