Tuna Festival 2023: A Celebration of Tuna and Culture in General Santos City
Tuna Festival 2023: Celebrating the Tuna Industry and Culture of General Santos City
General Santos City, also known as Gensan, is a city located in the southern Philippines and is known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and delicious seafood. The city is also recognized as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, thanks to its thriving tuna industry.
To celebrate this significant aspect of the city, an annual event called the Tuna Festival is held in the first week of September, in conjunction with the city’s charter day anniversary.
The Tuna Festival is a way of celebrating the city’s status as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines and the main hub of the country’s tuna industry. The event also aims to promote the city as a tourist destination and showcase the local culture and heritage of the city.
The history of the Tuna Festival can be traced back to the early 1980s, when General Santos City began to establish itself as a major producer of tuna in the Philippines. The city’s tuna industry was growing rapidly, and the local government saw the potential for tourism and economic development through the celebration of the industry.
This is how the first Tuna Festival was held in General Santos City, as part of the city’s charter day anniversary, which is celebrated on the first week of September.
Tuna Festival 2023
The Tuna Festival features a variety of activities and events, including the Tuna Festival Street Dancing, Tuna Seafood Festival, Tuna Port Complex, Tuna Festival parade, Coronation of Tuna Festival Queen, Cultural Show, Trade Fair and Food Bazaar, and sports events.
What to expect during TUNA FESTIVAL?
During the Tuna Festival in General Santos City, Philippines, you can expect a variety of activities and events celebrating the city’s status as a major producer of tuna and showcasing the local tuna industry. Here are some of the things you can expect during the festival:
- Tuna Festival Street Dancing – The Tuna Festival street dancing is one of the main highlights of the event, where you can see colorful and lively performances by local dance groups.
- Tuna Seafood Festival – This event is held in conjunction with the Tuna Festival, and features a wide variety of tuna dishes prepared by local chefs.
- Tuna Port Complex – This is the main hub of the city’s tuna industry, and a visit here will give you a glimpse into how tuna is processed and exported.
- Tuna Festival 2023 parade – The parade usually consist of colorful floats, and the participants are dressed in costumes that reflect the theme of the event.
- Coronation of Tuna Festival Queen – the event culminates with the coronation of the Tuna Festival Queen, who serves as an ambassador of the city and the festival.
- Cultural Show – The festival also features cultural shows, usually performed by local artists and cultural groups.
- Trade Fair and Food bazaar – You can also expect to find a trade fair, where local products and delicacies are sold and a food bazaar where you can taste different tuna dishes and other local food.
- Sports events – There are also sports events, such as the Tuna Festival marathon, and other sports competition that are held in conjunction with the festival.
READ ALSO: KALILANGAN FESTIVAL
OFFICIAL TUNA 2023 Schedule of EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
TUNA Festival 2023 Schedule of Activities
TUNA Festival 2023 Highlights
Planning your TUNA Festival 2023 Trip?
Tuna Festival Travel Tips
Here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your visit to the Tuna Festival 2023 in General Santos City, Philippines:
- Plan ahead – The Tuna Festival is a popular event, and accommodations, transportation, and activities can get booked up quickly, so it’s best to plan your trip well in advance.
• Check the weather – The Tuna Festival is held in September, which is considered the rainy season in the Philippines, so be prepared for hot and humid weather and occasional rain.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes – The Tuna Festival features a lot of activities and events, so you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
• Be prepared to try new foods – The Tuna Festival features a wide variety of delicious tuna dishes, so be sure to bring your appetite and be open to trying new foods.
• Bring Cash – Some vendors only accept cash, and ATMs may not be readily available, so be sure to bring enough cash to cover your expenses.
• Respect the local culture – The Tuna Festival is a celebration of the local culture and heritage, so be sure to dress modestly and be respectful of local customs and traditions.
• Be mindful of your belongings – As in any crowded place, it’s important to be mindful of your belongings and keep an eye on your valuables.
• Check the event schedule – Some events are held at specific times and venues, so be sure to check the schedule in advance and plan your itinerary accordingly.
History of the word “Tuna Festival”
The Tuna Festival is a celebration of the Tuna Industry and the local culture and heritage of General Santos City, Philippines.
The history of the Tuna Festival can be traced back to the early 1980s, when General Santos City began to establish itself as a major producer of tuna in the Philippines.
The city’s tuna industry was growing rapidly, and the local government saw the potential for tourism and economic development through the celebration of the industry.
In 1981, the first Tuna Festival was held in General Santos City, as part of the city’s charter day anniversary, which is celebrated on the first week of September. This festival in the Philippines was established to showcase the city’s tuna industry and promote the city as a tourist destination.
Over the years, the Tuna Festival has grown in popularity and has become one of the major cultural events in the city. The festival includes a variety of activities and events, such as the Tuna Festival Street Dancing, Tuna Seafood Festival, Tuna Port Complex, Tuna Festival parade, Coronation of Tuna Festival Queen, Cultural Show, Trade Fair and Food Bazaar, and sports events.
The Tuna Festival is an important event for the city, promoting its culture, heritage, and economy, and is a way to showcase the significance of the tuna industry to the region as a whole.
Read also: Hinugyaw Festival
