Singkamas Festival 2025: A Vibrant Celebration of Heritage, Harvest, and Harmony in San Marcelino

The 21st Singkamas Festival, held from February 19 to 23, 2025, was a testament to the resilience and unity of the San Marcelino community.

The festivities commenced with the traditional "Misa ng Bayan" (Community Mass) at the town's Plazuela, together with other esteemed local officials, alongside residents and "balikbayans" or the (returning Filipinos).

Mass was a time to express our appreciation, consider the previous year's benefits, and hope for success in the next one.

In Zambales, Philippines, the lively hamlet of San Marcelino comes alive with the annual Singkamas Festival as the chilly February air blows through. Known worldwide as jicama or Mexican turnip the modest singkamas are honored at this event, which takes place during the third week of February. This root vegetable has come to represent our town's agricultural past.

Singkamas Festival was designed to showcase San Marcelino's rich cultural tapestry and the plentiful singkamas harvest. It has grown into a week-long festival over the years, drawing tourists from nearby cities and provinces who are keen to take part in the lively events. Many people from different parts of the world visit the festival. There are fun and exciting activities throughout the entire week.


Grand Civic Parade: The streets were decked with vibrant floats, each uniquely designed to stress the worth of singkamas. Participants wore intricate costumes representing many aspects of the town's history and culture.

Seven schools competed for the championship in one of the year’s most highly anticipated events. Each school incorporated the significance of singkamas into their routines, blending traditional and modern dance styles to deliver captivating performances. Every participant gave their best, proudly showcasing the unique identity and spirit of their respective schools.

To be sure, Laoag Elementary School won the first prize in the Singkamas Street Dancing Competition. Every dancer displayed their abilities and gave a remarkable performance.

Drum and Lyre Competition: The rhythmic beats and harmonious melodies resonated throughout the town as young musicians displayed prowess. In the 2025 competition, San Guillermo Elementary School emerged victorious, captivating the audience with their synchronized performance.

19 February 2025, San Guillermo National Highsool won the first place in the drum and lyre competition.

San Guillermo Elementary School won two consecutive championships in the Drum and Lyre Competition. Laoag Integrated School and Linasin Elementary School shared third place, while San Marcelino Elementary School took second.

With their outstanding performances, each team demonstrated their talent and competence in a short amount of time on stage.

Farmers and Vendors Night: The farmers and sellers who are the foundation of San Marcelino's economy were celebrated on Farmers and sellers Night. It gave them a chance to share their success stories and exhibit their goods, especially the highly valued singkamas.

Local bands and artists brought life to the evenings, the zumba dancers promoting a feeling of celebration and community.

In addition to celebrating the crop, the Singkamas Festival has demonstrated the locals' tenacity and these festival's significance in promoting regional culture and intercommunal harmony was further affirmed by the 2025 festivities.

It reminds us of our town's rich history and sense of belonging. The event lays the groundwork for future generations to appreciate and uphold our cultural identity by honoring agricultural heritage.

The Singkamas Festival in San Marcelino welcomes individuals who want to fully immerse themselves in a festival that expertly integrates tradition, culture, and community.

I proudly hold my head high as I showcase the riches of my hometown. With the skill of every dancer, the talents displayed, and the bountiful harvest of our farmers, you can genuinely see the unity of our community. It is indeed a joy to be a Marcelian!

Barangay San Marcelino is truly rich—not only in its bountiful harvest but also in the incredible talent and skills of its people. Above all, it is the community that makes this place unique. We salute our leaders' hard work and dedication, and we take great pride in the annual Singkamas Festival of San Marcelino 2025!

Families, friends, and neighbors come together, fostering a spirit of togetherness that strengthens our bond. This beloved festival is not just a tradition—it is a heartfelt expression of Marcelinian's identity, resilience, and joyous spirit.