Introduction
Lanzones festival is an annual event held in Camiguin,
Philippines, celebrating the bountiful harvest of the tropical fruit
called Lanzones. The festival showcases the abundance of Lanzones and the province's rich cultural heritage. This article will
discuss the origin, significance, features, impacts, and implications of the
Lanzones festival in Camiguin.
Origin of the Lanzones Festival in Camiguin
The Lanzones festival in Camiguin started in 1979, making
it one of the oldest festivals in the Philippines. The idea of celebrating the Lanzones fruit was conceived by the late Jose L.
Pelingon, Jr., then Camiguin's provincial tourism officer. The
first Lanzones festival was held in Mambajao, the capital town of Camiguin. The
festival was an instant success and has been held annually since then.
Significance of the Lanzones Festival in Camiguin
The Lanzones festival is significant to the people of
Camiguin because it celebrates the bountiful harvest of Lanzones. The festival
also promotes tourism and the local economy. It showcases the beauty of
Camiguin's natural resources and cultural heritage. The festival is also a time
for Camiguingnons to unite, strengthen their bonds, and showcase their talents.
Features of the Lanzones Festival in Camiguin
The Lanzones festival in Camiguin is a week-long
celebration with various activities and events. One of the festival's main highlights is the street dancing competition, where
participants dressed in colorful costumes dance to the beat of the Lanzones
Festival music. Another festival highlight is the agro-industrial fair,
where visitors can buy Lanzones and other local products. There are also sports
events, cultural presentations, and beauty pageants.
Impacts of the Lanzones Festival in Camiguin
The Lanzones festival has positive impacts on the
province of Camiguin. It promotes tourism and the local economy. The influx of
tourists during the festival brings additional revenue to the province's
businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The festival
also helps promote the province's natural resources, cultural heritage, and
local products, which can lead to increased sales and economic growth.
The Lanzones festival also has social impacts on the
community. It strengthens the bond among Camiguingnons and promotes a sense of
pride in their cultural heritage. The festival also provides local artists, performers, and entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their talents and
products.
Implications of the Lanzones Festival in Camiguin
While the Lanzones festival has positive impacts, hosting such a large-scale event has some implications. One of
the implications is the environmental impact. The increase in tourists during
the festival can lead to a higher demand for water,
electricity, and waste management. If properly managed, the rise in waste generated during the festival can also positively impact the environment.
Another implication is the cultural impact. While the
festival promotes the province's cultural heritage, there is a risk of cultural
commodification, where cultural practices and traditions are reduced to mere
entertainment for tourists. There is also a risk of cultural appropriation,
where non-local groups appropriate cultural practices and rules for their
own purposes.
Conclusion
The Lanzones festival in Camiguin is a significant event
that celebrates the bountiful harvest of Lanzones and promotes the province's
natural resources, cultural heritage, and local products. It positively impacts the economy and community, but some implications must be considered. The festival should be celebrated sustainably, respecting the environment and the province's cultural heritage. Tourists visiting the festival should be encouraged to learn
about Camiguin's culture and traditions and respect and appreciate
them.
The Lanzones festival is a celebration of the province's
identity and a way to showcase the unique beauty of Camiguin. The festival is
a time to celebrate the harvest and for the community to
unite, strengthen their bonds, and showcase their talents. As the
festival continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to ensure that it
remains sustainable, respectful, and accurate to the cultural heritage of Camiguin.
References
Camiguin Tourism.
(n.d.). Lanzones Festival. Retrieved from https://www.camiguintourism.com/lanzones-festival/
Dantes, N. (2019,
October 22). Lanzones Festival: Celebrating Bounty, Culture, and Unity in
Camiguin. Philippine Primer. Retrieved from https://primer.com.ph/event/2019/10/22/lanzones-festival-celebrating-bounty-culture-and-unity-in-camiguin/
Department of
Tourism. (2021, March 19). Lanzones Festival. Retrieved from https://www.tourism.gov.ph/EventsAndFestivals/details/lanzones-festival
Gonzales, I. (2018,
October 23). Camiguin's Lanzones Festival celebrates bountiful harvest. CNN
Philippines. Retrieved from https://cnnphilippines.com/lifestyle/2018/10/23/camiguin-lanzones-festival.html