Cocolunay Festival 2026 opens, puts Mulanay produce in focus

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Mayor Aristotel “Kuya Aris” Aguirre leads the opening rites of the Cocolunay Festival 2026 as part of Mulanay’s 281st...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Mayor Aristotel “Kuya Aris” Aguirre leads the opening rites of the Cocolunay Festival 2026 as part of Mulanay’s 281st founding anniversary celebration. (Mulanay, Quezon Public Information)

MULANAY, Quezon - What can be made from coconut? In the town of Mulanay, the question is answered in practical ways as the local government recently opened the Cocolunay Festival 2026, marking the town’s 281st founding anniversary with a clear focus on coconut-based products and community-made goods.

The opening program was held along Libertad Street in Poblacion 3, where residents and visitors gathered early for the festival kickoff. Agri-tourism booths set up by farmers’ groups, women’s organizations, and local associations lined the street, turning the area into a public showcase of local produce.

On display are coconut-based products such as coco spread, bagoong, vinegar, and other locally made goods from across the town. These items show how coconut is widely used in food preparation and supports many small, home-based businesses in Mulanay.

The festival also gives barangays and community groups a space to present their products directly to the public and reach more visitors. Many of the booths are managed by local families whose livelihoods depend largely on coconut farming, processing, and related activities.

The Cocolunay Festival gets its name from “coco,” meaning coconut, and “lunay,” a resin once used as a source of light in earlier times. The celebration highlights Mulanay’s farming traditions while encouraging tourism and wider community participation.

In his address, Mayor Aristotel “Kuya Aris” Aguirre explained the meaning of the festival’s name and its link to the town’s history. He connected both terms to Mulanay’s agricultural livelihood and the traditional way of life of its residents.

“Ang coco ay simbolo ng buhay ng ating bayan. Ang lunay naman ay nagsisilbing liwanag na ginamit ng ating mga ninuno noong wala pang kuryente. Ipinapaalala nito kung saan tayo nanggaling at kung paano tayo nabuhay bilang isang komunidad,” Aguirre said.

The celebration brings together farmers, artisans, youth groups, and barangays through activities that highlight local culture, skills, and shared traditions. These activities are scheduled across several days of the festival to allow broad participation.

“Tayo lang po ang magmamahal sa bayan ng Mulanay. Kailangang ipagpatuloy natin ang magagandang ugali ng ating mga ninuno. Sa pagkakaisa, masisiguro natin ang patuloy na pag-unlad ng ating bayan,” Aguirre said.

Aside from performances and exhibits, the festival also helps small businesses reach more customers beyond their usual markets. Many of the products on sale are made by local residents using locally sourced materials.

“Ang Cocolunay Festival ay pagdiriwang ng ating kultura at masaganang ani. Isa rin itong pasasalamat sa biyayang tinatamasa ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Higit sa lahat, ito ay selebrasyon ng patuloy na pag-angat at pag-asenso ng Mulanay,” the mayor said.

A blessing of the festival grounds and booths marked the opening of the celebration, followed by cultural performances and the sashing of Ginoo at Binibining Cocolunay 2026 candidates. The festival runs until February 6 with contests, community activities, a grand parade, and a foam party scheduled throughout the week.