As a major supplier of seafood for much of the Philippines, it is no surprise that the main festival in General Santos City is dedicated to fish, namely tuna. As the largest urban center in the southern Philippines, General Santos City boasts a fertile landscape, a strong agricultural industry and is home to many national and international corporations. The city has a strong festival culture that revolves around 2 main festivals throughout the year.

Tuna Festival

The Tuna Festival in General Santos City is an annual event that takes place in September. Unique in that it does not celebrate cultural heritage or a patron saint like most of the other festivals in the country, the Tuna Festival is a time to celebrate the success of the tuna industry and its implications for the city.

Organized by the tourism association in the area instead of the city government like many other festivals in the country, the festival is predominately a culinary event that features countless dishes made from sashimi-grade tuna, as well as cooking contests and feasts. There is dancing in the streets and a parade complete with floats and trade exhibits, similar to most other Filipino festivals.

Kalilangan Festival

This festival celebrates the founding of General Santos City. Inspired by the success of other citywide commemorations in the country, General Santos City began this festival in 1990 for both the residents and to bring in tourists to generate income and create additional jobs. The festival highlights the city’s cultural heritage and identity and there are numerous reenactments that depict the arrival of the city’s original settlers on the shores of what is now General Santos City.

The festival features Kadsayagan, an impressive street dance competition that takes place at multiple venues throughout the city. There are fireworks and other general elements of merriment that are found at festivals everywhere in the country.

These 2 large festivals are joyous occasions and make a great time to visit the southern city of General Santos City for both nationals and international travelers. The unique flavor of these festivals make them a great way to see a different side of the city and its inhabitants.