Each year, the town of Solsona, just 30 kilometers from Laoag City in northern Philippines, bursts into celebration with its week-long Gameng Festival. Held from January 20 to 27, the festival marks the town’s 115th foundation anniversary and showcases Solsona’s rich cultural heritage and agricultural abundance. The term Gameng, meaning "treasure" in Ilokano, encapsulates the town’s pride in its people, traditions, and natural resources.
Celebrating Solsona’s Cultural Heritage
For the past 18 years, the municipal government has led the festival to honor the resilience and unity of Solsona’s residents. The Gameng Festival is more than just a cultural showcase—it is a celebration of community spirit. Through parades, dances, and performances, the festival highlights the importance of faith, family, and tradition in the lives of the town's people, who continue to thrive in the fertile lands of Solsona.
A Feast of Local Delicacies
One of the festival’s biggest draws is the Naisangsangayan a Taraon (Extraordinary Food) Fair on January 25. This unique event invites visitors to experience Solsona’s agricultural wealth through a diverse spread of Ilocano dishes. Local delicacies such as wild deer, wild boar, abuos (ant eggs), and dalag (mudfish) are served alongside other regional specialties. The fair not only celebrates Solsona’s natural bounty but also serves as a way for the community to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.
Honoring Farmers and Agricultural Pride
Another key highlight of the festival is Farmers' Day, where local farmers showcase their crops through beautifully decorated carriages. The event also includes the” Manong and Manang Mannalon” (Mr. and Ms. Farmer) competition, honoring the hardworking individuals who sustain the town’s economy. Mayor Joseph de Lara emphasized the crucial role of agriculture in Solsona’s growth, underscoring that the town’s future is tied to supporting and empowering its farmers.
