Lang-ay 2005: Lang-ay Festival kicks off with culture-rich event

Lang-ay 2005 revisited

The 38th Foundation Day of Mountain Province was observed with the first Lang-ay Festival beginning on the 1st day of April till April 7 which day marked the separation of the province from the old Mountain Province composed of Bontoc, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayao and Kalinga.

A culture-rich celebration was enthusiastically participated by delegates from the ten municipalities of the province. The ethnic tribes- Applai from Sagada, and Besao; Kankanaey from Bauko, Tadian, and Sabangan; Baliwon from Paracelis; Balangao from Barlig and Natonin; and the Bontoc tribe from Bontoc and Sadanga- performed their distinct dances , songs and rituals.

The Lang-ay Festival was born out of meetings with Governor Maximo Dalog and the Association of Provincial Executives (APEX) with discussions for a general term to mean a provincial festival till Lang-ay came about. Lang-ay, as it generally means among the tribes of the Mountain Province, is sharing the home brewed wine, tapey or basi or fayash, partaking of food and being in fellowship with each other.

Street dancing, cultural programs, and indigenous games showcased the peoples’ culture during the 7-day event. A marathon, Lumban di Gawis ay Mountain Province, highlighted the festival. An agro-fair started the festival on the first day and ended with the fabulous street dancing of the different tribes.