by Laurenz B. Cruz and Ed Karl D. Perez
With this year’s theme “Masaya ang pamilya sa masayang Laguna”, the annual ANILAG Festival will be held this March 2 to 9 at the Provincial Capitol of the town of Sta. Cruz. The goals of the festival are to promote the tourism and showcase the different products of the town.
This year is the 15th time that the festival is held.
The word “Anilag” stemmed from the phrase “Ani ng Laguna.” Started in 2004, it was dubbed as the “Mother of All Festivals” as it brings together the 24 towns and six cities of the province of Laguna.
In 2012, when the name of the festival was changed to “La Laguna” Festival, which came from the colonial name of the province. In 2016, the name was returned to “Anilag” by Governor Ramil Hernandez.
The festival celebrates the culture, history, and tourism of the province. Every year, the festival is attended by many tourists – both local and foreign and results to the progress in the economy of Laguna. To showcase the theme of ‘masayang Laguna’, the activities for this year include the following: Street Dance Competition, Land Float Parade, Trade Competition, Binibini at Ginoong Laguna, Car and Motor Show, Film and Photography Competition, Talent Contest, among others.
Talent shows for the senior citizens, LGBT+ community, and other sectors present in the province will also be showcased in the fest.
The week-long festival will also showcase the different products of the towns and cities of Laguna. Last year, the town of Los Baños promoted their products such as the Mernel’s cake (which also served as the inspiration for the float), the Chocomilk of Milka Krem located in UPLB campus, and buko pie from the famous stores of the town.
The festival also serves as an opportunity for the different small-scale businesses from the different towns and cities of the province to promote their products. Carnival rides opened last 24 February. The booths of the towns and cities are also being set up for the festival.
For more information and updates about the festival, call (049) 501 0464 or visit www.facebook.com/AnilagFestival/.