MABALACAT CITY – A myriad of fun-filled events are slated in this Pampanga component city as the local government under the leadership of Mayor Crisostomo Garbo gears for the return of Fiestang Caragan after an almost two-year hiatus.
A teaser video was dropped by the city’s Fiestang Caragan organizing committee in January 2022, enumerating a line-up of events for this year’s week-long merriment happening from February 27 to March 6, 2022.
In a separate video, Fiestang Caragan 2022 Chairperson and Councilor Win-Win Garbo said that the city government is tirelessly working for the return of the sought-after festivity especially now that pandemic restrictions are in place.
“Ako po ay nagagalak na muli kayong anyayahan sa pagbabalik ng ating selebrasyon para sa Fiestang Caragan makalipas ang dalawang taon. Habang tayo ay unti-unting bumabalik sa normal na pamumuhay, nais naming ihandog ang simpleng kasiyahan bagamat tayo ay nasa gitna parin ng pandemya,” said Councilor Garbo.
“Atin parin pong susundan ang minimum health protocols sa mga aktibidad para matiyak ang kaligtasan ng lahat,” assured the young Garbo who is also the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Committee Head for Tourism, Culture, and the Arts.
Kicking off the festivity on February 27 is the simultaneous launching of the weeklong Tiangge, Baratillo and Bazaar, a Motor Show, a Photo Exhibit and Caragan Photo Competition, and a Visual Art Exhibit.
Local and Manila-based comedic geniuses are expected to grace the Fiestang Caragan stage for a series of Comedy Acts scheduled on February 27-28, and March 2 at 5:00 pm. Meanwhile, February 28 is scheduled for the day-long Farmer’s Day, Farmer’s Market Day, and Farmer’s Reunion with fun and games.
Padyak Laban sa COVID-19 (Bike Fest) is set to happen on March 1, from 6:00am to 12:00nn, and Ms. Gay and Mr. Pogay Kontra COVID-19 2022 happening at 5:00 pm. To add, the highly-anticipated Fiestang Caragan Parade will happen on March 2, coinciding The Amazing Show Laban sa COVID-19 program at 5:00 pm.
The final judging for the Best Caragan Entrance and Display Inter-School Competition and Best Caragan photos is set on March 3 at 8:00 am. On the same day at 5:00pm, the Zumba Pangmalakasan para COVID-19 Malabanan will take place.
Barangay officials and workers have also accepted the challenge to showcase their talents at the Kami Naman! Barangay Got Talent (Barangayan 2022) Talent Presentations on March 4. Furthermore, performers clad in their most colorful costumes and props will dance their way to the championship for the Fiestang Caragan Family Free Interpretative Dance Competition at 5:00 pm, which will be followed by a fireworks display.
Capping this year’s weeklong celebration is the return of the grandest and most sought-after beauty pageant in the region, the Queen Mabalacat City 2022. A total of twelve Mabalaqueña lasses will attempt to ace a series of pageant segments to bring home the coveted title and the crown.
This year’s roster of fiesta activities will be helmed by the creative direction of Mabalacat City’s renowned festival director June Magbalot. On the other hand, Mabalaqueños and tourists who are expected to troop to Fiestang Caragan are encouraged to observe the minimum public health standards mandated by the national government.
Dubbed “Tuloy ang buhay. Tuloy and laban sa Pandemya”, this year’s Fiestang Caragan celebration is a tribute to Mabalacat’s 310-year legacy and treasured past. It also marks the city’s triumph over the COVID-19 pandemic, and sends a message of unity and hope in anticipation of a better tomorrow for the whole nation.
