BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- Residents and visitors of this mountain resort city are up for a big treat this weekend with the staging of the 2024 Panagbenga grand street dancing and grand float parades. 

For the grand street dance parade on Saturday (Feb. 24), six elementary schools that participated in the preliminary competition during the Panagbenga opening parade will compete  in the street dance and drum and lyre contest.

For the festival dance category, there will be seven contingents joining namely; the Baguio City National High School Special Program for the Arts; Tribu Rizal from Kalinga; Narvacan Naisangsangayan of Ilocos Sur; Bani Pakwan Festival of Pangasinan, and three entries from Nueva Ecija, the Bitulok Tribe Street Dancers, Tribu Palayano, and Tribu San Carlos, Kinasayan Street Dancers.

In the grand float parade on Sunday (Feb. 25), the floats of the City Government of Baguio, and the Department of Tourism, plus those of the Panagbenga Hall of Famers that include the Baguio Country Club and SM City Baguio, will be leading the way.

For the competing floral floats, there will be two entries in the small float category, 14 in the medium category, and 13 in the large category.

The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) officials call for the support and cooperation of the everyone for the successful staging of the Panagbenga grand parades.

“Embrace the lively spirit of Panagbenga Festival, let us indulge in the beauty of our culture and extend a warm welcome to all our visitors. Together, let us ensure a safe, memorable celebration while staying vigilant  throughout the festivities,” BFFFI president Frederico Alquiroz said.

Department of Tourism regional director Jovita Ganongan reminded people about  responsible tourism and respect for community protocols.

“Let us enjoy Baguio’s charm while contributing positively to its community and economy,” she said.

“Respect and follow the rules set by the police for everyone’s safety. Cooperation with authorities is key to the success of our celebration,” Major Rommel Quinio of the Baguio City Police Office added.

The Panagbenga grand parades remain the biggest single event crowd drawers in Baguio City throughout the festival’s more than 20 years of staging. ( JDP/CCD-PIA CAR with reports from AV So and Rose Ann Ponce/SLU Interns)