Sitting in the heart of the Cagayan Valley is the Isabela province, named after Spanish Queen Isabella II.
In Isabela, culture doesn’t stop at landscapes; it transcends in the rhythm of festivities, local traditions, ecological landscape, and the agricultural industry.
Head to the north and visit the queen herself!
Bambanti Festival
Inhale the vibrant culture of Isabela and feel the warmth of its people at the Bambanti Festival, the “Mother of All Festivals” in the province. Learn about the province’s history and heritage while joining the locals in grand cultural festivities. Don’t forget to get yourself some world-class products crafted by Isabeleños.
Imprinting joy, energy, and cultural experience in every visitor, the Bambanti Festival, celebrated every fourth week of January, features giant scarecrow displays, vibrant street dancing, cultural presentations, trade fairs, and culinary showcases at the Isabela Provincial Capitol.
Santa Maria Pottery
There’s no better way to get a sense of local culture than by diving into the art of pottery and exploring the century-old pottery-making tradition in Santa Maria, Isabela. The town’s pot products are called ‘dweng,’ a term derived from Madweng, the Ibanag potters who make pottery from clay and other indigenous materials.
Fall in love and learn how locals preserve indigenous pottery-making methods. Make sure to shop for local earthenware and get a glimpse of unique pottery traditions using traditional hand-modeling techniques and fired with cogon or corn grass.
I.L.A.G.A.N Sanctuary
A go-to destination for tourists seeking nature and adventure in one trip awaits in the City of Ilagan, Isabela. Visit the 200-hectare Ilagan Sanctuary, a haven for tourists, animals, and nature, at Barangay Santa Victoria, Ilagan City. The sanctuary offers a wide array of amenities for those seeking thrills, exploring the wilderness, or simply drowning in the peace of nature.
Make the most of your visit by trying your hand at caving, zip biking, riding cable cars, horseback riding, swimming, wildlife sightseeing, and interacting with reptiles at the Ilagan Sanctuary.
