San Pablo city, known to be the City of Seven Lakes started their Coconut Festival in 1996 by Mayor Vicente Amante, celebrating the abundance of coconut in the city, which, has been a major role in the livelihood of the people.
The festival serves as a gateway to showcase the products of San Pablo and to promote tourism in the city. The week long celebration has several activities that cater to young and old alike.
The coco trade fair features the products made from coconut and water lilies which the people are very proud of. Some of which are virgin coconut oil, handicrafts made of coconut, buko pie and fashion accessories. Float parade, Coco Carnival ala masquerade and Street dancing, a colorful display, participated by different schools and organizations emphasizing on the artistic and cultural side of the city. A much awaited coco cook fest was also a hit among the locals and tourists alike, where a number of dishes and desserts, with coconut as their main ingredient was in display and tasted as judges deliberate on who got the best coconut dish by far.
By day, the main street of San Pablo was filled with people and a line of food vendors selling “kakanin” of all kinds and sizes. By night, the streets are filled with people enjoying the music of rock bands performing on make shift stages on different street corners.
Coco Trade fair, float parade, coco cook fest and street parade are only some of the activities everyone can enjoy. Live bands and concerts are also a part of the celebration for the young and old alike to enjoy in the cool evenings to the wee hours of the morning.
“Our festival is getting better every year. I invite you to visit San Pablo, the city of Seven Lakes, and see the beautiful sites. And every January, enjoy the coconut festival with us, and you will be able to say, ‘wow San Pablo!’” cited Mr. Loreto Amante, City Administrator and the Overall Chairman of Coco Festival 2009
