Baragatan Festival, a wonderful time to visit Palawan
Every year, in the two weeks leading up to Palawan’s Foundation Day, all the municipalities of Palawan gather at the capital to showcase the best of their locations
PANORAMIC. Mitra Ranch offers a beautiful view of blues and greens
When it comes to tourism gem Palawan, it seems the best time to visit is summer, where its beaches and its famous tourist attraction the Underground River (Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Park) show their most vibrant colors. But do you know that there is another best time to visit Palawan, particularly Puerto Princesa?
Every year, in the two weeks leading up to Palawan’s Foundation Day on June 23, all the 23 municipalities of Palawan meet and gather at the capital to showcase the best of their places – their products, and their people. The festival is called Baragatan, which in Cuyunon (the main language in Palawan), means to “meet,” or to “gather.”
Coming to Baragatan as a tourist is like doing a meet and greet with all the beautiful places and cultures in Palawan. You need not physically go to each place to experience it; the locals will bring it to you, and perhaps what you see will entice you to stay longer. Or perhaps, it is enough that you meet and hear the stories of locals from remote areas like Kalayaan, that controversial group of islands also claimed by China.
Here’s what you can do to make the most of Baragatan:
1. Watch the colorful events like the float parade and competition. The float parade is usually on the last week leading up to June 23. Each municipality makes a float using mostly native and natural materials to show what their place is known for. From coconut shells and woven leaves to seeds in many colors, you’ll be amazed at the locals’ creativity. There are also other events like the street dance competitition.
BARAGATAN COLORS. At Baragatan, locals from different municipalities showcase what their place is known for. Araceli’s float, one of the more colorful ones, prominently displays curacha, their famous local food. All photos by Rhea Claire Madarang unless otherwise specified
BEST FLOAT. San Vicente placed first in the float parade and competition
2. Visit the trade fair, try the local delicacies, and check out the native handicrafts.
HANDICRAFTS. Colorful handicrafts like these baskets from Busuanga can be found at the trade fair
Take a taste, literally, of each culture by trying – and buying – their food. Buro manamsi from Cagayancillo (home of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reef) is a fish paste with a unique taste you won’t find anywhere else. Combofrom Cuyo is different from maruya and has a richer banana taste. Check out the mats, accessories, baskets, and home decor handmade with love – why not buy for yourself or for a family member or a friend? Support the locals, especially those living in far-flung areas which have limited access to the city and other areas.
NATURAL ART. Culion’s booth has accessories and decor made from native materials like seeds and leaves, like this picture made entirely from native materials
In fact, Baragatan started as a gathering particularly for the showcase of products of each area, also to boost the local economy.
Read more: http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/travel/ph-travel/97154-baragatan-festival-palawan-puerto-princesa-philippines-travel
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