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Camarines Sur

Kaogma Festival

Kaogma Festival is a religious festival and a founding anniversary celebration in Camarines Sur, Philippines every May 27th. It is a summertime province-wide festivity that remembers the creation of Camarines Sur as a province. A week-long celebration, it is the biggest festival in Camarines Sur and popular by its tagline, “The Hottest Festival in the World.”

History of Kaogma Festival

Kaogma Festival comes from the word kaogma, a word in Bicolano language that roughly translates to enjoy one’s time or happiness. It was established on May 15, 1989 in time for the fiesta of San Isidro Labrador (St. Isidore the Worker), who is regarded as the patron of agricultural workers.

Its religious beginnings gave way to a more secular tone in later years. The festival became celebration of the creation of the province. According to the provincial government, Camarines Sur was created on May 27, 1579.

In the olden times, it was called Ambos Camarines. As time went on, it’s been split into two, Camarines Norte as the other province, and reunified several times. Finally, Act No. 2809 that was promulgated on March 3, 1919 declared Camarines Norte a separate province.

From a one-day event, Kaogma Festival has since been extended to a week-long affair. Opening rites take place in May 20 (May 21 in some years) and closing programs in May 27, in time for commemorating the birth of the province.

Furthermore, Republic Act No. 9410 was signed by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on March 24, 2007 that declared May 27th of every year moving forward as a special non working holiday in the province.

Kaogma Festival Schedule of Activities

Kaogma Festival has been celebrated in ways that gives a nod to its cultural heritage, history, spicy cuisine, and passionate people of Camarines Sur.

There are various sporting events such as in boxing and wakeboarding. Competitions are also open for Miss Kaogma, the prestigious beauty pageant in Camarines Sur, dance, talent singing, grand parade, street-dancing competition, etc.

There are also arts fest, musical concerts, and a select number of cultural, variety, and entertainment shows.

Revelries and major activities occurred in various venues in Naga City. That was so until 2005 when they were moved to Pili, the capital of the province. Venues included Freedom Sports Complex, Convention Center, and Camsur Watersports Complex.

How to reach Camarines Sur

One can book a flight from Manila to Naga Airport or travel by bus from various points of Luzon.

References

Kaogma Festival Summary

NameKaogma Festival
CelebrationFounding anniversary
CountryPhilippines
DateMay 27
Duration1 week
Facebookwww.facebook.com
LocationCamarines Sur
OrganizerProvincial Government of Camarines Sur
Other NamesThe Hottest Festival in the World
Twittertwitter.com
Websitecamarinessur.gov.ph