The Lanzones Festival is an annual festival that takes place every third week of October in the island province of Camiguin, which is known as the lanzones capital of the Philippines. The festival celebrates the abundant harvest of the lanzones fruit, which is a favorite delicacy for many Filipinos and foreigners alike. The festival also features various activities and events that highlight the culture and heritage of Camiguin, such as street dances, parades, cultural shows, food fairs, and beauty pageants.

The word “lanzones” comes from the scientific name of the fruit, Lansium domesticum, which belongs to the mahogany family of plants. The fruit is also known as langsat or longkong in other parts of Southeast Asia, where it originated. The fruit is small, round, and yellow, with a thin skin that can be easily peeled off. Inside, there are several segments of translucent flesh that have a sweet and sour taste. The fruit also contains seeds that are bitter and inedible.

Camiguin is famous for producing the best variety of lanzones in the country, which is called longkong. The longkong variety has thicker flesh, smaller seeds, and sweeter taste than other varieties. The secret behind the sweetness of Camiguin’s lanzones is said to be the volcanic soil of the island, which is rich in minerals and nutrients. Camiguin has seven volcanoes, two of which are active. The island is also known as the “Island Born of Fire” because of its volcanic origin.

The origin of the festival can be traced back to a legend that explains how the lanzones became sweet. According to the legend, there was once a time when the lanzones were poisonous and bitter. The people of Camiguin avoided eating them for fear of getting sick or dying. One day, a beautiful woman came to the island with her child. She was looking for a place to stay and food to eat. She saw some lanzones hanging from a tree and decided to try them. She peeled off the skin and gave some to her child. To her horror, she saw her child fall to the ground, lifeless. She cried out in grief and anger, cursing the fruit that killed her child. Suddenly, a bright light appeared from the sky and a voice spoke to her. It was Santo Niño, or the Holy Child Jesus, who told her that he was sorry for what happened to her child. He said that he would bring her child back to life and make the lanzones sweet and edible for everyone. He then touched the fruit with his hand and blessed it. The woman was overjoyed to see her child alive again and thanked Santo Niño for his miracle. She then tasted the fruit and found it sweet and delicious. She shared it with the people of Camiguin, who were amazed by its taste and grateful for Santo Niño’s gift.

The festival today is a week-long celebration that culminates on the third Sunday of October, which is also the feast day of Santo Niño. It features various events and activities that showcase the culture and heritage of Camiguin, such as art exhibits, musical performances, cultural shows, food fairs, and other contests. The highlight of the festival is the grand street parade or Sadsad, where thousands of participants from different barangays or districts compete for prizes and honors. The participants wear colorful costumes and masks that are inspired by various themes, such as native culture, history, fantasy, or current events. They carry baskets or trays of lanzones or other fruits that are offered to Santo Niño as a sign of gratitude and devotion. They dance to the rhythm of drums and music, while chanting “Hala Bira! Pwera Pasma!” (Go on! No pain!), which expresses their enthusiasm and energy.

The festival is not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the taste buds. Visitors can enjoy various delicacies that are unique to Camiguin, such as pastel (soft buns with custard filling), kiping (leaf-shaped wafer made from rice flour), buko (young coconut), kinilaw (raw fish marinated in vinegar and spices), lechon (roasted pig), and lanzones wine (fermented juice from lanzones). They can also buy souvenirs made from wood, silver, beads, or kiping.

The Lanzones Festival is not only a celebration of the sweet and festive fruit, but also a celebration of life and nature. It is a way of preserving and promoting the traditions and values of Camiguin and its people. It is also a way of showcasing the beauty and diversity of the Philippines.