‘Fantasy Parade’ slated at Session Road

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City Council has authorized the upcoming Baguio “Fantasy Parade” scheduled for 25 October along Session Road, approving a rebranded event following opposition from local religious leaders and school administrators over its original horror concept.

The city council endorsed the event guidelines in a 9-4 vote, with nine members voting in favor and four abstaining.

Under the approved framework, the parade will feature displays of fantasy characters and pop-culture costumes aimed at residents and tourists along the mountain resort city’s main thoroughfare.

The current fantasy theme marks a shift from an earlier proposal that sought to market the gathering as a full-scale “Baguio Horror Festival.”

Baguio’s seasonal parade tradition originated in 2011 with the city’s inaugural “Zombie Walk,” organized by local youth groups and university students.

Over the following decade, the annual march along Session Road expanded into a major creative showcase featuring synchronized street performances, cosplay exhibitions and themed games before going on hiatus during the pandemic.