BAGUIO CITY — Hundreds of elementary and high school students treated residents and visitors of Baguio City to colorful costumes and Cordillera culture-inspired, choreographed dance steps accompanied by rhythmic beats and music during the opening parade of the Baguio Flower Festival, famously known as Panagbenga (season of bloom), on 01 February 2026.

This year’s celebration marks the 30th Panagbenga, with the theme “Panagbenga 2026: Blooming without end.” The festival was first conceptualized in 1996, with the inaugural celebration and activities held that same year.

Pupils from six elementary schools in Baguio City and Benguet displayed their dance skills along Session Road down to Harrison Road and the demonstration field at Melvin Jones Football Ground. Eleven cultural groups in colorful Cordillera attire from different schools and organizations also performed choreographed cultural dances inspired by the various tribes of the Cordillera region.

Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Incorporated (BFFFI) President Freddie Alquiroz said the opening parade and field demonstrations by participating drum and lyre contingents are just the beginning of the festival, which continues until 08 March 2026. He added that the events reflect the unity and rich heritage of the people amidst cultural diversity.

The major crowd-drawing events of Panagbenga each year are the Grand Street Dancing on 28 February and the Grand Float Parade on 01 March 2026.