The Saint Louis University Center for Culture and the Arts (SLU-CCA) is set to grace the competitive stage once again, returning to the vibrant Grand Street Dance Parade of the Panagbenga Festival on 22 February 2025. As Louisian cultural ambassadors, they join in the city’s celebration, ready to blossom beyond boundaries.
Fresh off their impressive showing at last year’s Cordillera Festival of Festivals, where their performance beautifully captured the essence of Panagbenga, anticipation is high for the SLU CCA’s return to the Grand Street Dance Parade. Their dedication to cultural expression and artistic excellence guarantees a spectacular display of skill and passion.
Panagbenga, Baguio City’s renowned month-long flower festival held every February is a celebration of the city and the Cordillera region’s rich history, traditions, and values. The festival’s name, derived from the Kankanaey term for “season of blooming,” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of renewal and growth.
This year’s theme, “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries,” highlights the region’s diverse cultural heritage and vibrant communities, attracting visitors from around the world.
The Grand Street Dance Parade will weave its way through the heart of Baguio, starting at Panagbenga Park and proceeding down to Session Road. The parade route continues along Harrison Road and Jose Abad Santos Drive, turning at Lake Drive before culminating at the Melvin Jones Football Grounds. The competition features various categories:
- Drum & Lyre (Elementary)
- Festival Dance (High School, College, Open Category)
- Cultural Dance
A panel of judges will generally evaluate performances based on choreography, execution, costumes and props, and creativity, with scores distributed evenly between the street dance segment and the field demonstration. Adding to the excitement, the winners of the competition will have the honor of performing once again at the most awaited Grand Floral Float Parade on 23 February 2025.
The SLU CCA will compete in the fiercely-pursued festival dance open category, presenting “Rhythms in Full Bloom.” Rooted in the rich oral traditions of the Cordillera, their piece, “Bagbagtu,” will tell the story of a hopeful young girl from a drought-stricken village who journeys into the forest and encounters mystical snails chanting an ancient song. Learning the chant, she returns to her people, and their unified voices bring the long-awaited rain, highlighting water’s life-giving essence and power. This dynamic performance promises to explore movement, transcending cultural borders.
SLU’s participation in the Panagbenga 2025 is more than about a competition; it is a testament to the University’s commitment to preserving local culture and promoting community solidarity. (Article by Aivian Culanag, UIO Intern)
