TUNA FESTIVAL | GENERAL SANTOS CITY

TUNA FESTIVAL | GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Tuna Festival

TUNA FESTIVAL | GENERAL SANTOS CITY

The Tuna Festival

In the heart of the fondly called Gen San City lies the grand celebration of the Tuna Festival where all things in tuna inspired are visible within the colorful streets of the city. Bringing within the title as the Tuna Capital of the country, General Santos City commemorates this one of a kind festivity every first week of September. With the plentiful bounty of yellow-fin tuna fish abounding in its rich waters, it is well-recognized to be the leading producers in the tuna industry not only to the Philippines but also globally. No wonder why the locals of the area organized this grand event.

One thing that makes this commemoration distinctive from all other festivities in the country is that it is a celebration of everything tuna. With all the delightful activities emphasizing on tuna as the central theme, it sure is praiseworthy to take a visit during this event. It would be a pleasure for me to apprise you the major highlights that you should watch out for in this yummy feast.

The Tuna Festival is normally opened by the colorful Tuna Float parade and Parada sa Dagat with festive and ocean-themed floats that depict the richness of the city’s culture. The locals dance with lively and vibrant music showcasing the province’s bountiful catch and their energetic performances. After enjoying the delightful street dances, the Sugbahan Sa Dalan is done as a long line of grilled tuna is displayed within the streets. Guess what? This line of grilled tuna is fascinatingly free for everyone who wishes to taste the sumptuous cuisine. You get to enjoy both the parade and the food trip.

If you are lucky enough, you might be able to see a glimpse of the Philippines’ pride and GenSan’s beloved son in the field of international boxing, the legendary boxer -Manny Pacquiao. If you want to explore more about the inspiring life of Manny, then you can also take the Pacman Adventure where you get to see his family’s mansions, sports stadiums, gyms, and beach resorts.

The local’s favorite segment in the Tuna Festival is the Bancarera competition where a race of beautifully-designed dragon boats, skimboards, motorized banca, and jet ski is held. Through these spectacular competitions, the solid camaraderie of the townspeople is fostered within their hearts and minds. On the final day of the celebration, the Pamahaw ug Pasalamat is commemorated in the city hall where a fantastic seafood breakfast treats happen.

Participating in the Tuna Festival will surely remind you of the bountiful richness and high biodiversity of the Philippines’ sea. It is also an excellent moment to socialize and learn more about the culture of the local fishermen in their daily experiences of the sea-coast. Above all these activities, make sure not to miss out to buy the first-grade tuna that can exquisitely be prepared to a local’s tuna dish and cuisine. Bring home that frozen tuna can be a great pasalubong from this grand festival adventure. Lastly, it is essential to enjoy and relax as this festivity will bring out the inner sea spirit of you.

TUNA FESTIVAL | GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Things to do During the Tuna Festival

General Santos City Industrial Tour

When visiting General Santos City to witness the Tuna Festival, you can also go on an industrial tour offered in the place. Part of the trip is a visit to a tuna canning factory wherein you can witness how these tuna are being processed for the export market.

For more read, General Santos City Industrial Tour

TUNA FESTIVAL | GENERAL SANTOS CITY

The Pacman Tour

General Santos City is home to the famed boxer champ Manny Pacquiao. The Pacman Tour will bring you to his various mansions built around the city as well as his other properties and the place where he was born. Your Tuna Festival visit will never be complete without doing this tour.

For more read, Pacman AdvenTour

TUNA FESTIVAL | GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Visit the Fish Port Complex of General Santos City

An early morning visit to the fish port will surely make your visit to General Santos Complete. You will see here tons of tuna being unloaded from the boats as well how they classify and sort this famed produce of Gen San. This is a great segway for your Tuna Festival tour.

For more read, Fishport Complex of General Santos City

TUNA FESTIVAL | GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Explore the entire City of General Santos

To help you navigate the place when visiting the Tuna Festival, I have outlined a travel guide to the city as well as things to do.

For more click, General Santos City Travel Guide

Enjoy Gumasa Beach in Saranggani

Nearby Attractions

Enjoy Gumasa Beach in Saranggani

Gumasa has a long stretch of white sand beach that is perfect for beach lovers. Unlike other famous beaches in other places. Gumasa is not as crowded and just an ideal place to rest and relax. Definitely, a great place after the crowded activities of the Tuna Festival.

For more, read:

Gumasa Beach Travel Guide

Glan, Sarangani Travel Guide

Hacienda Don Juan

Hacienda Don Juan

Another attraction near General Santos City is the Hacienda Don Juan located in Glan, Saranggani.  Make sure to see the main building of Hda Don Juan during night time as it evokes a different charm.

For more, click Hacienda Don Juan

Lake Sebu

Lake Sebu

Enjoy the beautiful lake of Lake Sebu. Mountains and rolling hills surround the tranquil lake. While at the place take time to see how the Tbolis are making the Tnalak fabric.

For more read:

Lake Sebu Travel Guide

T’boli Dreamweavers | T’nalak

Zipline and See the 7 Falls of Lake Sebu

 

Go Zipline and See the 7 Falls of Lake Sebu

Visiting Lake Sebu after Tuna Festival is a great idea. The spectacular seven falls of Lake Sebu can be seen if you take the zip line. So be ready for an adrenaline rush and shout to your heart’s desire while having fun.

For more, read: 7 Falls Lake Sebu

Where to Stay When Visiting Tuna Festival

I have listed several hotels and Inns in General Santos City which can serve as your home when you visit the city or witness the tuna festival.

Please click, List of Hotels and Resorts in General Santos City  

More Festival Guides

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