Let’s play a riddle game! “Sky above, sky below! Ocean in the midst of it all!” Yes, the answer is Coconut! It is because the sky represents the thick white meat of the large hard-shelled oval nut which is filled (when fresh) with fluid or milk (ocean).
Did you know?
The City of Seven Lakes, San Pablo City, holds one of the grandest festivals in the country, the Coconut Festival. Why is it called the City of Seven Lakes? It's because it possesses seven lakes in its vicinity namely, Bunot, Pandin, Palapakin, Yambao, Muhicap, Kalibato and Sampaloc.
Coconut is one of the main industries of Laguna, and with the existence of the Coconut Festival, the people in the city are proud to show the world their talents and ingenuity. It is their way of giving thanks to the bountiful harvest through the years.
Coconut “Tree of Life” Festival!
Since 1996, the festival has been a week-long celebration held during the celebration of the city’s Patron Saint, St. Paul the First Hermit, which falls every 15th of January. Here are some tips on how you can enjoy the festival!
Witness the Float Parades…
The Coco Float Parade placed the City of San Pablo as one of the tourist attractions nationwide. The street dancing a la Mardi Gras is the highlight of the celebration where different school participants are dressed with different parts of a coconut tree while dancing to the beat of the music. Don’t miss the stunning parade that thousands of local townsfolk and tourists flock just to witness and appreciate how creative it is done.
Rock to the Musical Extravaganza and Nightly Cultural Presentation…
During the event, every corner of the street is full of food stalls and miniature restaurants. A beer plaza is available for circles of friends to relax and enjoy while listening to rock bands performances. There are also cultural presentations every night featuring the talents of different schools and organizations of the city. The Coronation Ball of the Mutya ng San Pablo is a dinner dance and fashion show featuring the candidates in a creative presentation.
Experience the Foodfest and Exhibits…
It is part of the festival where you can taste and buy delicious coconut pies. You can also shop for souvenirs and coconut-inspired crafts.
Have the best photography shots ever…
For many lovers of photography, the festival is one of the best subjects to capture. Catch every detail of the event. The smiling and laughing crowd is always worth your shot.
Find an irresistible fireworks display…
The great festival is ended with the blazing fireworks display that will surely lift up the feeling of the viewers.
Cocofestival in San Pablo City, Laguna