The Burak Festival of Virac is Catanduanes’ entry in the 2015 Gayon Bicol Festival of Festivals Showdown hosted by the local government unit of Daet during the weeklong celebration of its 23rd Pinyasan Festival and 432nd foundation anniversary of the town.
Banrolled by the provincial government to the tune of P300,000, the contingent actually competed on June 23, facing 10 other participants: Cagsawa Festival of Daraga, Albay; Sunflower Festival - Ligao City; Padaraw Festival – Bulan, Sorsogon; Tabak Festival – Tabaco City; Ibalong Festival – Legazpi City; Rodeo Masbateño and Lapay Bantique both of Masbate City; Palong Festival of Capalonga, Camarines Norte; Tinagba Festival – Iriga City and Boa-Boahan Festival of Nabua, Camarines Sur.
A grand parade of the festivals was first conducted, followed by the Search for Gayon Bicol Festival Queen, fireworks display and Pinyasan Star Express.
Cash prizes awaits the winners for the competition: P500,000 for the Champion, P300,000 for the 1st runner up and P200,000 for the 2nd runner up. Special Awards will be given for the best in costume, best in moving cheorography and best in Gayon Bicol Queen with P50,000 each while the 1st runner up Gayon Bicol Queen, 2nd runner up Gayon Bicol Queen and festival costume will receive P30,000; P20,000 and P10,000 respectively.