Embracing Roots and Unity at 2nd Balacat Festival

As the 2nd annual Balacat Festival takes place in Mabalacat City, the excitement among Mabalaqueños and visitors alike continue to build. Last year marked the inception of this vibrant celebration, which aimed to reconnect the community with its roots and pay homage to the town's namesake, the Balacat tree. The success of the inaugural festival, with all 27 barangays actively participating, set a high bar for this year's event .

The theme for this year's festival, "Lubenas' Light, Mabalacat Unite: A Festival of Color and Delight," promises a spectacle of tradition, unity, and joy. At the heart of this theme lies the unique and cherished tradition of Lubenas, a folk Christmas tradition found in Pampanga and Tarlac. Mabalacat stands out as one of the few that have preserved and celebrated this tradition in its most traditional and elaborate form. The essence of Lubenas shines through as almost every barangay in Mabalacat will ignite the night sky with their lantern processions. This display of lights and colors not only illuminates the community but also symbolizes the unity and solidarity of the people coming together to celebrate their heritage and shared identity.

A standout feature of this year's festival is the emphasis on cultural appreciation and artistic expression, spearheaded by Mayor Crisostomo Garbo and his daughter, Board Member Winwin Garbo. Their genuine passion for culture and arts has infused the festival with a sense of authenticity and pride, resonating with Mabalaqueños and visitors alike.

The festival's diverse program offers a variety of activities that highlight the best of Mabalacat's practices and talents. From the agroindustrial food fair bazaar to the pavilions representing each barangay, attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique flavors and creativity of the city.

Central to the festival is the inauguration and blessing of Tabnuan: Mabalacat Cultural Center, a place dedicated to preserving and promoting the city's heritage. This cultural hub symbolizes a commitment to nurturing artistic expression, fostering societal awareness, and providing a platform for community engagem en t .

Aside from the Lubenas lantern parade, the festival's lineup also features the Sayaw Pinoy touring concert, the highly anticipated street parade and dance competition, and the coronation night of Miss Mabalacat.

In addition to the festivities, the inclusion of the MCG Takbo Para sa Balacat fun run for a cause underscores the