By Alyanna Gabas and Yra Suarin
Each year, the Buglasan Festival transforms Negros Oriental into a vibrant cultural stage, uniting the six cities and 19 municipalities of the province in one venue– the heart of Dumaguete City.
Dubbed the “Festival of all Festivals,” this year’s celebration ignites a festive spirit from Oct. 18 to 27, filling the ten-day event with a wide array of events and festivities.
The festival not only honors the rich history and heritage of the province, but also brings people together and showcases the distinct culture of their municipalities.
Cultural History
“Buglasan” is rooted in the island’s original name “Buglas,” referring to the tall “marsh grass” that once flourished abundantly across the island.
The name’s connection to the island’s natural environment reflects the rich pre-colonial history of the province. It displays the significance of the landscapes in shaping the province we live in today.
Dating back to 1981, the Buglasan Festival was established to select representatives for the Philippine Folk Arts Festival, marking the beginning of a vibrant celebration of local culture and artistry.
Buglasan Festival Main Events
The ten-day festival is jam packed with events shared through a colorful journey of traditional dances, mouthwatering local cuisine, and more to perfectly blend the identity of the province with the spirit of its people.
These events form the core of Buglasan 2024, celebrating the dynamic culture of Negros Oriental.
Opening Salvo
To open the much-awaited festival, an opening salvo that offered the first peek of the different local booths, was held at Dumaguete City’s Freedom Park, showcasing bursts of color that marked the beginning of the event.
Booths from various cities and municipalities illuminate the park with gleaming lights and stunning designs that beautifully reflect the uniqueness of their hometowns.
Moreover, candidates for the Miss Negros Oriental and Gandang NegOrense strutted on stage, showcasing the region’s beauty and talent and kicking off the the festival in grand fashion.
Buglasan Music Fest and Competitions
A diverse lineup of musical performances from local artists, bands, and cultural groups made their way to the lively celebration of the Buglasan Music Fest.
Actors and Actresses from the series “Chasing in the Wild” came together with the community of Negros Oriental to celebrate this year’s Buglasan Festival, infusing the festivities with their presence.
In its succeeding days, the festival will feature a variety of competitions that will showcase the citizens’ talent, heritage, and skills.
Local government units sent representatives to participate in the much-awaited street dance and booth design competitions.
Miss Negros Oriental
The Miss Negros Oriental pageant features most of the localities in the province, each sending a representative to compete and embody the true beauty and wit of a Negrense.
Embarking on an upcoming year-long reign, the newly crowned queen will passionately promote the province’s breathtaking tourist spots and attractions while serving as an ambassador for the rich culture and natural beauty of Negros Oriental.
The coronation night will take place on Oct. 26 at the Lamberto L. Macias Sports & Cultural Complex.
With anticipation building for the event, the Miss Negros Oriental pageant is one of the highlights of the Buglasan Festival, showcasing beauty, culture, and community pride on stage.
These lively performances and pageants of the Buglasan Festival do more than entertain—they bring together the people of Negros Oriental by celebrating their traditions and values.
As the festival grows each year, it honors the past and encourages future generations to embrace their cultural identity and share it to the world.