The Provincial History, Arts, and Culture Tourism Office (PHACTO) headed by Dr. Eliseo Dela Cruz said thousands of local and foreign visitors are expected to visit the province of Bulacan to join in the celebration of four colorful festivals this month.
The Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) headed by Governor Daniel R. Fernando reminded Bulakenyos, particularly the youth, to participate and take pride in the preservation of the province’s rich culture and heritage.
Fernando said the four festivals are the Fiesta Republika in the City of Malolos; Bulak "Cotton" Festival in San Ildefonso; Minasa Festival in Bustos, and Halamanan Festival in Guiguinto.
The weeklong Fiesta Republika in the City of Malolos with the theme "Kalinangang Malolenyo, Alab ng Lahing Pilipino" started with a wedding exhibit and bridal fair at a mall in the city on Jan. 12. The celebration will be followed by simultaneous activities including the commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the Philippine Republic on Jan. 23.
In San Ildefonso, the lined-up activities for the 139th Anniversary of the Bulak "Cotton" Festival in the municipality include Basketball Priests vs LGU employees on Jan. 15; medical and dental missions on Jan. 16; job fairs on Jan. 17; bloodletting on Jan 18; Lutong Bulak on Jan. 20, an early morning parade on Jan. 21, and LGU night on Jan. 22.
In Bustos, the nine-day Minasa Festival celebration started with the happiest and longest motorcade last Saturday, Jan. 13, led by Mayor Francis Albert G. Juan and other local officials, teachers, students, and Bulacan riders. The celebration will continue up to Jan. 21, with the BulSu nights; One Day para kina Lolo at Lola; Good Child program; Passport on Wheels; Job fair; Juan Big Surprise Concert, and Tugtog at Sayaw Alay kay Sto. Nino.
In Guiguinto, the Halamanan Festival will start on Jan. 18 with the Hari at Reyna ng Halamanan at 4:00 p.m. at the Guiguinto Municipal Athletic and Cultural Center (GMACC). The four-day celebration will last up to Jan. 21 with a variety of activities like Iskolaran and Padyak Sikad; Bird and Dog Show; Gawad Guintong Halaman; Indakan sa Kalye and Parada ng Karosa; Ulat ng Bayan, and Musikahan sa Halamanan with Ben and Ben Concert. The 26th Halamanan Festival Grand Parade will be on Jan. 20, from 7:00 a.m. up to 2:00 p.m.