| Holiday Name: | Abaca Festival |
| Type: | Local |
| Observedby: | Catanduanes, Philippines |
| Date: | 4th week of May |
| Observances: | Cultural dance, parade, musical, jobs fair, sporting events |
| Frequency: | Annual |
The Abaca Festival, formally known as Catanduanes Abaka Festival, is a festival held each year in Virac, Catanduanes, Philippines. The celebration happens every year during the fourth week of May. It recognizes the importance of the abacá fiber and the Manila hemp industry for the local economy. The festival also celebrates the resilient spirit and culture of Catanduanes.[1]
Catanduanes Island is the native habitat of the endemic abaca plant (a banana relative) which is cultivated for its strong fiber. In fact, the Philippines FIDA (Fiber Industry Development Authority) declared the island as the highest abaca producing province in 2010. In 2009-2013, The Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) and the Department of Agriculture, Bicol Region had 39% share of Philippine Abaca production, emerged as the biggest produce while overwhelming 92% comes from Catanduanes the biggest abaca producing province in the country. But majority of the fiber produced here are of 3rd class and wide strips.
On April 15, 2022, President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the Republic Act No. 11700 declaring Catanduanes province as the Philippines Abaca Capital.[2]
The main features of the festival are: Padadyaw Ginamlangan or Padadyaw kan Abaka, Pinukpok Fashion Show, Urag Catandungan sports competitions, Kantang Catandungan or Musika kan Isla, Festival Dance Competition, Binibini and Ginoong Bikol, Hagyan sa Kabitoonan and Jobs Fair.