Kaamulan Festival is the annual gathering of the Province of Bukidnon’s 7 hill tribes. A former Tourism Secretary called it the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines and I must say, there’s nothing like it! It’s colorful, vibrant, loud, warm, heartwarming and just full of energy, culture and tradition.
This year, the Kaamulan Festival 2023 is happening! The Bukidnon festival was suspended for 2 years during the pandemic. The Kaamulan Festival 2022 happened but it was toned down to just a few events. Hopefully, this Kaamulan 2023, the festivities will be back in full force and everyone can really feel the vibrancy of this amazing ethnic festival.
The Kaamulan Festival is a yearly gathering of the Talaandig, Tigwahanun, Higaonon, Manolo, Matigsalug, Umayamnun and Bukidnon tribes. These are the 7 Bukidnon hill tribes. Most, if not all, of the activities happen in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon.
* Image from our sister site, Bukidnon Online
By virtue of Provincial Ordinance 2018-083R(13th SP), (the originating resolution was authored by Bukidnon 2nd District Board Member and my friend, Atty. Nemesio Beltran, Jr.), the Kaamulan Festival is held from March 23 to April 23 every year. Atty. Jun also confirmed it to me that the festival will be held during this period.
Update: Atty. Jun already sent Mindanaoan the tentative schedule of activities! We have it FIRST!
Kaamulan Festival 2023 Schedule of Activities
Please follow the BukidnonOnline.com Facebook Page for exclusive videos, interviews, features etc
This schedule is still subject to change so please join the Mindanaoan Facebook group to be updated!
Our heartfelt thanks to my friend Bukidnon 2nd District Board Member Atty. Jun Beltran!
Here’s one of the videos I took during the Kaamulan Festival many moons ago:
READ: How to get to Malaybalay City
Fast fact: Kaamulan is an indigenous Bukidnon term that means “gathering” for any purpose.
The biggest crowd drawer will undoubtedly be the Ethnic Street Dancing and Ground Presentation Competition. The contingents will represent the tribes (there will also be tribal members in each contingent) and will showcase the dances, music and practices.
If you plan to witness the 2023 Kaamulan Festival, best to already book your accommodations early since Malaybalay City doesn’t have enough lodging places yet. You can search for discounted hotel rooms below: (or you can also search for Valencia City hotel rooms — Valencia is about 30 minutes away from Malaybalay)
Valencia City – List of Accommodation
Follow the Bukidnon Online Facebook page
Follow the Kaamulan Festival Facebook page
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]