Google map of Camiguin Island province.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Lanzones Festival in the island province of Camiguin officially reopened after a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
On Monday, the provincial government launched the 2nd Camiguin Divefest Underwater Photo Contest, one of the festival’s highlights this week.
Provincial Tourism Officer Candice Dael, in an interview, said festival events such as the photo contest were also supported by the Department of Tourism in the Northern Region.
"This is a comeback of the Lanzones Festival and this is a way to celebrate hope... hope that our recovery will continue and at the same time thanksgiving that Covid-19 is no longer that detrimental," she said.
The weeklong festival opened Sunday with a Holy Mass, followed by the grand parade of the bountiful harvest of lanzones fruit with the "Mutya sa Buahanan" float competition.
“Buahanan" is a local term for lanzones.
The provincial government is still strict in health protocols and requirements are needed for guests to visit the island, as ordered by Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo.
Together with the festival’s opening, the provincial government also launched for tourists the Agro-industrial and Tourism Trade Fair, the Lanzones Festival Music Competition, and the "Kabog" Showdown in the afternoon.
"Kabog" is a local term for eagles that have been sighted at Mount Hibok-Hibok, the island's highest peak.
Major events will be held on Oct. 28 and 29 with the Mutya sa Buahanan pageant and the Street Dancing Competition, respectively.
This year is the 43rd edition of the festivity’s celebration of good harvest and major feats. (PNA)
