Kalinga to host Cordillera Festival of Festivals for first time in 2027

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Kalinga will host the Cordillera Festival of Festivals in 2027 for the first time, marking a historic shift for the regional cultural event traditionally held in Baguio City.

The Kalinga Tourism Office announced on October 17, 2026, that Governor James S. Edduba formally accepted the hosting turnover from Baguio City, paving the way for the province to stage the celebration next year.

The office described the turnover as a milestone that will give Kalinga an opportunity to showcase its cultural heritage, traditions and the identity of the iKalingas to delegates, performers and visitors from across the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

The Cordillera Festival of Festivals brings together major festivals representing the region’s six provinces and two cities in a showcase of indigenous dances, music, traditional attire and cultural practices.

The event features festival presentations from Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Baguio City and Tabuk City. These include the Kawayan Festival of Abra, Say-am of Apayao, Adivay of Benguet, Gotad ad Ifugao, Tachok-Salip of Kalinga, Lang-ay of Mountain Province, Panagbenga of Baguio and Gabbok of Tabuk City.

Beyond performances, the festival aims to highlight the stories, values, history and cultural identity behind the region’s diverse traditions. It also promotes regional unity and tourism while creating opportunities for local communities and enterprises.

The event has grown into a major regional cultural showcase, drawing hundreds of performers and delegations from across the Cordillera. In 2026, Baguio City hosted the celebration on October 17, with festival contingents parading through the city’s main thoroughfares.

Kalinga’s hosting is expected to place the province’s cultural traditions in the regional spotlight and provide an opportunity to promote its tourism destinations and local heritage.

However, as of October 17, the Kalinga Tourism Office had not announced specific preparations, activities or plans for the 2027 event following the turnover.

Further details on the schedule, venue, participating contingents and preparations have yet to be announced.