Pangasinan towns' heritage showcased in dance contest

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The rich culture, vibrant traditions, and enduring heritage of Pangasinan took centerstage at this year's Gayaga: Pangasinan Festival Street Dance Exhibition, one of the most anticipated highlights of this year's Pista'y Dayat celebration.

DAZZLING PERFORMANCE Street dancers clad in colorful costumes bring life to the festival of their respective towns or cities during a street dance exhibition at the capitol plaza on May 1, 2025, as part of this year's Pistay Dayat (Sea Festival) celebration. PHOTO COURTESY OF PANGASINAN PIMRO

Colorful street dance contingents from the towns of Infanta, Mabini, Anda, and Lingayen, and the cities of Alaminos and San Carlos showcased high-energy performances to the rhythmic pulse of festive music.

Gov. Ramon Guico III lauded the participants for their unwavering support and expressed gratitude to the performers for their creative contributions in promoting Pangasinan's cultural identity.

Each contingent brought to life their respective town or city's hallmark festival.

Infanta debuted its Taraon (Food) Festival, a tribute to the town's agricultural and marine abundance.

Mabini celebrated its roots through the Balincaguin Festival, named after the Sambalic phrase "Bali Lan Caguin," mean-ing "abode of bats," in reference to the town's storied past.

Anda highlighted the beloved local delicacy binongey, a rice cake steamed in bamboo tubes through dance and visual storytelling.

Lingayen presented the Bagoong Festival, dramatizing the preparation of its iconic fermented fish paste, a staple of Pangasinan cuisine.

Alaminos City showcased its Hundred Islands Festival, capturing the unique culture and traditions of its famous island destinations.

San Carlos City paid homage to its top local products — sweet mangoes and versatile bamboo — through the Mango-Bamboo Festival.

Following the individual performances, all contingents came together in a unity dance, symbolizing solidarity and shared pride in Pangasinan's cultural wealth.

The event was also graced by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino, who delivered the welcome remarks.

Among those in attendance were Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil, provincial department heads, reigning Limgas na Pangasinan 2025 titleholders, and representatives from various local government units.

The event was organized by Pangasinan Polytechnic College, led by its president, Dr. Raymundo Rovillos.