“Pamulinawen, pusok indengam man
Toy umas-asog, ag-rayo ita sadiam…”
These opening lines from the beloved Filipino folk song Pamulinawen instantly evoke romance, beauty, and Ilocano heritage. After all, it’s a song about courtship, steadfastness, and sincerity.
More than just a song, Pamulinawen has become a symbol of the values and beliefs of the people of Ilocos Norte. Today, it has become the heart and soul of one of Northern Luzon’s most anticipated festivities: the Pamulinawen Festival in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/LaoagCityOfficial
What is the Pamulinawen Festival
The Pamulinawen Festival is an annual celebration in Laoag City, Philippines, held every February to honor the city’s patron saint, Saint William the Hermit (also known as William the Hermit or Saint William).
The feast day of Saint William falls on February 10, making this month a meaningful time on the local government and city government calendars.
What the Pamulinawen Festival Represents
This festival is symbolic of the deep Christian roots of the region, its colorful history, and the enduring local culture of Ilocos Norte.
What started as a simple celebration has evolved into a week-long or sometimes month-long event filled with various social civic activities, entertainment, concerts, calesa parades, a street dancing competition, and cultural showcases involving the city’s government, barangays, schools, and community participants.
Among the Pamulinawen Festival features are the calesa parade (also called the calesa festival), where horse-drawn carriages decorated with vibrant colors roll through the city; a religious procession; cultural shows at Aurora Park; and activities held near the Laoag City provincial capitol.
These festivities put Laoag City center stage, encouraging tourists and visitors from Manila and other parts of the region to experience Ilocano beauty, wit, and heritage.
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/LaoagCityOfficial
Your Pamulinawen Festival 2026 Guide:
Pamulinawen is more than just a festival. For residents of Laoag City and Ilocos Norte, it’s a celebration of identity and a point of pride.
Pamulinawen Festival shows how Laoag City honors its patron saint, its local government roots, and its evolving yet deeply grounded culture. Whether you’re interested in food, history, dance, or simple human connection, this event offers a meaningful chance to experience the spirit of Ilocos Norte.
For travelers planning their journey, this Pamulinawen Festival 2026 guide focuses on two highlights you shouldn’t miss: where to eat and where to shop during the celebration.
Where to Eat During Pamulinawen Festival 2026
Food is a major highlight of the Pamulinawen Festival, and no visit to Laoag City during Pamulinawen is complete without indulging in the flavors of Ilocos Norte.
For the people of Laoag City, their local cuisines and dishes should be celebrated since they are a big part of their culture.
1. Dulang Food Festival (Aurora Park Area)
One of the most anticipated activities of Pamulinawen is the Dulang Food Festival, usually held near Aurora Park, the city’s central hub for festivities.
“Dulang” means table in Ilocano, and true to its name, long communal tables are set up showcasing authentic Ilocano dishes. Expect to feast on bagnet, pinakbet, empanada, longganisa, and fresh seafood from the province.
This food festival not only promotes local cuisine but also supports local vendors and small businesses. It’s a perfect place for tourists to feel the warmth of locals and taste dishes that display the culture and history of Laoag.
Image source: https://laoagcity.gov.ph/tourism/festivals.html
2. La Preciosa Restaurant
A Laoag City institution, La Preciosa is famous for its Ilocos empanada and classic Ilocano meals.
During the Pamulinawen Festival week, it becomes a favorite stop for visitors who want reliable, authentic flavors away from the festival crowds.
3. Saramsam Ylocano
This restaurant beautifully blends tradition and modern presentation. This charming restaurant is the in-house restaurant of Balay de Blas Pensionne House in the heart of Laoag City.
Their Ilocano tasting sets are perfect for tourists who want to feast on a guided culinary tour of the province’s best dishes in one sitting.
Where to Shop During Pamulinawen Festival 2026
In between all the exciting activities of the Pamulinawen Festival, you can’t miss shopping in Laoag City.
Shopping during Pamulinawen can be quite the experience if you’re interested in experiencing Ilocos Norte’s culture through its goods and crafts.
Here are the top shopping spots you can’t miss in Laoag City:
1. Aurora Park Festival Market
Set up alongside the main Pamulinawen festivities, this market features local crafts, woven products, souvenir shirts, and Ilocano snacks.
It’s an excellent place to buy gifts while directly supporting the barangay and community artisans.
2. Laoag City Public Market
Just a short walk or calesa ride away, the Laoag Public Market offers native delicacies, local garlic, bagnet packs, and woven items.
It’s bustling during the month of February and gives tourists a raw, authentic feel of daily life in the city.
3. Provincial Capitol Souvenir Stalls
During the festival week and throughout February, stalls often pop up near the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol. These sell festival-themed merchandise, religious items honoring Saint William, whose feast day is celebrated during the Pamulinawen Festival, and locally made accessories.
4. Robinsons Place Ilocos Norte
For travelers who are looking to escape the heat, Robinsons Place Ilocos offers both international brands and local specialty shops.
It’s also a practical stop for essentials, dining, and last-minute shopping. It also has a transport hub where you can catch several buses that go to and from Manila and other cities around Ilocos Norte.
More Festival Highlights to Watch Out For
Beyond food and shopping, Pamulinawen Festival 2026 offers plenty of activities and entertainment.
The street dancing competition draws tourists and barangays, with dancers in bright costumes showcasing Ilocano history, Christianity, and legends about William the Hermit, Laoag City’s patron saint. The dance groups performing are proudly Ilocano, too, with students from Ilocos Norte National High School (INNHS) and Laoag Central Elementary School putting on their best dance routines year after year.
Spectators line the streets to cheer as participants dance to rhythmic music, turning the city into a moving stage of colors and light.
There’s also the grand parade featuring horse-drawn carriages (calesa parade), civic groups, and cultural performers, plus evening concerts at Aurora Park. These events promote unity, heritage, and pride in the city and province.
For adventure-seeking festival-goers with more days in Ilocos Norte on their calendar, side trips to La Paz Sand Dunes offer an exciting contrast to the religious and cultural festivities. It’s a must-see highlight for tourists who want to extend their tour beyond Laoag City proper.
Living Where Culture Comes Alive: Camella in Laoag
If Pamulinawen Festival 2026 makes you fall in love with Laoag City, and it likely will, you may find yourself wanting to stay longer or even settle down.
This is where Camella Laoag becomes part of your life plans.
Camella offers thoughtfully designed homes in a secure, accessible community close to the city’s central hub, key roads, and essential establishments. Living here means being just minutes away from Aurora Park, the Dulang Food Festival grounds, and the heart of Pamulinawen festivities held each year.
Beyond the festival, Camella in Laoag gives you daily access to the beauty, heritage, and warmth of Ilocano culture. It’s an ideal home for families, professionals, and retirees who want comfort, convenience, and a deep connection to the province’s vibrant traditions.
Whether you’re a tourist today or a future resident tomorrow, Pamulinawen is your invitation to experience the best of Laoag in years to come. Camella helps you make that experience a permanent part of your life.
