Tuna Festival
TUNA FESTIVAL | GENERAL SANTOS CITY
Contents
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.
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
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
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
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
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:
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
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:
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
- PHILIPPINE FESTIVALS
- Obando Fertility Dance Festival
- Hermosa Festival
- Masskara Festival
- Panaad sa Negros Festival
- Lilas Pandan Festival
- Minuluan Festival
- Hugyaw/Kansilay Festival
- Dinagsa sa Cadiz Festival
- Sinigayan Festival
- Bacolaodiat Festival
- Babaylan Festival
- Sinulog sa Kabankalan Festival
- Pasalamat Festisval
- Bailes de Luces Festival
- Udyakan Festival
- Sinulog Festival
- Ati-atihan Festival
- Dinagyang Festival
- Pintados Kasadyahan Festival
- Pintados de Pasi Festival
- Panagbenga Festival
- Balangay Festival
- Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival
- Imbayah Festival
- Tnalak Festival
- Magayon Festival
- Bangus Festival
- Moriones Festival
- Manggahan Festival
- Pahiyas Festival
- Kaamulan Festival
- Sandurot Festival
- Lanzones Festival
- Buyogan Festival