MAJAYJAY, Laguna (PIA) - Locals marked Majayjay’s annual Anilinang festival to celebrate the farmers' bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables.

The festival, derived from the words ani (harvest) and linang (farmland), is in honor of the town’s patron saint Gregory the Great for their plentiful harvest throughout the year, and in time for Majayjay’s founding anniversary.

"The concept of Anilinang was developed based on what we have been blessed… rich agricultural lands. Many farmers here are able to harvest plenty of vegetables," shared Majayjay Vice Mayor Juan Ariel Argañosa Jr. in Usapang PIA radio program by Philippine Information Agency-CALABARZON.

This year's festival focused on attracting investors, fostering more business opportunities, and boosting the town's tourism sector by highlighting its abundant agricultural lands and produce.

A festival crowd drawer was the "Takbo Para sa Turismo" fun run, which gathered around 700 participants who took to the streets of Majayjay surrounded by bubbles and colored powder, symbolizing the town's vibrant history and culture.

Additional programs organized during the festival include a tourism video competition, Senior Citizen Day, Gabi ng Kababaihan (Women's Night), festival of talents, Rampa ng Kabayo (Horse Parade), DepEd Night, LGBTQIA+ pride parade, Most Outstanding Kabataan (Youth) Awards, and Ginang Bilbilin Majayjay 2023.

The 8th Anilinang Festival was held from September 30, to October 2, 2023. (AM/PIA-4A)