42 floats compete in Panagbenga flower fest

MANILA, Philippines — Baguio City is in full bloom today, as the 29th annual Panagbenga flower festival culminates in the hotly anticipated flower float parade.

Traffic gridlocks notwithstanding, people will be out and about to witness a record number of 42 floats participating in today’s event.

“This year promises a breathtaking display of floral artistry, creativity and community spirit, further solidifying Panagbenga’s status as one of the most anticipated festivals in the Philippines,” festival organizer Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) said.

In 2024, 33 floats participated in the flower float parade – a record-breaking feat since the history of the event – topped only by this year’s numbers.

According to BFFFI, this year’s flower float parade consists of 13 small floats, nine medium floats, 14 large competing floats and six non-competing floats, which would roll down Session Road up to the Melvin Jones football field.

The six non-competing floats are: one from the city government of Baguio, two from the Baguio Country Club, one from the Department of Tourism-Cordillera, one from SM City Baguio and one from Paragon Hotel.

Meanwhile, the grand prize for the large float category has been increased from P500,000 to P750,000.

“This is an additional motivation aside from the exposure that can be obtained from the Panagbenga, which is the only internationally-accredited festival in the country,” said Anthony de Leon, Baguio Country Club manager and BFFFI executive committee chairman.