“Bambanti” is an Ilocano word for a scarecrow, which the province considers as shield despite the common notion that it stirs fear. Devised with colorful straws, raw products, egg shells, and grasses wrapped in farmer’s clothing, bambanti has always been the representation and mascot of the festival.
The Bambanti Festival is a three-time winner of Aliw Awards, bringing home the title of Best Festival Practices and Performance for 2015 to 2017.
Here are the winners/awardees at the recent Bambanti Festival 2018 held last January 22-27, 2018.
BEST AGRO-ECOTOURISM INSTALLATION WINNER – 2018
Municipality of NAGUILIAN
BEST CHORAL GROUP
CAUAYAN CITY
BEST DANCE SHOWDOWN
Municipality of ALICIA
BEST FESTIVAL KING AND QUEEN COSTUME
Municipality of SAN AGUSTIN
BEST GIANT BAMBANTI INSTALLATION
Municipality of BURGOS
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BEST STREETDANCE CONTINGENT
Municipality of ALICIA
BEST MAKAN TI ISABELA
“FRIED SWEET AND SOUR ADOBO” by the Municipality of Echague
BEST MAINUM TI ISABELA
“ILLURU” by the Municipality of Echague
*All photos are from the Bambanti Festival Information Office of Isabela.