Written by Jericho D. Mauricio
Photo courtesy by Bambanti Festival Page.
The scorching heat of the sun didn't become a hindrance in celebrating the Bambanti Festival of the Queen Province of the North - Isabela! Instead this feeling made the festivities of the occasion more fun and more fire-up.
But, what is a 'Bambanti' by the way?
Bambanti is a scarecrow used by the local farmers here in Isabela to guard their fields against the prying eyes of pests ready to destroy their crops.
Bambanti Festival with the theme 'Lakas ng Nagkakaisang Isabela' (Strength of the Unified Isabela) is celebrated by over 34 municipalities and cities of the province because of the bountiful harvest that they get; actually Isabela has been dubbed in many names in terms of agriculture - 'The Next Agro-Industrial Center of the Philippines', 'Rice Granary of the North', 'Number One Corn Producer in the Country' and many more!
In celebrating the grandest festival of the Cagayan Valley there have been different and series of event for the local visitors and foreign peoples.
One of these is the 'Bambanti Village' (Agri-Ecotourism Exhibit) where the different local government units showcases, in a very creative way, the distinct product of their place. Incorporated in this event is the 'Giant Bambanti', where in every booth there is a very large bambanti decorated uniquely.
There's also street motor cross exhibit, dance parade, showdown, pageant - The King and Queen of Bambanti, concerts and many more. These will happen in a span of a week, a week long celebration, a way of thanking the Isabelinos in making the province successful and well-known mainly by its agricultural sector.
But, what is a 'Bambanti' by the way?
Bambanti is a scarecrow used by the local farmers here in Isabela to guard their fields against the prying eyes of pests ready to destroy their crops.
Bambanti Festival with the theme 'Lakas ng Nagkakaisang Isabela' (Strength of the Unified Isabela) is celebrated by over 34 municipalities and cities of the province because of the bountiful harvest that they get; actually Isabela has been dubbed in many names in terms of agriculture - 'The Next Agro-Industrial Center of the Philippines', 'Rice Granary of the North', 'Number One Corn Producer in the Country' and many more!
In celebrating the grandest festival of the Cagayan Valley there have been different and series of event for the local visitors and foreign peoples.
One of these is the 'Bambanti Village' (Agri-Ecotourism Exhibit) where the different local government units showcases, in a very creative way, the distinct product of their place. Incorporated in this event is the 'Giant Bambanti', where in every booth there is a very large bambanti decorated uniquely.
There's also street motor cross exhibit, dance parade, showdown, pageant - The King and Queen of Bambanti, concerts and many more. These will happen in a span of a week, a week long celebration, a way of thanking the Isabelinos in making the province successful and well-known mainly by its agricultural sector.
The Powerful Bambanti Village and Giant Scarecrow!
Photo courtesy by Governor Bojie G. Dy III Facebook Account
Isabela's Bambanti Festival 2016 Fireworks Display!