SAGADA, Mountain Province (PIA) – The people of the mountain resort town of Sagada will once again showcase their rich culture and tradition in its annual “Etag” festival.
“Our fiesta is one of the occasions that will showcase the culture and unity as one community. The festival is not only to showcase our rich traditions but it also an opportunity to come together creating lasting memories and strengthening the bonds that unite as all. I invite everyone to come and join and celebrate our Etag Festival starting January 30 to February 2,” Mayor Felicito O. Dula expressed.
This year’s celebration of the Etag Festival carries the theme, “Valuing Culture: Etag Festival 2025 – Uniting Flavors, Strengthening Communities.”
According to Ryan Luis A. Lucas, Public Relations Officer, the four-day fiesta will kick-off on January 30 with the opening of the Agro-industrial Trade Fair, painting contest, ground demonstration, and Cultural Rythms: folk dancing contest.
On January 31, 2025, children and senior citizens will take center stage as they take part in the parlor games and Zumba dance challenge, respectively. A Farmers’ forum is also lined up.
Different zones of the municipality will bring the festivities in the streets with the cultural street dancing competition happening on February 1.
Another highlight will be the “Inabe id Ganduyan” fashion show featuring the weaving skills and products of Sagada weavers.
Sagada it known for its weaving industry, and the local government continues to encourage young people to continue the town’s art of weaving.
The festival will culminate of Feb. 2, the feast of the presentation of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There will be a fun run, Responder’s Skills Challenge, quiz bee and tug-of-war.
Sagada’s festival is named after “etag”, the local version of smoked ham or bacon. The pork is preserved through salting, smoking over a low fire, or sun drying.
Now on its 12th staging, the Etag festival is another boost to the tourism industry of Sagada, which is popular for its caves and rock formations, hanging coffins, falls and other natural attractions.(JDP/VJLT-PIA CAR, Mountain Province)
