Ibalong Festival

Relive the epic story of the ancient heroes is the theme of the Ibalong Festival, a feast that is celebrated every second week of October, and last for days, in Legaspi, Albay. People involved in this clamorous merriment parade in the streets wearing masks and costumes to immitate the appearances of the heores and the villains, portraying the classic battle that made its way to the history of Bicol.

In this event, the spectators also play a good part of the celebration. People who dress in outstanding costumes win prizes, while everyone else is invited to dance behind the floats in the bandís music. Not only costumes of the famous heroes are seen. Some are costumed depending on the chosen theme of the year for each tribe or group, like wearing costumes of ancient warriors complete with weapons such as spearheads, while other wear large body costumes of paper mache.

In this 3-kilometer parade from Legaspi, stalls populate the entire route selling almost everything under the sun. Acitivities such as trade fairs, art exhibits, tours, and beauty pageants, and sports competitions are also held.

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