Abrenian Kawayan Festival showcases Abra’s strength, culture

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From a giant carabao to a ‘kattukong’ hat, the grand floats in the Abrenian Kawayan Festival highlight Abra’s unique heritage and resources

BANGUED, Philippines – Like bamboo, the people of Abra have learned to bend but never break. Through history, they have faced challenges and change with quiet strength, much like the plant that thrives across the province. 

This connection to bamboo is at the heart of the Abrenian Kawayan Festival, celebrated every March 9th to mark Abra’s founding as an independent province in 1917.

Once called the Arya Abra Festival, meaning “Onwards Abra,” the celebration was renamed in 2009 to highlight the role of bamboo (kawayan) in local industry and culture.

Abra was once part of the larger Ilocos region before becoming a separate province. Its history is filled with moments of resistance and resilience. It was among the areas that supported Diego and Gabriela Silang’s rebellion against Spanish rule in the 18th century. 

During the American period, it was briefly merged back into Ilocos Sur before officially becoming an independent province on March 9, 1917, the date now commemorated by the festival.

Today, Abra is home to 27 municipalities and 304 barangays, with Bangued as its capital. It is known for its indigenous Tingguian communities, who have preserved their traditions despite modern influences.

One of the most anticipated events of the Abrenian Kawayan Festival is the Grand Float Parade, where each town creates a float that reflects its heritage, resources, and aspirations. 

Floats must be decorated with at least 80% of materials sourced from bamboo, abel, and the municipality’s designated “One Town, One Product” (OTOP). 

The remaining 20% may be used for complementary fillers and decorative elements. This rule ensures that each float highlights local craftsmanship and sustainable materials while promoting the province’s traditional industries.

This year, some of the standout floats include:

San Quintin

Their float features a giant ‘kattukong’ hat, a traditional woven headpiece, crafted from Opo squash and bamboo materials. It also includes a replica of the Tangadan Tunnel, an iconic landmark that symbolizes strength and endurance. 

A tribute to Gabriela Silang is woven into the design, reminding festival-goers of the province’s revolutionary past. The float carries the theme “Level Up!”, signaling progress and ambition.

HISTORY. A float featuring a giant kattukong hat and a replica of Tangadan Tunnel pays homage to Gabriela Silang, the fearless revolutionary leader. All photos by Mia Magdalena Fokno/Rappler

San Juan

The nipa hut (kubo) at the center of San Juan’s float represents the humility and unity of its people. A carabao (nuang), symbolizing hard work and perseverance, stands proudly — a nod to the town’s achievements, including multiple Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awards. The float’s message is clear: “Naprogreso nga San Juan!”

STANDOUT. A proud nuang (carabao) stands at the heart of San Juan’s float.

Peñarrubia

Known for its high-quality abel weaving, particularly in Barangay Namarabar, Peñarrubia’s float highlights both tradition and resilience. 

Bamboo serves as the central element, symbolizing adaptability through challenges like the pandemic and natural disasters. The float is adorned with woven textiles and corn, two of the town’s well-known products.

La Paz

La Paz, Abra, is known for its rich cultural heritage and thriving agricultural industry. The town takes pride in its traditional loom weaving, an age-old craft that remains central to its identity. 

The La Paz float is a testament to both solidarity and craftsmanship. It features traditional nipa huts, symbolizing simplicity and resilience. At its center are Pagabelan and Abel fabrics, reflecting the town’s history, creativity, and identity. 

The bamboo framework, nipa huts, and woven textiles seamlessly blend into a display that embodies both heritage and progress. The float carries the banner “Agtultuloy ti Progreso”. It proudly represents La Paz’s Loom Weaving Village, honoring the past while forging a future of progress and prosperity.

Aside from the parade, the festival includes cultural performances, trade fairs, and traditional games, offering both locals and visitors an opportunity to experience Abra’s unique heritage.

ENERGETIC. Young drum and lyre performers bring rhythm and joy to the Grand Float Parade.

UNIQUE FINDS. Exquisitely crafted marble products found at the trade fair, showcasing the province’s rich natural resources and skilled artisanship.

– Rappler.com