Abra celebrates culture and agriculture at Kawayan Festival 2025

Residents and visitors took pride in Abra’s rich cultural heritage and agriculture as the province showcased its local products during the Grand Float Parade of the Abrenian Kawayan Festival 2025 on 9 March 2025.

Braving the scorching heat, participants dressed in traditional attire marched alongside 27 elaborately decorated floats featuring bamboo by-products and agricultural produce. Each float represented a different municipality, highlighting the culture of the Tingguians, the indigenous people of Abra, and the Ilocanos of the province.

The Kawayan Festival, which began in 2009, evolved from the previous Arya Abra festival. It pays tribute to Abra’s abundant bamboo resources while also commemorating the province’s independence from Ilocos Sur in 1917. The festival’s theme also symbolizes the resilience of the Abrenians, who continue to rise from challenges and adversities.

Acting Abra Governor Russel Bragas lauded the full cooperation of municipal governments, crediting the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) National President JB Bernos and local mayors for their support. He emphasized that the unity displayed by the province’s municipalities challenges past negative perceptions of Abra.

Bernos expressed his administration of Bragas in bring the different officials of the province together in ensuring the smooth conduct of the festival. “Well attended, congratulations to the acting gov and vice gov. Timely yung pagpapakita ng unity, it’s a statement in itself,” he said.