BAGUIO CITY — The 29th edition of the Baguio Flower Festival, famously known as Panagbenga, officially kicked off with a grand opening parade. Thousands of elementary and high school students filled the streets, showcasing colorful performances and cultural dances that highlighted the spirit of the festival.

Before the parade, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, along with officials from the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) including its chairman emeritus and former Baguio City Mayor and Congressman Mauricio G. Domogan, led the opening rituals at Panagbenga Park atop Session Road.

During the ceremony, Domogan performed the traditional Uggayam (a Cordilleran chant), offering prayers to the Creator for a successful month-long celebration.

The opening prayer was attended by representatives from various religious groups and affiliations across the city.

This year’s Panagbenga theme is “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries.”

The festival was first celebrated in February 1996, a year after Dr. Damaso Bangaoet proposed it to mark the recovery of the city from the devastation caused by the 16 July 1990 earthquake, as well as to honor the resilience of the Cordillera people.

Originally named the Baguio Flower Festival, it was later dubbed Panagbenga, derived from the Kankanaey term for the season of blooming flowers.

Each year, the city government allocates funds to support the festivities.

However, the festival is currently funded entirely by the BFFFI, with a budget of P16 million for this year. The main attractions of the festival include the grand street dancing parade on 22 February and the grand float parade on 23 February.

After these two events, Session Road will be closed for Panagbenga Session Road in Bloom from 24 February to 2 March 2.

Throughout February, traditional crafts, souvenirs and local goods are being offered at the Panagbenga Market Encounter at Juan Luna Drive beside Burnham Lake.