Sta. Marcela, Apayao all set for Balangkoy (Cassava) Festival 2023

Sta. Marcela, Apayao - With all the festivals in Apayao, one thing a tourist or a visitor of the said province should see is the Balangkoy (Cassava) Festival of Sta. Marcela, which happens every month of June, displaying an array of products and showing several unique cultural performances.

The Balangkoy Festival also marks the 56th founding anniversary of the town.

Mayor Evelyn Martinez, in an interview, said she and all the officialdom have been working hard to prepare for the festival as it has been more than 3 years since the last celebration due to the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

This month of June, from the 15th to the 17th, Sta. Marcela shall throw the grand celebration and is opening its doors to local and foreign visitors.

“Ngayon na medyo nakarecover tayo, we believe it is high time na ibalik natin at ipakita natin kung ano meron and Sta. Marcela at kung ano ang pwede na maexperience ng mga bisita natin. Ina-anyayahan ko po kayo na puntahan ang Sta. Marcela at makibahagi sa ating Balangkoy Festival,” said Mayor Martinez.

Rides and amusements shall also be part of the celebration with the setting up of a special park for people to enjoy.

Some of the huge activities to look forward to on DAY 1 include the Fluvial Parade which shall be done at the famous Bacut Lake. Some water floats using indigenous materials and depicting the festival are expected to beautify the area. There will also be the Agro-trade Fair where one can buy mixed designs of baskets, bags and souvenir items, or agricultural produce and products which the town is famous for like cassava cake, carrot cake, and braso de Mercedes.

An indigenous fashion show shall also be hosted displaying a range of use of Apayao fabric and designs.

What makes it interesting is that the said fashion show will include all tribes in the municipality including the Agta community.

Day 2 shall be filled with more merriment and competitions with Drum and Lyre performances, street dancing, and indigenous games such as kayaking, kite-flying, kadang-kadang, patintero, and a lot more.

The Balangkoy Festival shall culminate with the mural painting and the most awaited Libnos ti Sta. Marcela pageant.

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