Thousands of tourists filled the cool streets of Baguio City as colorful floats and dance contingents took center stage in the Panagbenga Festival 2026, bringing energy and optimism to the Summer Capital.

Crowds packed Session Road and Harrison Road to watch the Grand Float Parade, where 30 floats competed in size, height and design. Each float featured thousands of flowers, highlighting the creativity and craftsmanship of artists from the Cordillera region.

Some floats showcased well-known symbols, including the Lion’s Head along Kennon Road, while others drew inspiration from the Year of the Horse. Flowers such as radus, chrysanthemum, Malaysian mums, everlasting, rose and sunflower were used to decorate the entries.

Andrew Pinero, spokesperson of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc., said judges focused on artistry and detail.

“Ang tinitignan namin dito creativity, craftsmanship doon sa pagkakagawa ng mga float. Ang tinitingnan talaga dyan is yung creativity, the craftsmanship and the detail doon sa kanilang mga floats,” he said.

Tourists like Dianne Labay were amazed by the intricate designs.

“Very detailed yung pagkakagawa ng mga float, masaya sa pakiramdam. It’s very intricate, so much details in every float, maa-appreciate mo talaga yung pag growth ng mga flowers na syempre tinubo nila. Very well thought of din po yung designs nila,” she said.

After the parade, organizers displayed the floats at the Melvin Jones Football Ground to allow visitors to view them up close.

The celebration continued with a grand street dance parade that passed through Session Road, Harrison Road and Abad Santos Drive before ending at Burnham Park. Twenty-two contingents joined the event and performed in the competition proper at the Melvin Jones grounds.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, the guest of honor, said this year’s festival had a message on resilience.

“Despite lahat ng hindi magandang pangyayari sa atin sa iba’t-ibang panahon, laging may Panagbenga, laging may Panagbenga. Ibig sabihin non, tayong lahat ay palaging babangon,” he said.

Elementary-level drum and lyre groups also performed under the heat of the sun, while participants in the festival dance showcase presented cultural traditions from different parts of Luzon.

(with reports from Sendee Salvacio and Jasmin Gabriel-Galban)