Batac Festival 2025: A Unique Cultural Experience in Ilocos Norte

If you're looking for a unique cultural experience this year, the Batac Festival is one event that you shouldn’t miss. Held annually in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, this festival celebrates the artistry, craftsmanship, and ingenuity of the farmers who have shaped the region's rich agricultural history. But this year, the festival promises something extra special with exciting contests and a deeper dive into the region's traditions.

Batac City Hall | Patrickroque01 via Wikimedia Commons

Starting on May 1, 2025, the Batac Festival will run for four days, offering a vibrant and immersive look into the lives of the locals. From the opening to the grand finale, it’s a great time to witness the creative spirit of farmers' artistry and how farmers' ingenuity is celebrated through various hands-on events.

Also read: Ilocos Norte Travel Guide: Where and How to Go

New highlights for 2025: Sledge and hat-making contests

Pasagad Contest | City Government of Batac Official Facebook Page

The heart of the Batac Festival lies in its ability to preserve and showcase the traditional skills of the local farming community. One of the standout activities this year is the sledge-making contest, where participants will demonstrate how to build a pasagad—a traditional sledge used by farmers to carry crops before mechanised farming took over. Made from indigenous materials, the pasagad is an essential part of Ilocos Norte's farming history, and seeing how it’s made by hand is a unique experience.

Miki | Shubert Ciencia via Flickr

Another exciting addition to this year’s festivities is the hat-making contest. Farmers will put their weaving skills to the test by creating traditional hats from indigenous materials. The festival will also feature a miki cook-off, where women from the Rural Improvement Clubs in Batac will compete to create the most delicious miki—a type of noodle dish beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Don’t miss the Grand Parade and Dance Showdown

Grand Parade | City Government of Batac Official Facebook Page

Of course, no festival is complete without a parade, and the Batac Festival's grand parade is one of the most anticipated events. On May 3, the streets of Batac City will come alive with beautifully decorated floats, each created by rural villages to embody this year’s theme, "Nasamit a Balligi, Mangpabileg ti Ili" (Sweet Success, Empowering Community). The floats will not only showcase the creativity of the locals but also highlight the importance of community empowerment through agriculture.

The festival will also feature a dance showdown, where various farmers' organisations will showcase their talents and celebrate their harvests. This is the perfect opportunity to witness the incredible energy and camaraderie that define Batac's farming community.

How to go to Batac City

Reaching Batac City is relatively easy, whether you're coming from the capital, Manila, or other parts of Ilocos Norte. The most convenient way is to take a bus from Manila to Laoag City, which takes about 8 to 10 hours. From Laoag, you can take a jeepney or bus to Batac, which is just around 15 minutes away. If you’re driving, Batac is around 400 km from Manila, and the drive usually takes around 8 hours via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and MacArthur Highway.

What to expect at the Batac Festival

At the Batac Festival, you’ll experience the true spirit of Ilocos Norte’s farming culture. Highlights include sledge-making and hat-making contests, plus a chance to savour local delicacies like the famous empanada and miki noodles. Don’t miss the riverside food hub near the Imelda Cultural Centre for authentic flavours.

The grand parade and cultural showcase reveal the heart of Batac’s hardworking communities, making the city a must-visit for cultural tourism. With vibrant events, traditional food, and rich local heritage, the Batac Festival offers an unforgettable celebration of farmers’ artistry and ingenuity.

Also read: Where to Stay in Ilocos: 12 Best Hotels, Resorts & Vacation Rentals

Why you shouldn’t miss the Batac Festival

Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, food lover, or simply looking for a fun and immersive event to attend this year, Batac’s festival offers it all. So, pack your bags and get ready to witness the vibrant traditions of the farmers in Batac!