Craving smoked meat? Sagada’s Etag Festival is back this Jan. 30 to Feb. 2

Sagada, Mountain Province – Visitors and locals alike can once again savor the distinct smoky flavor of Sagada’s famed smoked meat while immersing themselves in a series of cultural activities starting January 30, 2026, as the town kicks off its annual Etag Festival.

Sagada is renowned for its etag, a cured and smoked pork delicacy that plays an essential role in local culture. More than just a food tradition, etag represents the town’s rich history and customs and is commonly served during significant events and ceremonies—hence the festival’s name.

Now on its 13th year, the Etag Festival is an annual celebration showcasing Sagada’s culture and traditions.

With this year’s theme, “Valuing Culture, Key Towards Unity and Progress,” the festival also serves as a way of expressing gratitude to the Almighty for bountiful harvests and blessings, according to Sagada Mayor Felicito O. Dula in an interview with the media.

“The event will highlight the culture and solidarity of our community. The festival serves not only to display our vibrant traditions but also to unite us in creating lasting memories and reinforcing the connections that bind us together,” Dula said.

In a Facebook post, the local government unit invited the public to visit Sagada and join the festivities, stating, “We invite you to join us in this annual celebration, which will feature activities that celebrate the culture that binds the iSagada together.”

Schedule of Activities

According to the municipality’s Information Office, the four-day celebration will begin on Friday, January 30, with a civic parade featuring zonal floats, starting at Daoangan at 8:00 a.m.

Other activities on the opening day include a ground demonstration by elementary schools to be presented during the opening program at the CSMV Softball Ground, followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Etag Fest Trade Fair at the Municipal Plaza. The trade fair will showcase culinary skills, offer free legal consultations by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines–Mountain Province, and feature dance competitions. The day will conclude with the Search for Mr. and Ms. Sagada 2026 at the Community Court at 5:30 p.m.

On Day 2, January 31, street dancing will start in front of Labanet Lodge at 8:00 a.m., followed by zonal cultural presentations at the Community Court. Other highlights include the X-Factor: iSagada Edition and a family challenge dubbed “Gong Traditions of Sagada – From Learning to Performance,” to be held at the Municipal Plaza at 4:00 p.m.

For Day 3, February 1, activities include a church service, children’s games at the CSMV Softball Ground, PSA services, the Original Song Composition Contest, and the staging of “Laga ya Abe id Ganduyan,” a fashion show featuring the unique textiles and designs of emerging fashion designers from Sagada.

On the final day, February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be observed in the morning. This will be followed by the Rescuelympics at the CSMV Softball Ground, a Quiz Bee at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, folk dance presentations, and other activities before the closing program.