One of the foremost tourist attractions in the Province of Isabela, aside from its exotic marine and aquatic resources is its one of a kind and amusing festivals which features the entire characteristic and identity of Isabela such as the Bambanti Festival. Every year, tourists and even locals are looking forward for this great event since it has emerged into becoming more festive and grander each year.
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When is the Bambanti Festival 2015
Bambanti Festival is a 5-day Festival which will commence on a Tuesday, 27th of January and continues until Saturday, 31st of January 2015.
Bambanti Festival always takes place on January 27-31.
Bambanti Festival Origin
The word “Bambanti” is an Ilocano word which means scarecrow, a mascot that is used in rice or cornfields to threaten the birds and insects from eating and devouring the agricultural crops. It is also used to allure an abundant harvest. The scarecrow symbolizes peace and protection.
The Bambanti Festival was originally celebrated during May 5-11 in celebration also of the Isabela Day which was named after the Queen Isabella of Spain, decreed on May 01, 1856. Due to some conflicts with the Election season, a Provincial Ordinance was dispensed to designate that the Bambanti Festival be celebrated every January 27-31 every year in order to give the event a special time to be celebrated by the Isabelinos.
Bambanti Festival Highlights of Events
The Bambanti Festival in Isabela will surely fascinate tourist and attract their attention because of the colourful and festive dance performances in live music and colourful costumes as well. There are giant scarecrows that also welcome you of Isabela’s rich cultural heritage, people’s inventiveness and their industry as it promotes Isabela as the country’s primary corn producer and an eminent ecotourism destination.
The festival is filled with merrymaking as there are street dance competitions, concerts, singing competition, theatrical play of the Legend of Isabela, and giant mask-making. There’s also impressive fireworks display at night. Other highlights of the event include the agri-ecotourism exhibits and agricultural booths participated by 34 towns and 3 cities in Isabela.
The provincial government highly promotes and supports the Bambanti Festival as it introduces the province as a good prospect for business investment and tourism.
Bambanti Festival 2016
The Bambanti Festival will occur on a Wednesday, 27th of January up until Sunday, 31st of January 2016.