Guide to Kaamulan Festival, Philippines
A delicious melting pot of Filipino food and culture.
Kaamulan holds a special place in the hearts of Filipinos as the only cultural festival of its kind in the country. It celebrates the heritage and traditions of seven ethnic tribal groups from Bukidnon Province in the South of the Philippines. Through colourful dances, music and traditional rituals, it showcases the Filipino people’s deep connection with their roots. For visitors, it’s an opportunity to experience the rich indigenous culture at its best, and savour the smells, tastes and textures of authentic Filipino cuisine.
What is Kaamulan?
Kaamulan lasts longer than your average street festival. The celebrations continue for an entire month in Malaybalay City, which has been dubbed the ‘South Summer Capital of the Philippines’. The festival is known for its spectacular float parade, where tribes compete against each other with their elaborate costumes and lively performances. But for foodies, the highlight is undoubtedly the communal feasting that brings families, friends and tourists together to enjoy Kaamulan’s unique culinary delights.
Festival favourites
Kaamulan brings out the best in Filipino cooking with a mix of classic national dishes and local favourites. Here are just some of the highlights.
Adobo
A beloved Filipino dish, adobo features meat marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and aromatic spices, resulting in a rich and savoury flavour explosion.
Try our adobo recipe for yourself today.
Lechon
This succulent roasted pig, with its crispy skin and tender meat, is the crown jewel of Filipino celebrations.
Sinigang
A comforting and tangy soup made with tamarind, vegetables, and your choice of protein, sinigang will warm your heart and awaken your taste buds.
Pancit
This stir-fried noodle dish represents long life and prosperity. With variations like pancit canton and pancit palabok, the flavours and textures are simply divine.
Kakanin
A delightful assortment of sweet rice cakes such as bibingka and puto bumbong that will satisfy your dessert cravings and transport you to Filipino culinary heaven.
Not forgetting the rice
Rice is grown in plentiful supply in surrounding Bukidnon Province, so it’s no surprise it’s one of the stars of Kaamulan Festival cuisine. And in Filipino culture generally, rice is more than just a staple food, it’s a symbol of sustenance, unity, and prosperity, and is often referred to as the ‘heart of every meal’. Its versatility is unmatched, as it can be steamed, fried, or even made into tasty sweets. Here are some of the most popular dishes that are eaten with rice at Kaamulan.
Kinilaw
Kinilaw is the national dish of the Philippines. A refreshing starter made with raw fish or seafood marinated in vinegar, citrus juice and aromatic spices. It’s the perfect companion to a steaming plate of rice.
Humba
A beloved Filipino comfort food, featuring braised pork belly simmered in a rich sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. Pair it with rice for pure bliss.
Tinumok
A hearty soup that showcases flavours from freshwater fish, vegetables, and sometimes shrimp paste for an added punch, Tinumok is traditionally enjoyed with a side of rice.
The Kaamulan Festival is a unique and unforgettable cultural experience. If you are looking for a chance to immerse yourself in Filipino food and culture, then come along to Kaamulan soon!
