BARAGATAN FESTIVAL 2023: Best Celebration of Culture, Art, Events, Tradition, Guide and Travel Tips in Palawan

What is the Baragatan Festival in Palawan?

The largest convergence festival, cultural celebration, and foundation anniversary is the Baragatan Festival, which takes place on June 23 in the Philippine province of Palawan. The first civil government on the island was established following the end of the Philippine-American War, and this is celebrated during the Baragatan sa Palawan Festival.

The province’s biggest events, in which the many towns and localities take part, are held in the capital, Puerto Princesa City, on a timetable that spans several weeks.

The Baragatan Festival lasts a month and celebrates Palawan’s intriguing traditions and rich culture. The Baragatan Festival, which derives its name from the Filipino verb bagat, which means “to converge,” brings together numerous ethnic groups from across the province to display their distinctive traits, exciting history, and well-liked goods. The event kicks out with a vibrant float procession including floats made by various municipalities and groups throughout the province that showcase local handicrafts, customs, and artistic expression. It ends with an exciting street dancing competition on the grounds of the Puerto Princesa regional Capitol building.

Each dance group from every part of the province gets ready with body paint and showy, bright costumes, then uses dance and music to imaginatively describe their cultural and geographic identities. A beauty contest serves as the cherry on top of every event in Palawan, serving as a gentle reminder that the locals are equally as attractive as the surroundings.

Baragatan Festival Place of Origin

The term bagat, which in the Cuyunon language means to collect or to meet, is where the name Baragatan Festival originates.

The festival’s timetable is in keeping with its annual founding day, which is celebrated on June 23. When Provincial Resolution No. 154 was adopted on May 12, 1988, it became a part of local law. The following year, in 1997, Salvador Socrates issued Executive Order No. 2, designating that day as Foundation Day.

Additionally, Republic Act No. 9748, which Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed on November 10, 2009, declares June 23 as a special non-working holiday throughout the province, including Puerto Princesa City.

Elections prevented the event from taking place in 2019. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was suspended in the following years of 2020 and 2021, and it wasn’t resumed until 2022.

Baragatan Festival Activities and What to Expect During the Festival

STREET DANCE COMPETITION

The Baragatan Festival is a celebration of the province’s cultural history (represented via music and dance, displays of locally created goods that demonstrate the inventiveness and workmanship of its people), as well as a push for tourism to the many stunning locations in the province.

Its events include competitions in various visual arts, parades, floats, performing arts such as singing and dancing, songwriting, the street dance known as Saraotan sa Dalan, and Pantiguan sa Dalan (a contest in which authorities compete). It also boasts of cultural performances, concerts, and other forms of entertainment, including garden displays called Halamanan sa Baragatan.

The thrilling Saraotan Sa Dalan Street Dancing Competition, where exceptional dancers from many municipalities of Palawan will participate, will be featured at the eagerly awaited Baragatan Festival in Palawan in 2023.

One of the festival’s main features, this event aims to honor the Palaweos’ culture, history, and talent.

The competition, which is set to begin at 1 PM on June 23, will place special emphasis on the dancers’ artistry and technical prowess as they present dances that highlight the relevance and beauty of Palawan’s cultural heritage. Each group will demonstrate how adept they are at telling poignant tales and messages via mesmerizing dances and choreography.

P700,000 will be awarded to the first-place winner of the Saraotan Sa Dalan Street Dancing Competition, P600,000 to the second-place winner, and P500,000 to the third-place finisher. As a consolation reward, groups who don’t place will also receive P100,000 each.

Along with receiving financial compensation, the winners will also have the chance to display their skills in high-profile events held around the province of Palawan.

The rules of the competition are designed to promote fairness and provide all competing dance groups an equal chance to succeed. The Saraotan sa Dalan Street Dancing Competition’s main specifics are as follows:

1. Each dance company is supposed to interpret and showcase different ethnic groups in the province, such as Molbog, Palawan, Batak, Tagbanua, Tao’t Bato, and Cuyunon / Agutaynon, which embody the rich legacy, traditions, and natural beauties of Palawan. Through dancing, music, costumes, and props, the idea should be creatively portrayed.
2. Team Makeup: Dance teams must have a minimum of 50 and a maximum of 150 participants. Participants should speak for their respective Palawan municipalities. According to the rules of the tournament, propsmen and support personnel must wear black T-shirts. Before the competition, a comprehensive list of the names of each participant should be submitted.
3. Judging Criteria: A variety of factors, such as choreography, execution, synchronization, costume and prop design, musicality, and overall effect, will be taken into account during the judging process. The winners will be decided in large part by adherence to the subject and concept. Their warm-up act will be judged in Mendoza Park, and their main piece will be judged in the PGP Convention Center at the Provincial Building.

The event, which is expected to draw both visitors and locals, promises to be thrilling and unforgettable. The Baragatan Festival not only celebrates unity but also provides a platform for showcasing the natural splendor and cultural diversity of Palawan.

Barakalan sa Baragatan Festival

An important component of the festival is Barakalan sa Baragatan. Usually held on the grounds of the province capital, it is an agricultural trade show. The province’s villages and cities participate, showcasing the finest of their locally made goods. One of the main attractions of the Baragatan Festival is barakalan sa baragatan. The word “market fair,” Barakalan, boasts the abundance of Palawan’s harvests, local commodities, and delicacies. The trade fair offers a variety of goods and products from micro and macrobusinesses of the seven highlighted towns. A few of the highlighted products are balelet, dried seafood, and honey, as well as regional specialties like boti-boti, kombo, and tirik and handwoven items like bags and wallets.

We may now enjoy out-of-town vacations after two years of lockdowns and travel restrictions. The best approach to make the most of this chance to travel is to go to well-known tourist attractions and take part in local celebrations. The pride of the Philippines is shared with tourists and the rest of the globe through vibrant events like the Baragatan sa Palawan Festival. In order to participate in the Baragatan sa Palawan Festival, add Palawan to your list of places to visit.

Bonsai and Suiseki Show and Competition

In 2016, the Bonsai and Suiseki Show and Competition debuted. People have the chance to learn about bonsai plant care and the beauties of suiseki natural stones, all while competing for rewards.

 A Parade of Striking Floats

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the parade of beautiful floats with locally made decorations during Baragatan Festival. Each community fashions a float out of the local resources it is most famous for. Prepare to be astounded by the inventiveness of the natives as you see how they craft items out of organic resources like tree branches, coconut shells, bamboo stalks, and woven leaves.

Caraenan sa Dalan Baragatan Festival

The restaurant Caraenan sa Dalan is recommended for those seeking out unique regional fare. The occasion promotes the province as a culinary destination. Both tourists and residents can enjoy a variety of delicious regional specialties at food booths set up especially for the festival.

Mutya sa Palawan

A beauty contest called Miss Palawan is called Mutya sa Palawan. Candidates must be from any locality and be able to communicate in at least one of the province’s many dialects. In addition to the Mutya ng Palawan Tourism, Mutya ng Palawan North, Mutya ng Palawan South, and Mutya ng Palawan 1st Runner-up awards, the overall title goes to the victor.

How to Go to Baragatan Festival

You must fly to Puerto Princesa if you are traveling from another province. Travel time from Manila is around one hour and fifteen minutes. On the other hand, the typical journey times from Cebu and Davao are 70 and 40 minutes, respectively.

Getting Around the City

Puerto Princesa offers a variety of transportation options. To move from one place to another, just take a jeepney, trike, bus, or cab journey. Unless there is heavy rain, which is also uncommon, heavy traffic is infrequent.

Tips While Attending Baragatan Festival

• Ensure that your camera is prepared and set up. Verify that your camera’s battery has adequate power for the day before checking out of your hotel.
• There are no restrictions on apparel. Put on shorts and slippers or sandals for maximum comfort. Bring an umbrella, sunglasses, and hats or caps, too.
• Bring some light snacks and a bottle of water to the festival in case you get peckish. In any case, there are many food stalls in the city during the event.
• To learn intriguing stories about the festival or the city, try talking to the locals.

Where to Eat

There are many restaurants in Puerto Princesa, but here are some of our favorites:

1. KaLui Restaurant

This restaurant is one of the well-known eateries in the city and is located at 369 Rizal Avenue in Puerto Princesa. The Tubbataha Salad, which features tuna sashimi, mango, avocado, pomelo, cashew nuts, and sea grapes, is the restaurant’s most well-known dish. Customers can also order vegetarian and gluten-free choices.

2. Kinabuch Grill & Bar

The crocodile meat, sisig, and crispy pata at this restaurant, which is located at 369 Rizal Avenue in Puerto Princesa, are its specialties. Those who enjoy meat should eat here to sample their succulent options of meals seasoned with the restaurant’s exclusive seasonings and sauces. This is the place to be if you enjoy eating ethnic cuisine.

3. Ka Inato

Address: Brgy. National Highway. San Jose, Puerto Princesa Ka Inato is a must-visit restaurant with a lovely environment that attracts customers in. It serves local specialties and favorites. Additionally, it offers a wide variety of inexpensive Asian dishes. Specialties like binusog na pusit and chicken inato are must-trys. Hungry customers won’t have any trouble finding the eatery because it is so easily accessible.

Other Things to Do

Visit these neighboring attractions to make the most of your trip to Puerto Princesa.

1. Visit Honda Bay

Visit Honda Bay to go snorkeling, bounce from island to island, and see the vibrant coral reefs. It is preferable to come during the dry season, which runs from November to April, as well as off-peak and non-holiday times because it can get busy because of how well-liked it is by both locals and visitors.

2. Go to Underground River

The Underground River is regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is unquestionably a Palawan destination that shouldn’t be missed. Whatever the season, you may appreciate its beauty. But the summer months are typically booked. The cave’s numerous stalactite and stalagmite formations will astound you. After seeing the location, you can undertake a neighboring 90-second extreme zip line adventure.

3. Enjoy a city tour

Puerto Princesa has a plethora of tourist attractions and landmarks.

• Crocodile Farm: This facility houses crocodiles and other reptiles like in a zoo. You may get delicious crocodile flesh here.

• Butterfly Eco-Garden: Go there to learn about the local culture and nature. Of course, there are butterflies everywhere.

• Baker’s Hill: It is now a theme park but was once, well, a bakery. It also has gorgeous places that would look excellent on your Instagram feed.

• Mitra Ranch: If you enjoy breathtaking natural scenery, this is the place for you. It provides a lovely view of the sea and the woods.

If you want to learn more about the Baragatan Festival and other well-known events in the Philippines, please visit our website. Here you may get more details about the festival as well as other cultural gatherings and tourist destinations in the Philippines.