The Cordillera Festival of Festivals (CFF) 2025 culminated in a week of cultural celebration with a powerful and historic demonstration of solidarity: the Grand Unity Dance. Held today on the iconic Session Road in Baguio City, thousands of performers from all corners of the region moved in magnificent, synchronized rhythm, proclaiming the festival’s theme: “One Movement, One Rhythm, One Cordillera—Diverse in Culture, United in Spirit.”
Contingents representing the rich cultural heritage of the entire Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)—including the distinct traditions of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province—set aside their provincial rivalries for one unforgettable collective performance. The energy was palpable as dancers, adorned in vibrant traditional attire, transformed the major thoroughfare into a tapestry of color and motion.
“This Unity Dance is more than just a performance; it is a visible covenant of pride and shared identity,” said a spokesperson for the Regional Director of Tourism. “Seeing every gong player, every beat of the drum, and every foot stomp blend into a single, cohesive sound confirms that while our cultural expressions are wonderfully diverse, our spirit as Highlanders is fundamentally one. It is a powerful message of solidarity for the future of the Cordillera.”
The Grand Unity Dance served as the emotional centerpiece of the CFF 2025, which aims to consolidate the region’s major festivals into one spectacular showcase. It provides a crucial platform for preserving and promoting the indigenous arts, music, and traditions that define the Cordillera’s unique place in the national landscape. Following the highly successful collective performance, participating contingents will continue to engage in cultural exchange and competitive events throughout the weekend.
The success of the 2025 festival reaffirms Baguio City’s role as the regional hub for cultural confluence, drawing both local and international visitors keen to witness the vibrancy and unity of the Mountain Provinces.
