LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – In preparation for the 26th Pamulinawen Festival, the City Government of Laoag releases the schedule of activities and traffic plan for the upcoming fiesta this February.

To kickoff the month-long fiesta, the city government will be spearheading the Civic and Military Parade, which will serve as the opening parade of the fiesta this Wednesday, February 1.

To minimize and control traffic around the parade area, starting 12 noon of February 1, entryways will be closed in the southbound of Gov. Segundo Avenue, P. Gomez St; the westbound of J.P. Rizal St.; the northbound of Bonifacio St.; and the eastbound of J.P. Hernando St., Cor. Hernando St.

Northbound bus, trucks, and other long vehicles will be rerouted to take the bypass road to avoid traffic in the city proper.

Travellers only passing-by Laoag City are also advised to take the By-pass road. 

The same traffic scheme will be applied for the Grand Parade on February 9.

Meanwhile, the City Tourism Office has released the schedule of activities for the fiesta.

According to Angel Lao, City Tourism Officer, they have been working on the activities the last couple of months and the city government is now ready to start the fiesta.

Lao added that the biggest highlights of this year’s festival will be the Na-Laoag Street Dance competition and Calesa parade on February 10, the three-day show of the Super American Circus in Centennial Arena on February 3 to 5, the Miss Laoag Pamulinawen on February 11, Mister Laoag Pageant on Februar 12, and the first La Paz Sand Dunes challenge and concert on February 25.

"This year's festival, being its comback year, and because nasa recovery period na tayo ng COVID-19 pandemic, we are expecting na this will gain a lot of tourism traction from not only our neighboring municipalities but also local and foreign tourists. Kaya we are so excited for everyone to experience yung mga activities na na-prepare for the Pamulinawen Festival," Lao said.

The month-long celebration will culminate with a fluvial parade to honor the city’s patron saint, William the Hermit on February 28 at Metro Gabu to La Paz, Laoag City.

Moreover, by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 131, Malacangang declared February 10, 2023, a special non-working holiday in Laoag City to celebrate the Pamulinawen Festival. (JCR/MJTAB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)