The Philippine province of Guimaras, a small island nestled between Panay and Negros, is renowned for its natural landscape and pastoral farms. On the orchards that cover the island, perfectly sweet mangga, or mangoes, grow in abundance. Throughout the year, a large percentage of these pristine fruits are exported. But for about two weeks each May, Guimaras celebrates the majesty of their mangoes in almost every way imaginable.
At the Manggahan Festival, the streets are filled with mango-shaped, yellow-orange tricycles. Performers wielding mango-like props dance during the mango-themed parade. Competitive athletes register for sporting events such as the Amazing Guimarace, the Tour de Guimaras, and a Motocross Challenge. For the true fruit lover, there’s the “Mango Eat All You Can”: For only 100 Philippine pesos (about $2), participants enter a space filled with a wealth of mango treats. For 30 minutes, it’s a free-for-all buffet.
