Bangkero Festival

March 31 - April 4 || Pagsanjan, Laguna

Making the most of Pagsanjan, Laguna's foremost attraction, Pagsanjan Falls and its human resource, its boatmen, the Bangkero Festival was launched in May, 1999 as a showcase for the bravery of its boatmen (bangkeros).

The Bangkero Festival was conceptualized in honor of the people who has worked hard to present the world their hometown’s natural wonder. Not minding the strong river current, these boatmen carry people to the site of the famous waterfall. It is just apt that the city government gives tribute to them through the Bangkero Festival.

The 5-day festival opens with Best Bangka Presentation, Best Float and Street Dancing. This activity is a contest for decorated boats and floats being paraded through the town’s main thoroughfare while the street dancing is a parade of students from different schools donned in colorful and attractive costumes swaying to the beat of upbeat music.

The second day of the festival highlights the regatta or Karera ng mga bangka. The third day showcases the contest for the Best Decorated Gantungan (Boat Garage) and Cleanest Pampang. On the fourth day of celebration, a search for Ginoong Bangkero (Mr. Boatman) is held and on the last day of the celebration, the much awaited Fluvial Parade, Best River Float, Most Attractive Bangka and Search for Lakan at Hiyas ng Pagsanjan serve as the fitting culminating activity.