Baco | March 15
The Banana Festival is a colorful annual celebration held every first week of March in Baco, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. This joyful event honors the town’s abundant banana harvest and recognizes the vital role banana farming plays in the local economy and culture.
Baco, known as the "Banana Capital of Oriental Mindoro," uses the festival as a way to showcase not only its agricultural pride but also the unity and creativity of its people. The Banana Festival highlights how a simple fruit can symbolize resilience, community spirit, and cultural identity.
Festival Highlights
Street Dancing Parade, local schools and communities perform in vibrant banana-inspired costumes, dancing along the streets to upbeat music that reflects Baco’s lively atmosphere.
Agri-Tourism Trade Fair, farmers and entrepreneurs display banana-based products such as banana chips, banana wine, and other creative delicacies, boosting local business and innovation.
Banana Cooking Contest, locals compete in preparing traditional and modern dishes with banana as the main ingredient, showcasing culinary creativity and heritage.
Community Participation
The festival fosters strong community engagement, involving students, farmers, and local businesses in various events. Activities such as parades, fun runs, and community clean-ups unite Baco’s residents and visitors in a spirit of cooperation and celebration.
Cultural and Agricultural Pride
The Banana Festival is not just a celebration of harvest, but also a tribute to the hardworking farmers of Baco. It promotes awareness of the town’s agricultural strengths while preserving local traditions and encouraging sustainable farming practices.
This festive occasion reflects Baco’s gratitude for nature’s gifts and its people’s hard work—making the Banana Festival a symbol of both cultural pride and agricultural success in Oriental Mindoro.
