Panagbenga 2025: What to know about the activities, road closures for the Baguio festival
Ready to see Baguio city in full bloom this February?
One way to enjoy your vacation in the City of Pines is to experience Panagbenga, its annual flower festival. This month-long event, carrying the theme “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries,” kicks off on Feb. 1 and closes with the grand aerial fireworks display on March 2.
According to the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI), this 29th Baguio Flower Festival promises to “go beyond its traditional roots, embracing multiculturalism, innovation, and global recognition.”
If you’re planning to attend this year’s festivities, here are a few things to know to make the most of your Panagbenga experience.
Schedule of activities
The grand opening parade is set for Feb. 1. Expect lively music brought by drum and lyre bands from five schools and 13 cultural groups, some of which come from La Union.
A grand street dance parade by high school and college contingents on Feb. 22 and the floral float parade on Feb. 23 will color the roads.
The week-long Session Road in Bloom with over 350 stalls will be held from Feb. 24 to March 2.
If you cannot join the grand parade on the weekend, mark your calendars for the fluvial parade slated on Feb. 26 or 27 at Burnham Park.
On March 1 and 2, visitors can check out the Panagbengascapes: Landscaping Competition and Exhibition with a total of 12 participants joining.
Baguio Country Club will also celebrate its 120th Founding anniversary on Feb. 21. A Supercentennial parade follows on Feb. 22 starting from 4 p.m.
Ending the festival are the award ceremonies and grand aerial fireworks display on March 2.
Road closure, security
City Police Director PCol. Ruel Tagel said that they will deploy 1,410 personnel from the BCPO.
Checkpoints will be in place in the area with control points in Bonifacio Street and Center Mall. Motorists won't be able to pass through from lower Magsaysay.
Control points in Harrisson Road in Veterans Park and the bus terminal will also be in place to make way for the parade in Session Road.
“Bakasyon lanes” like in Kennon Road will open to guide tourists during the month-long event.
The traffic advisory and road closure map has yet to be released. The committee also mentioned on Jan. 22 that activities are spread in and out of the city to manage foot traffic.
Rules on political campaign
BFFFI stressed that the annual flower festival must be apolitical. They also warned incumbent public officials and candidates for the 2025 midterm polls that any type of campaigning, like wearing attire with slogans and giving cash gifts or campaign paraphernalia to attendees, is strictly prohibited.
“Candidates must ensure their presence as attendees, not campaigners...no interruptions or diversions should occur during parade performances or ceremonies,” said BFFFI Executive Committee Chairperson Anthony De Leon. Venues must also remain free from political ads, banners, and tarpaulin.
Violating the guidelines will be reported to the Commission on Elections for further action and “revocation of participation or exclusion from festival participation for repeat offenders.”
“All incumbents and candidates are encouraged to respect the spirit of the festival and support its goals of community, celebration, inclusivity, and cultural preservation.”
The annual Panagbenga, which means “a season of blooming” in Kankanaey, was established in 1995 to celebrate the tradition and culture of Baguio and the Cordilleras.
