Kesong Festival

Kesong Puti Festival is held in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, in celebration of the town's main delicacy, the
Kesong Puti. It had been celebrated on different dates since it was first held ten years ago, but
this year, it was celebrated on May 7-12.

Before the event formally start, the Municipality of Sta. Cruz usually has a Civic Parade and “Mis
a ng Pasasalamat” or Thanksgiving Mass sponsored by the city mayor.

Then, they have a trade fair in the front of Liwasang Sta. Cruz showcasing Kesong Puti and oth
er products of the city. Kesong Puti (native white cheese) is made from the milk of carabaos or
water buffalos. It is a fresh soft white cheese. It is best served with hot “pandesal,” a yeast brea
d popular in the country. It is a rounded bread made of flour, eggs, yeast, sugar, and salt. Kes
ong puti and pandesal can be both served with coffee or hot chocolate in the morning.

Tourists go to Sta. Cruz to order boxes of Kesong Puti, not only during festivals but also al l ye
ar round. On regular days, when there are no festivals, you can buy kesong puti in Barangay B
agumbayan in Sta. Cruz. There are many households that make Kesong Puti as a cottage indust
ry.

Other activities are lined up in the six-day festival like Fun Fun and Biking for Fun, two friendly
races with participants taking part for their own enjoyment rather than competition. It is a good
bonding activity for families and friends. There's also a search for Ms. and Mr. Sta. Cruz, wher
ein contestants should not only be beautiful but also intelligent and talented. There are also ga
me shows, quiz bees, a mayor’s night when the mayor gives awards to the locals (“Gawad Para
ngal sa Natatanging Mamamayan ng Sta. Cruz”), choral competitions, painting exhibits, and a ba
nca race and a streetdancing competition. However, the highlight of this festival is the Kesong P
uti Cookfest, where representatives of different barangays of Sta. Cruz present various recipes fo
r Kesong Puti. On the last night, there is a fabulous fireworks display.

Festivals are not only made for saints and heroes. In the town of Sta. Cruz, people honor and
celebrate the food that is very dear to them, the Kesong Puti. It is their pride and lifeblood, so
the Kesong Puti Festival is just a fair tribute to this yummy white delicacy.