Batac City is adding fresh flair to its beloved four-day festival this year, bringing in new contests that shine a spotlight on the skills and creativity of local farmers. Set to open on May 1, 2025, the festival introduces sledge-making and hat-weaving competitions to its lineup—both celebrating traditional crafts and the inventive spirit of the farming community.
Honoring Tradition with a Handcrafted Touch
The festival kicks off with a live demonstration of how to build a pasagad—a traditional wooden sledge used long before tractors became common in the fields. Crafted from local materials, the pasagad once served as a simple but essential tool for transporting crops.
By showcasing its manual construction, the city not only honors a fading tradition but also reminds the community of the creativity and hard work behind early farming life.
Weaving Skill into Celebration
A new hat-making contest adds a fun, hands-on element to the festivities. Participants will craft hats using indigenous materials, blending function with flair. It’s a chance for farmers and artisans alike to show off their weaving techniques and artistic eye.
Also heating up the scene: a miki cook-off hosted by the women of Batac’s Rural Improvement Clubs. While the city’s empanada is already a crowd favorite, it’s the homemade miki—a savory noodle dish served riverside near the Imelda Cultural Center—that’s stealing the spotlight this year.
Floats, Dancing, and a Festival to Remember
The fun continues on May 3 with the always-anticipated grand float parade. Rural villages will roll out vibrant creations inspired by this year’s theme: “Nasamit a Balligi, Mangpabileg ti Ili” (Sweet Success, Empowering Community). It’s a colorful celebration of Batac’s values, told through handmade displays and community pride.
To wrap up the festival, farmers' organizations will take the stage on May 4 for a dance showdown—bringing movement, music, and joy to the closing day. With exciting raffle prizes and friendly competitions throughout, this year’s festival promises more ways to celebrate tradition, talent, and togetherness.
