Coco Fest of San Pablo
The historical Coconut Festival in the Philippines plays a huge part in their culture in San Pablo City, Laguna. It celebrates the importance and versatility of the highly beneficial coconut tree. The coconut fruit is known as ‘buko’ to the locals. The meaty part of the coconut fruit is usually eaten that way, or prepared in different recipes. Coconut water, on the other hand, is a refreshing drink, particularly during summer. Other parts of the coconut tree are used for a wide array of functions.
Also known as the coco fest, the event’s humble beginnings can be traced back to 1996 when the first edition of the celebrations was held to honor San Pablo’s patron saint: Hermit, St. Paul. The festival is a 2-week long celebration held in early January but preparations start on October.
A few of Coco Fest’s main events are:
· Lakan and Mutya of San Pablo
· Coco Star
· San Pablo Idol
· Mardi Gras
· Street Dance
Auditions for these activities are held in October with the participation of the community and different schools in San Pablo. While preparations are on-going, there are several events held during the months of November to December like motorcades and pageants. During the first week, Lakan and Mutya of San Pablo, San Pablo Idol, Coco Star, etc. are held. On the second week, coronations, Mardi Gras, and People’s Night where celebrities and bands are invited to perform, are held. Classes during these 2 weeks are suspended.
The 2-week long festivity of the “Coconut Festival” in San Pablo has proven its ability in promoting the rich and colorful celebration of San Pabluenos’ talents, products, and arts and culture as it was awarded Best Tourism Event (Provincial Category-Festival) by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) and the Department of Tourism (DOT), and garnered 2013's "Pearl Award" as Hall of Famer during the 14th National Convention of the Department of Tourism (DOT)–Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) held in Legazpi City, Albay