The lanzones fruit is a major source of Camiguin’s livelihood and its annual harvest is celebrated in October with a weekend of street dancing, parade and pageants in the town of Mambajao.
Houses, street poles and even people are decorated with lanzones. Townsfolk dance in the streets to commemorate the legend that an unknown, yet beautiful maiden took the fruit’s former bitter flavor to leave only its luscious, sweet taste.
t is said that the sweetest lanzones in the country comes from Camiguin. Lanzones is a tropical fruit that grows abundantly on the north-central coast of Mindanao.
Lanzones Festival, now on its 28th year, showcases the uniqueness of the Camiguinon’s artistry and cultural heritage.
"The Lanzones Festival is Camiguin’s contribution in making the island of Mindanao a cultural destination," said Catalino Chan III, Department of Tourism Regional director and founder of the festival.
"We would like to change the impression that Mindanao is not a safe destination for travellers. Queen Sofia of Spain was one of the foreign dignitaries who visited Mambajao last year to celebrate the festival together with the Camiguinons. This only shows that Mambajao and the whole province of Camiguin are the most peaceful and safest destinations in the country," Chan enthused.
The five-day celebration kicked off recently with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo gracing the event. "The President had, in the past, always taken time from her hectic schedule to join in the colorful thanksgiving festivities here, aimed at further enhancing our tourism program," he said.
Highlights of the event included Governor’s Cup Men’s Open Tennis Tournament, Battle of the bands, street parties, coronation of the Mutya sa Buahanan, lanzones tree planting, cultural shows, and the Agro-Industrial Technology Trade Fair featuring local handicraft, baskets, pottery, metalworks and other products.
The street dancing competition, meanwhile, showcased a display of traditional dances, drum circles and colorful ethnic costumes.
The beauty that is Camiguin
Camiguin is a pear–shaped volcanic island lying in the Bohol Sea some 54 kilometers southeast of the Chocolate Hills and 10 kilometers north of Misamis Oriental. Its history dates back to the Spanish era when two great explorers, Ferdinand Magellan and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived in 1521 and 1565, respectively. In 1598, the first Spanish settlement was established. A major settlement established in 1679 flourished but was destroyed by the eruption of the Mt. Vulcan Daan in 1871.
The island is famous for its scenic spots, beautiful beaches, and resorts. Local and foreign travellers flock to Camiguin to see its interesting places, such as the White Island, Katibawasan Falls, Sto. Niño Cold Spring, Mt. Hibok-Hibok Crater, Ardent Hot Spring, and the Sunken Cemetery.
[ Sunken Cemetery Wiki | Mt. Hobok-Hibok Wiki ]
|
