Magayon Festival – tragic and heroic tale of two lovers

The History

The legend of Daragang Magayon is a tragic and heroic tale that told the story of two lovers who come from rival tribes. Pressured by the bloody feud between their families the lovers decided to end their lives. From where they ended their tragic lives rose the most beautiful volcano in the whole world – Mayon Volcano. Her beauty is shadowed by her destructive fury upon eruption, for she is still an active volcano. Tourists from all corners of the globe visit her to see her almost perfect conical shape which no other volcano could compare.

The Festival

Despite the series of calamities that hit the province, Governor Al Francis Bichara used his executive power to promote a month-long event to promote and enhance Albay’s vast array of natural and man-made landscapes. Backed up with special events and fairs, the event became known as the Magayon Festival which was launched in 1999. Gov. Bichara even won the support of non-government agencies and various government units. He is determined to reclaim the title of Albay as one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines.

Unfortunately, at the end of his term in 2004, the festival was cut to two weeks for the sake of prioritizing the countryside’s development.

But thanks to Gov. Joey Salceda, after winning the election last year, the Magayon Festival is revived to its former state but transferred in April.

The festival carries the theme “Albay Rising,” focusing on a month-long celebration of the good life in the province.

In Succession

The activities during the festival are sure to attract visitors, be it local or foreign. Some of the activities include art exhibits, songwriting contests, the Search for Mutya ng Magayon, Mr & Mrs. Bikini Summit, chorale competitions, fairs, exhibits, sports activities, any many more colorful and lively activities that will surely leave the visitors with smiles on their faces.

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