The Bañamos Festival is the signature cultural and tourism celebration of the Municipality of Los Baños, Laguna, commemorating the town’s founding anniversary every September 17. Declared a special non-working holiday under Republic Act No. 11116, the festival honors the town’s heritage while boosting community participation. Its name comes from the Spanish term meaning “we bathe,” a tribute to Los Baños’ natural hot springs and healing thermal waters originating from the slopes of Mount Makiling. By the time of the latest edition, the festival had reached its 23rd celebration, expanding across multiple days with a variety of cultural, artistic, and community-centered activities.
The festival is deeply intertwined with Los Baños’ identity, a town historically recognized for its therapeutic hot springs since its establishment in 1615 by Franciscan friars. Over the centuries, what started as a simple homage to water and wellness evolved into a broader festival celebrating local talent, culture, and community life. By incorporating street performances, art contests, and youth participation, the Bañamos Festival bridges tradition and contemporary creativity, highlighting Los Baños as both a historic and innovative town.
The theme for Bañamos Festival 2024, “Patuloy ang Progreso sa Matatag na Bayan ng Bagong Los Baños,” emphasized sustainable tourism, community engagement, and youth participation with a strong environmental focus. The festivities included a first-of-its-kind Hot Air Balloon Fair, which painted the skies above the town with vibrant colors, and a Flower and Garden Show that showcased the region’s rich biodiversity. Street dancing competitions brought life to the streets, with performers incorporating designs inspired by Los Baños’ natural and cultural heritage. The Murals of Makiling Contest and Makiling Photography Competition allowed young artists to capture the beauty of Mount Makiling and the town, while Aqua Games and Kiddie Sports provided water-based fun for families and children. At night, the Drone Light Show over UP Los Baños Freedom Park offered a modern spectacle, complementing the festival’s traditional celebrations, while Zumba sessions, fun runs, and health-oriented activities further engaged the local community.
The festival thrives on collaboration among universities, local government units, and civic organizations. UP Los Baños has been a key partner, supporting events such as the Civic Shower Parade, markets, and street performances. In 2024, expanded competitions emphasized environmental awareness and artistic creativity, highlighting how civic engagement and cultural expression converge in the Bañamos Festival. Local resorts and businesses also participated through promotions, increasing tourism and economic activity during the celebration.
As part of Anilag Festival 2024, Los Baños presented the Bañamos Festival on a provincial stage. This cultural performance highlighted the town’s hot spring heritage, vibrant community spirit, and artistic talents. The contingent finished in second place in the street dancing competition, securing a prize of ₱650,000. This recognition reinforced the festival’s significance beyond Los Baños, showing how local traditions can gain broader appreciation while promoting tourism, creativity, and civic pride.
The Bañamos Festival stands as more than just a celebration; it is a platform for cultural identity, creative expression, youth engagement, and sustainable tourism. By combining natural beauty, community participation, and contemporary artistry, the festival highlights the enduring relevance of Los Baños’ hot springs while demonstrating how a town can preserve its heritage and stimulate economic growth simultaneously. The event captures both the pulse of tradition and the energy of innovation, creating a vivid experience for locals and visitors alike.
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