Why Fiestas are Important to Filipinos

The whole year round Philippine fiestas of all kinds mark the Filipino
calendar. Not only popular saints but also the most obscure ones are
given a place for celebration. Why has this practice been imbedded
in the Filipino culture?
To appease the gods—this was a key factor in ancient pag an worship
in the Philippines. Mystical religious beliefs before the Spaniards
came centered on worshipping gods believed to control certain
aspects of life—livelihood, family, health, wealth, and others. To
make life better, the belief said, regular ritua l offerings to these
gods had to be done. The gods seemed quickly angered by the
smallest mistakes and vented wrath on livelihood and nature. The
practice was somehow carried over into modern times so that one
reason still used for Philippine fiestas is to stave off calamities and
ill luck, aside from thanksgiving for good harvest, and ask lots of
wishes.

A pledge. Philippine fiestas are like capital poured into investments.

They have to be celebrated grandly to ensure good life ahead. The
bigger money poured out for a Philippine fiesta the surer the return
of investment (ROI). So, for a higher ROI a devotee should spend
more to celebrate a fiesta. Smaller investments result to smaller
yields.
If one wishes for more harvests from fields or the sea, or more luck
in business or employment, or physical healing, or more rain, then
one ought to dole out more quality meals in a fiesta celebration. If
one’s really financially hard -up, then the alternative is to have
active parts in the celebration —dance in the streets, help carry or
pull a mounted statue, help in the fiesta preparations, or plain
behave well throughout the celebration. And here’s the key to all
these: the devotee has to pledge or promise to keep this going each
annual Philippine fiesta.
Finally, Philippine fiestas have been “balik -bayan” incentives, or
come-ons for expatriates, to visit or come back for good to the
municipalities or cities celebrating them. Since pre -Hispanic times,
Filipinos have been known to live in other countries. Later, they
ventured to farther places like the US and Europe. Philippine fiestas
lure them back to reminisce old times and be also celebrated in the
community as overseas “heroes.”
Philippine fiestas are as many as there are sitios (districts) and
barangays and cities and provinces in the Philippines. And they’re
here to stay to keep Filipinos reaching out to the future as they
stake out in the present while reminiscing the past.

Philippines Festivals
We love feasts. Many occasions are an opportunity to celebrate. We now celebrate a Saints Birthday
on dates formerly associatedwith animistic rituals. Festivals are colorful with often an inventive use
of materials. Nearly each island has its festival, so only the most remarkable ones are noted. Visitors
are welcome.

JANUARY:

FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE

January 9th - Quiapo, Manila
A grand Fiesta and a religious activity, this festival centers on the image of the Black Nazarene
which was transported by galleon from Mexico to Manila in the 17th century. The festival is marked
by an afternoon procession by thousands of devotees. Even Filipino movie stars and TV
personalities attend this event.

ATI-ATIHAN
January 16-22 - Kalibo, Aklan

One of the most popular of the Philippine festivals, the Ati-atihan is

a celebration in honor of the Sto. Niño. Revelers don colorful costumes and paint their bodies black
and dance to the distictive beat of "Hala bira!" around the town.

Mostly Filipino youths participate in the programs. These youngters practice for a long time to perfect
their performances. A lot of people enjoy this event because of the music and the tribal dance steps.

PASUNGAY
Every 2nd Saturday of January - San Joaquin, Iloilo
A festival of bulls on the hillsides of San Joaquin. Prized bulls from the town and neighboring areas
fight amidst wild cheering from spectators.
 SINULOG
Every third weeken of January - Cebu City, Cebu
The Feast of the Sto. Niño is celebrated in Cebu with a procession,
street dancing competition and a fluvial parade. Much like the Ati-atihan,
the Sinulog Festival is marked by frenzied reverly to the chant of "Pit
Senor!"

DINAGYANG
Every fourth weekend of January - Iloilo City, Iloilo
Spectacle characterized by a frenetic stomping of feet and hypnotic
drumbeating. It is a colorful whirl of thousands of people dressed in
unique costumes dancing and chanting all day and night.

ZAMBULAWAN
Every third Sunday of January - Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
The founding of Pagadian City showcases the Subanon tribe's rich cultural heritage by way of songs,
dances and exhibits of musical instruments.

FEBRUARY :

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF CANDLES

February 2 - Jara, Iloilo City
The biggest and most opulent religiuos pageanty in Western Visayas. The blessing of candles and
the yearly procession of the patroness, the Nuestra Senora de Candelaria is followed by the fiesta
queen and her court which highlights the celebration.

PANAGBENGA
23 February-3 March, Baguio City
Its flower season in the city of Pines - perfect timing for an all-out fiesta in the streets. The Baguio
folk take a break on these days to revel in the cool climate and the unique culture of the city. Multi-
hued costumes are worn, mimicking the various blooms of the highland region (or any of its 11
ethnic tribes). These are flowerbeds - disguised, of course, as the Panagbenga parade floats.

KAAMULAN
28 February-3 March, Malaybalay-Bukidnoon
Expect the Bukidnon to go tribal from the first to the second week of March, when the streets of
Malaybalay take on that familiar fiesta theme. Banners, banderitas, and beer will be norm, as well as
the sweet, haunting sound of native music. An early morning pamuhat ritual kicks off the festivities,
to be followed by an ethnic food fest, trade fairs, and a lot of native dancing.

MARCH :

PARAW REGATTA
First Sunday of March - Iloilo City
An exciting race among native outriggers in the strait between Guimaras Island and Iloilo City. This
is an activity every summer hedged with rules, umpires and kibitzers.
EID-EL-FITR
March 9 - Region XII
A worldwide Muslim festival celebrating the end of the month-long fasting period of the Holy Month
of Ramadam by the Muslims.

APRIL:

VIA CRUSIS
April 1 - Cebu City
A lenten activity where devotees from Cebu City and its neighboring cities and towns do their
penitential procession through cities the Station of the Cross built on 12 hectares of rolling hills. the
life-size statues of the 14 Stations of the Cross have been patterned after the Way of the Cross in
Lourdes, France.

PAK'KAAT KALLO
Holy Week - Magpet, Cotabato
An anuual feast of the Manobo tribal community of Magpet in celebration of a bountiful harvest.

MORIONES FESTIVAL

Holy Week - Boac,Magpoc, Marinduque

One of the most famous of Philippine festivals. Colorfully garbed and
masked as Roman soldiers and centurions, locals reenact the life of
Longinus culminating in his beheading. The entire towns of Boac,
Morpog and Gasan are virtually converted into huge stages as the story
as Longinus unfolds.

TURUMBA
Good Friday - Pakil, Laguna
A procession of the centuries-old image of the Virgin Mary through the
streets, procession, singing and dancing to the Turumba.

ANG PAGTALTAL SA GUIMARAS

Good Friday - Jordan, Guimaras
Lenten presentation on the hillside of Jordan with locals as actors.
This ala-Oberrammergou event has been attracting hundreds of foreign
and domestic tourists: Local devotees' visit usually culminates in the trek to "Balaan Bukid" or Holy
Mountain where a huge cross is planted by the chapel overlooking Guimaras Strait and Iloilo City.

LAMI-LAMIHAN FESTIVAL
2nd or 3rd Week of april - Lamitan, Basilan
A yearly festival coinciding with the founding of Lamitan Municipality; showcases the traditional
Yakan customs and traditions, music and dances, and traditional crafts.

CUTUD LENTEN RITES

16-18 April, San Fernando-Pampanga,
Prayer of a different meaning during the Lenten season, when villagers of San Pedro, Cutud,
engage in the act of self-flagellation. This ancient ritual is performed in the morning of Good Friday
during the Holy Week. Backs, arms, and legs are cut and then struck with burillo whips. The climax
to this occasion happens at midday, when penitents are literally nailed to their waiting crosses.

MANAOAG PILGRIMAGE
2nd Week of April - Pangasinan
Annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag. Known to local pilgrims / tourists as
miraculous, the Virgin's image has become one of Manaoag's main attractions. Pilgrims' vehicles are
blessed every Saturday.

MAY :

PISTA'Y DAYAT
May 1 - Lingayen, Pangasinan
A day of thanksgiving for bountiful harvests and abundant fishing observed all over Pangasinan
traditional with mass offering on beautiful beaches and fluvial parade.

SANTACRUZAN
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - Nationwide
The Santacruzan is a procession commemmorating St. Helena's finding the "True Cross"; preceded
bya nine-day Novena in honor of the Holy Cross. On the ninth day, usually on a weekend, the
Santacruzan is held. The Reina Elena, accompanied by a little boy representing King Constantine,
and the other sagalas representing biblical characters and the attributes of the Blessed Virgin, walk
under gaily decorated arches.

CARABAO FESTIVAL
May 14 - Angono, Rizal
Farmers pay tribute to their patron saints; a procession of carabao carts bearing a myriad local
produce is held; prizes are awarded to the strongest and most beautifully decorated carabaos.

PAHIYAS/ MAYON/ AGAWAN

11-15May, Quezon
Flowers come out in May, but these aren't the only things flaunted during this merry month. Down
south in the town of Lucban, Quezon, there's also the kiping - a colourful, translucent rice tortilla that
serves as an edible ornament of sorts. You will see lots of these at the Pahiyas Festival, an annual
celebration held to usher in a bountiful harvest, and smashing good times. It's a free-for-all, grab-all-
you-can affair with suman-sweet, sticky native rice cakes-as the centre of contention. It is also the
grand prize, so feel free to join the fray. Rest assured, whether you get handfuls or just a mere
mouthful, the Mayohan sa Tayabas will leave you wanting for more - suman, of course! Sariaya's
own version of the San Isidro festival showcases the creativity and ingenuity of the townsfolk in their
craft and culinary tradition.

PULILAN CARABAO
May 14 - Pulilan, Bulacan
Hundreds of festively adorned carabaos are paraded by theis farmer-owners on the street leading to
the church; there they are made to kneel down homage to San Isidro de Labrado, the patron saint of
farmers.

PAHIYAS SA QUEZON
May 15 - Sariaya, Lucban, Tayabas, Quezon
Homes are decked with kiping (multi-colored paper thin, leaf-shaped rice
kropeck) and harvested vegetables; trade fair; civic parades, procession
and other activities.

OBANDO FERTILITY RITES

May 17 to 19 - Obando, Bulacan
A three day fiesta celebration in honor of San Pascual, Baylon, Sta. Clara and Nuestra Senora de
Salambao. Childless couples, thankful parents, grateful farmers and fishermen dance along the
streets together with colorfully customed women to pray for children and a good harvest.

TAPUSAN SA KAWIT
May 30 - Kawit, Cavite
A procession of gaily decorated floats decked with flowers of Maytime honors the Blessed Virgin.
The participation of the town's most beautiful young ladies symbolizes the purity and innocence of
the Blessed Mother.

ANTIPOLO PILGRIMAGE
May - Antipolo, Rizal
A month-long celebration that brings devotees and pilgrims to venerate the Lady of Peace and Good
Voyage enshrined in Antipolo Church and afterwards, picnic to nearby Hinulugang Taktak.

JUNE :

INDEPENDENCE DAY
June 12 - Kawit, Cavite
Independence Day Celebration, marked by a flag raising ceremony on the balcony of the Emilio
Aguinaldo Shrine, where the first Philippine flag was unfurled.

PINYAHAN SA DAET
15-24June, Daet-Camarines Sur
Sweet, succulent pineapple is the fruit of choice for the people of Daet, Camarines Norte. In fact,
they loved it so much that they made a festival in its honour. Join the locals as they celebrate the
Pineapple Festival featuring a colourful street presentation complemented by art exhibits, trade fair,
cultural dances, and sport events. Feel rich when you go for a visit at Paracale Gold Mines, and be
acquainted with some Bicol heroes like Vinzon and Panganiban and Lucban.

MUDPACK FESTIVAL
June 24, Murcia-Negros Occidental
Oneness with nature is the underlying theme behind Murcia's annual mud-moving spectacle. Check
on its murky highlight - a lively street dancing parade with the participant wearing nothing but
mudpacks (well, almost...). It's a sure fire way to mix our ecological concerns with good, clean,
cloddy fun - just be sure to shower afterwards!

PARADA NG LECHON
June 24 - Balayan, Batangas
The parading on the Feast of St. John the Baptist of "dressed" and decorated "lechons" (roasted
pigs) around town. Revelers partake of the lechons after the parade.

PINTADOS FESTIVAL
June 29 - Tacloban City
Street pageantry and contest focusing on the Leyteños' old custom of tattooing that signifies courage
and status in the community.

JULY :

SANDUGO FESTIVAL
1-2 July, Tagbilaran City
The Spanish colonization of the Philippines began with a blood-sealed peace treaty on the shores of
Bohol. This historic event is remembered today with an all-out fiesta at the island's capital city.
Check out the Sandugo street dancing parade featuring ten colourfully-dressed groups dancing to
the beat of drums. There's also a traditional Filipino carnival, a martial arts festival, and Miss Bohol
Sandugo Beauty Pageant, among the dozen of other exciting activities.

KINABAYO FESTIVAL
Dapitan City, 25July. An exotic and colourful pageant re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish wars,
particularly the Battle of Covadonga where the Spanish forces under General Pelagio took their last
stand against Saracan. They were able to reverse the tide through the miraculous apparition of St.
James. The addition of local colour and innovation has made this annual revelry a popular attraction
which brings thousands of visitors to the city.

PAAWAY SA KABAYO (Horsefight)

July 25 and December 25 - Tanjay, Negros Orriental
An exciting, thrilling and oftentimes bloody fight among studs for supremacy over a female horse.
More than 100 horses have been trained solely for this twice a year event.

BOCAUE RIVER FESTIVAL

First Sunday of July - Bocaue, Bulacan
A famous river festival held in honor of the miraculous Cross of Bocaue (Krus ng Wawa). During the
fluvial procession, devotees ride in the "pagoda" and douse each other with water.

AUGUST :

RAJAH BAGUINDA FESTIVAL

2nd Week of August - Jolo, Sulu
A three-day cultural show and festivites commemorating the arrival of Rajah Baguinda who was
responsible for the spread of Islam and reinforcing the Sultanate Government in the Sulu
Archipelago.

KADAYAWAN SA DABAW
3rd Week of August - Davao City
A celebration of the bountiful harvests of fruits and orchids during the season. Activities include fruit
and flower show, trade fair, tribal/civic/military parade, traditional sports activities, horsefight, Search
for B'yaneng Kadayawan and street dancing.

SEPTEMBER:

LEMLUNAY (T'BOLI TRIBAL FESTIVAL)

Septermber 16-18 - Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
An annual authentic T'boli tribal festival staged at Lake Sebu. Features tribal rituals that start at early
down amidst sounds of gongs and native music, culminating at the town plaza where cultural dances
and ethic sports like horsefight are held.

FEAST OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE PEÑAFRANCIA

3rd Saturday of September - Naga City, Camarines Sur
A religious festival held in hornor of the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Bicol's most revered
patrones highlighted by the fluvial procession of the Lady's image down the Bicol river. The week-
long-celebration includes civic-military parade, sportsfests, exhibits, cultural shows, beauty pageants
and colorful competitions.

OCTOBER :

HERMOSA FESTIVAL
Zamboanga City, 10-12October. All roads in Mindanao lead to Zamboanga, as the "City of Flowers"
celebrates its grand, annual Hermosa Festival. The vintas, those colourful native sea boats, once
again make their appearance in a fast-paced, race-till-you-drop regatta. There's also a wealth of
cultural and flower shows, art exhibits, and trade fairs. It's an all-out celebration of life - Chavacano
style!

MASSKARA FESTIVAL
October 19 - Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
The biggest annual event that reflects the Bacoleños love for fun and gaiety. Coinciding with
Bacolod City's charter day celebration, the festival features sports competitions, cultural programs,
carnivals, beauty contest and a long Mardi grasstyle costumed and masked street dancers.

IBALONG FESTIVAL
October 19-22 - Legaspi City
A celebration depicting Bicol's early beginnings as portrayed in the "Ibalong" epic that tells of super
heroes Handiong, Batlog and Oryol and villains and wild animals that roamed in the ancient times. In
music and dances, revelers parade on the main streets wearing masks of these heroes and villains.
Festival activities include tours, trade fairs, exhibits and beauty pageants.

LA NAVAL DE MANILA
2nd Sunday of October - Sto. Domingo, Quezon City
A festival revolving around the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary of La Naval carved in 1533 and
given as a gift to the Dominican Fathers. Borne on an elaborately decorated and well-lit carriage in
the form of a ship, the venerated image is brought out of the church preceded by a dozen or so
images of Dominican saints. The procession goes around the main streets of Sto. Domingo parish
and then returns to the church amidst applause until it reaches the altar pedestal.

NOVEMBER :

FEAST OF SAN CLEMENTE / HIGANTES FESTIVAL

November 22-23 - Angono, Rizal
Angono's joyous fiesta in honor of San Clemente whose image, resplendent in papal vestment, is
borne by male devotees during a procession accompanied by "pahadores (devotees dressed in
colorful local costumes, wooden shoes and carrying boat paddles) and higantes" (giant paper mache
effigies) The street event culminates in a fluvial procession in Laguna de Bay amidst revelry that
continues until the image is brought back to its sanctuary.

GRAND CORDILLERA FESTIVAL

November - Baguio City
One of the region's major events held annualy featuring the gathering of
tribes in a week-long event to "celebrate life" marked by tribal dancing
and performances of thanksgiving rituals.

DECEMBER :

MARIAN PROCESSION
December 8 - Intramuros, Manila
A revival of religious tradition with more than 60 images of the Blessed
Virgin Mary from various parishes and provinces paraded.

PAGDIDIWATA
December 8 - Puerto Princessa, Palawan
A thanks giving celebration by the Tagbanua natives of Palawan in ritual dances and food offerings
to their deities and souls of departed kin

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPCION

December 8 - Intramuros, Manila
An Eucharistic celebrabration of the Feast Day of the La Immaculada, patroness of Intramuros,
capped by a grand procession of more than 50 Marian images from all over the country and
participated in by thousands of devotees.

BIKOL PASTORES
December 18 - Legazpi City, Albay
A unique Christmas celebration believed to have originated in the province where "pastores" - young
men and women dressed in colorful shepherd costumes - joyfully dance and sing "Pastores a Belen"
through the city streets.

SAN FERNANDO GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL

December - Ermita, Manila
A fiesta in honor of one of the oldest Marian images in the country (it was found by Legazpi's
soldiers amidst the foliage of a pandan shrub on the shores of Ermita in 1571) - the La Nuestra
Señora de Guia, patroness of seafarers and also known as Our Lady of Expectations. The main
event of the fiesta is the Bota de Flores, a reenactment of a select group of young ladies and their
escorts in sailor costumes of the procession returning the La Nuestra Señora de Guia to its
reconstructed shrine in 1918.

BINIRAYAN FESTIVAL
December 28-30 - San Jose, Antique
A festive commemoration of an episode in the history of the Filipino race through colorful pageants
acted on the beaches of Maybato in San Jose and Malandog in Hamtik. Particularly interesting is the
drama of the first Malay settlement at malandog which runs for several days and nights. Binirayan is
also an occasion of reunion with families, relatives and friends of homecoming Antiqueno
expatriates.
 Philippine Fiesta Celebrations
(Philippine Festivals)

Everyday, there is a fiesta being celebrated in the Philippines. Listed below are the most
popular Philippine fiestas.

January Philippine Fiesta

 Feast of the Black Nazarene - held every 9th of January in Quiapo, Manila.
Devotees of that number in the thousands flock around the life-size statue of the
Black Nazarene (Jesus Christ) as it inches across the streets packed with devotees
around Quiapo church. Devotees attribute many
miracles to this 400 year old image which was brought
to the the Philippines from Mexico in the 7th century.
 Sinulog Festival - celebrated every 3rd week of
January in Cebu City. This Philippine fiesta in Visayas
region celebrates Cebu's patron saint, the Santo Niño
(Child Christ). This week long event is marked by
processions, street dancing and parades. This fiesta is
a local version of the Mardi gras.
 Ati-Atihan Festival - fiesta starts from the16th to
the 22nd of January in Kalibo, Aklan. Revelers masquerading as Negritos in colorful
costumes, dance to the beat of drums while chanting "Hala Bira!" in preparation to
the Sunday procession in honor of the Santo Niño.
February Philippine Fiesta
 Feast of Our Lady Of Candles - every 2nd of February in Jaro, Iloilo City. This is
the biggest and most opulent religious fiesta in the Western Visayas region. The
blessing of the candles and the yearly procession of the patroness, the Nuestra
Señora de Candelaria is followed by the fiesta's queen and her court
which highlights the fiesta at the town plaza.
 Babaylan Festival - held every 19th of February in Bago City, Negros Occidental.
The public gets a rare view into the simulated rituals of mystics, ancient healers and
priests in various ceremonies such as marriage, healing and harvest.
March Philippine Fiesta
 Eid El Fitir - commemorated every 9th of March in Region XII in Mindanao. Muslim
Filipinos mark the end of their 30-day fasting as the crescent moon emerges after
the Holy Month of Ramadan.
 Moriones Festival - reenacted during the Holy Week in Boac, Marinduque. This
Philippine fiesta is based on a play about the story of Longinus, the centurion
whoseblind eye is cured by a drop of Jesus Christ's blood. Actors wear colorful
wooden mask and dressed as Roman soldiers.
April Philippine Fiesta
 Manaoag Pilgrimage - held every 2nd week of April in Manaoag, Pangasinan.
Devotees and pilgrims flock to the shrine of Nuestra Señora de Manaoag for the feast
of the patroness of the sick, the needy and the helpless. Her image is believed to be
miraculous.
  Panaad sa Negros - is a weeklong celebration held in Bacolod City every 2nd or 3rd
week of April. It's called the mother of festivals as it is a fusion of fiestas of 13 cities
and 19 towns of the whole province of Negros Occidental. Expect a colorful display of
parades, bazaars, cultural presentations, pageants, shows, fireworks and more.
May Philippine Fiesta
 Flores de Mayo - held nationwide during the month of May. Literally meaning the
"flowers of May", this fiesta commemorates the search for the Holy Cross by Reyna
Elena and her son, the emperor Constantine. This Philippine wide fiesta is marked by
a parade of maidens escorted by young men under floral arches. The main
participant represents Reyna Elena and the emperor.
 Pulilan Carabao Festival - held every 14th of May in Pulilan, Bulacan. Hundreds of
festively adorned carabaos are paraded by the farmers on the street leading to the
church. There they are made to kneel down to pay homage to San Isidro de
Labrador, the patron saint of farmers.
 Pahiyas - every 15th of May, farm families give thanks to San Isidro Labrador for a
good harvest by decorating their houses with brightly colored rice wafers called
kiping.
 Obando Fertility Rites - held from May 17 to 19 in Obando, Bulacan. Massive
numbers of men and women dance towards the town church praying for a wife,
husband or a child. The pilgrims dance to San Pascual Baylon, Santa Clara de Assisi
or the Virgen de Salambao for their wishes.
June Philippine Fiesta
 Parada ng Lechon - on the 24th of June in Balayan, Batangas, this festival literally
translated as the "parade of roasted pigs". This fiesta is a celebration of the feast of
St. John the Baptist. Roasted pigs are dressed up and paraded around town before
being eaten.
 Pintados Festival - every 29th of June in Tacloban, Leyte, town folks parade
through town with colorful body paint to recall their ancient warrior tradition where
tattoos represented bravery and prestige.
July Philippine Fiesta
 Bocaue River Festival - held every 1st Sunday of July in Bucaue, Bulacan. The
highlight of this Philippine fiesta is the fluvial procession in honor of the miraculous
Krus ng Wawa or Cross of Bocaue. Devotees douse each other with water as they
scramble to ride the pagoda boat.
 Raja Baguinda Festival - the 3 day festivities start on the 2nd week of August in
Jolo, Sulu. The festivities commemorate the arrival of Raja Baguinda who
is credited of spreading the Islam faith to the Sultanate of Sulu.
 Sandugo Festival - which literally means "one blood", celebrates the blood compact
between local chieftain Datu Sikatuna and Captain General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
The festival is celebrated with street dancing, shows, trade fairs, beauty contest and
other activities. Sandugo Festival is a month long celebration culminating at
Tagbilaran City, Bohol on the 3rd week of July.
August Philippine Fiesta
 Kadayawan Sa Dabaw - held every 3rd week of August in Davao City. This festival
give thanks to to the bounty of fruits and flowerers as the waling-waling orchid
 blooms. Colorful floats are bedecked with beautiful orchids and other flowers in the
grand parade.
September Philippine Fiesta
 Feast of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia - celebrated every 3rd Saturday of
September in Naga, Camarines Sur, Bicol Region. Highlight of this fiesta is the grand
fluvial parade where the image of the Lady of Peñafrancia is carried through the
riveraglow with floating candles.
October Philippine Fiesta
 Masskara Festival - held every 3rd week of October
in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Mask-making puts
a quaint accent on the festivities to mark Bacolod
City's charter day. Brass bands, beauty contests and
parades are held before the evening's highlight of
street dance where folks wear their beautiful masks.
November Philippine Fiesta
 Higantes Festival - from November 22 to 23 in Angono, Rizal, male devotees carry
the image of San Clemente in a procession that features pahadores, clad in colorful
garb and wooden shoes and carrying boat paddles and higantes (giants) 10 feet tall
papier mache puppets.
December Philippine Fiesta
 San Fernando Giant Lantern Festival - celebrated the whole month of December
in San Fernando, Pampanga. The festival culminates in a judging contest of the best,
biggest and most beautiful Christmas lantern made by the local craftsmen in San
Fernando.
 Binirayan Festival - fiesta dates are from the 28th to the 30th of December in San
Jose Antique. Ethnic pageantry reaches a new high on the beaches of Maybato in San
Jose and Malandong in Hamtik, where the drama of the first Malay settlement at
Malandong is played out.

10 Fun Philippine Festivals

You Won’t Want To Miss
BY RICHIE YU ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

8.8k

83

13

It’s a known fact that Filipinos everywhere in the world love to celebrate and get
together. Just take a look at this long list of festivals in the Philippines. With that
being just a partial list, we wouldn’t be surprised if there’s at least one fiesta or
festival in a town somewhere in the country on any given day of the year.
Lasting anywhere between a day to an entire month, Philippine festivals are huge
cultural celebrations that attract both local and foreign tourists due to its colorful and
festive nature.

Because of Spain’s Catholic influence dating back to the mid-1500s, most of these
festivals are usually religious in nature while others are meant to commemorate
important events in history. Either way, attending a Philippine festival is definitely
something you have to experience at least once.
Since there’s usually a festival going on each month, timing isn’t going to be a
problem. If you’re looking for Philippine festivals to attend, here’s a chronological list
of 10 popular ones to give you an idea of which ones to visit.

Ati-Atihan Festival
3rd weekend of January | Kalibo, Aklan
This Sto. Niño festival started it all. One of the oldest religious celebrations in the
country, Ati-Atihan is characterized by a parade filled with face-painted celebrants,
indigenous costumes and weapons, tribal dances, and loud drumbeats.
 Photo by RDexter on Flickr
Tourists who flock to Kalibo for the festivities are free to cover themselves in black
soot and dance on the streets with the drum beats. Known as the “The Filipino Mardi
Gras,” it is truly an experience not to be missed.

Sinulog Festival
3rd weekend of January | Cebu City
Cebu also has its own version of the festival in honor of the Sto. Niño. If you find
yourself attending the Sinulog Festival, “Pit Señor!” is a phrase you will hear a lot. It
means “Panangpit sa Señor,” a Cebuano phrase that means to plead to the Señor Santo
Niño.
It is one of the most attended festivals in the Philippines, attracting millions of locals
and tourists from all over the world. In 2013, it was reported that the number of
participants reached a whopping four million.
Sinulog not only sets the stage for Cebuano talents but also for other regional acts as
contingents from neighboring provinces are showcased through street dancing,
pageantry, and sports. It is also known for hosting the country’s biggest raves,
drawing a growing number of party-goers from all over the country year after year.

Dinagyang Festival
4th weekend of January | Iloilo City
If you happen to know someone from Iloilo, try and ask them about this Philippine
festival. You’ll see how their pride for their city’s festival is nothing short of
astounding.
Once a year, Iloilo City transforms into one big street party — streets closed, bands in
all corners, overflowing food and drinks, and towering boom boxes. To cap it all off,
tribes representing different barangays and high schools perform in one very
competitive street dancing contest.
It’s no wonder how this city’s once simple celebration in honor of the child Jesus (Sto.
Niño) ended up bagging several awards including the Association of Tourism Officers
of the Philippines’ (ATOP) title holder for Best Tourism Event of the Philippines.
According to Iloilo City Tourism Officer Ben Jimena, the winning tribes are
now going international and will be promoting Philippine tourism to countries like the
United States, Canada, and Singapore.
Panagbenga Festival
February | Baguio City
The word “Panagbenga” comes from the Kankanaey term that means “season of
blooming.” With the numerous parades of floral floats and children dressed as flora
and fauna, it definitely lives up to its name, making Baguio the perfect destination for
those who still have a hangover from the huge festivals in January.
Adding to the usual Baguio tourist sites to visit, the whole length of the Session Road
during Panagbenga becomes a feast for the eyes. Called “Session Road in Bloom,”
Baguio’s famous street is closed to vehicular traffic to make way for flower carts,
street dancing, and outdoor cafes.
Now that it’s a huge event bringing in thousands of tourists each year, it’s important
to plan ahead (make early restaurant reservations, bring a map, etc.) if you are
attending this Philippine festival.

Moriones Festival
Holy Week | Boac, Gasan, and Mogpog, Marinduque
This week-long celebration of the life of St. Longinus is what makes Marinduque one
of the top destinations during Holy Week in the Philippines. Morion is the helmet
worn by the centurions while Moriones refers to the costumed penitents reenacting the
search for St. Longinus, hunted by his fellow centurions for converting to Christianity.
 Photo by Bar Fabella
During the festival you will see Marinduqueños dressed up as centurions (Moriones)
looking for Longinus. One person acts as Longinus, hiding from them while the
townspeople play along and allow him to hide in their houses. Via Crucis or the
reenactment of the Passion of Christ also happens during this Philippine festival.

Aliwan Fiesta
Last weekend of April | Pasay City, Manila
Aliwan Fiesta is more of a competition than it is a festival. However, it has
undeniably added great value to the growing interest in Philippine festivals. Although
it just started in the early 2000s, it has already gained a strong fan-base nationwide
with more than 5,000 young men and women from all over the country joining the
competition.
For a lot of people who are in Manila, heading to the CCP Complex is the cheapest
way to see quality performances from tribes representing festivals in their respective
provinces. Plus, it’s always great to see tribes from Dinagyang and Sinulog give their
A-performances to grab the million-peso grand prize.
Pahiyas Festival
15th of May | Lucban, Quezon
One of the Philippines’ most colorful harvest festival, May 15th marks that time of the
year when people in Lucban decorate their houses with different-colored produces in
an almost competitive manner.
 Photo by Chareze Stamatelaky
It’s not uncommon to see singakamas (turnip), talong (eggplant), sigarilyas (winged
bean) and all the other vegetables and fruits mentioned in the Bahay
Kubo song hanging on the exteriors of their homes. You can actually bring a basket
and pick the produce from the walls for free.
Pintados Festival
29th of June | Tacloban City
Pintados is another festival in honor of the Sto. Niño (yes, this is the 4th of its kind in
the list). It just goes to show how Filipinos want to be reminded to be childlike in their
ways and to place hope in their children.
 Photo from jelynnc on Flickr
This festival has been growing in popularity because of the contingents they send to
the Aliwan Fiesta every year. They don’t fail to amaze. Leyte is also the home base of
other festivals like Alikaraw, Pasaka, and the 2009 Aliwan Fiesta champions,
Buyogan.

Kadayawan Festival
3rd week of August | Davao City
Kadayawan comes from the Dabawenyo word “madayaw,” a friendly greeting which
means good or beautiful. Probably the biggest festival in Mindanao, Kadayawan has
everything all other festivals have: street dancing, beauty pageants, fireworks
displays, floral floats.
 Photo by Constantine Agustin
It is a celebration of Davao‘s as well as the rest of Mindanao’s abundance;
showcasing flowers, fruits, and other produces that abound the country’s second
largest island. Just two years ago, they even introduced a week-long street food fiesta
in Freedom Park, Roxas Avenue called Kaan sa Da’n.
MassKara Festival
19th of October | Bacolod City
Colorful masks, street dancing, electrical displays and best of all… the sweet smiles
of Bacoleñas! What more could you ask for?
 Photo from oleyography on Flickr
MassKara is a combination of the words “mass” which means “crowd” and “kara”
which means “face.” You will see participants wearing smiling masks signifying a
multitude of smiling faces, solidifying Bacolod’s title as the “City of Smiles.”

Like Sinulog, it is also swarmed by the younger party crowd as it is conveniently

scheduled during the semester break.

There are still a lot of Philippine festivals not mentioned in this list. The next time you
book a flight, you might want to consider scheduling it during that destination’s
festival dates.

olourful festivals and processions

Influence of the Catholic religion
Typical for the Philippines are the many festivals and
processions.
The explanation for the most of all these fiestas has to be
found in the domination of one specific religion in the
Philippines. The majority of the cultural celebrations is
closely related to the Catholic religion. Nearly 90% of the
Filipinos are Roman Catholic. If you like fiestas, it is really
worth to visit the Philippines, especially in January, April,
May and June. The most known and biggest fiestas take
place in these months.
The most known fiestas
For the Filipinos themselves, every year the festivals and
processions are days of great joy and happiness. Fiesta
or any community celebration usually feature music,
dancing, and food feasts. The most known are the
procession of the Black Nazarene, the Ati-Atihan, the
Sinulog, the Flores de Mayo and the Santa Cruzan.
The colourful dress is most of the time not traditional. To
see really traditional clothes, you have to visit the remote
areas on Luzon and Mindanao for example.

Flores de Mayo
Ati-Atihan Sinulog Black Nazarene
Flowers of May

A three-day fiesta in In January, A month-long festival in The largest procession in

the third week of January
on the island of Panay
(Visayas)
The wildest among
Philippine fiestas!
The festival is a Catholic
festival in honour of Santo
Niño.
During the last day of this
festival (fiesta), a parade is
characteristic, with
celebrants who paint their
faces black, wear sometimes
masks and rather
exceptional costumes.
The origin of the Atis dances
dates from the period before
the Spaniards arrived on
Panay. The typical
dance belonged already to
the localAtis people in that
pre-colonial period.
in honour of
the miraculous image of
the Santo Niño.
In colourful costumes people
of Cebu make their way
through the
streets whiledancing the
Sinulog, a traditional and
ritual dance.
The dance is accompanied
by the sound of the
drums: all the time moving
two steps forward followed
by one step backward.
The Sinulog was already
danced by the natives long
before the Spaniards arrived
in the Philippines. It was only
in 1980, that the first Sinulog
parade was organized. From
then on it grew up to an
enormous festival with a very
large parade.
May
in honour of
the Holy Mary
Flores de Mayo
is a Catholic festival
introduced by the
Spaniards. The last day of
the festival is highlighted by
a pageant called Santa
Cruzan.
The Santa Cruzan
is a procession in honour of
the finding of the Holy Cross
in the year 326 A.D. by
Reyna (Queen) Helena,
mother of the Roman
emperor Constantine the
Great. It was the wooden,
Holy Cross, on which Jesus
Christ was supposed to
have been nailed. Long time
ago Flores de Mayo and the
Santa Cruzan were blended
together in one festival.
the country
through the streets of
Quiapo in metro Manila
Every year on the 9th of
January and on Good
Friday, barefooted men
carry a life-sized statue
through the streets of
Quiapo in Metro Manila.
The procession dates from
the 17th century.
Thousands of men parade
through the streets with the
black wooden statue of
Jesus (of Nazarene).
Everybody who is in the
neighbourhood of the statu
tries to touch the statue.
People believe that a
miracle can happen
after touching it.
January 03, 2014

FESTIVAL GUIDE to the 10 Most

Awesome Fiestas of the Philippines!
If there's one thing you should know about me (besides my fondness for
food and travel), it's that I love fiestas. And after 9 years of blogging, I've
compiled a list of Top 10 Fiestas that every Filipino should experience to
get a deeper appreciation of our own culture and traditions.
It wasn't an easy process since each festival has its own style and
unique charm, but I wanted to come up with something to help kickstart
your festival journey this 2014. So here's my definitive guide to the 10
Most Awesome Fiestas of the Philippines (based on our own first-hand
festival experiences):
 1. DINAGYANG, ILOILO

DINAGYANG FESTIVAL
What is it? Dinagyang means "Merry Making" and its a celebration held
in honor of the Santo Niño
Type of Festival: Religious, Cultural, and a Spectator-Type Festival
When is it Held: 4th Sunday of January (one week after Sinulog and Ati-
Atihan)
Main Highlights:
 Ati-Atihan Dance Competition on Sunday (all day starting 9am), and
 Kasadyahan Street Dancing on Saturday (all day)
Iloilo's Dinagyang: Hala Bira! Viva Señor Santo Niño!

A lot of festival enthusiasts believe that Dinagyang is one of the BEST

Festivals in the Philippines.
 Although the celebration still has that quaint, provincial city-feel, the Ati-
Atihan dance productions are among the best I've seen in street dance
festivals in the Philippines. They are the Grand Champions in the Aliwan
Festival (Manila-based competition for all the street dance festivals).
Dinagyang is the best time to go to Iloilo!
Read More: Iloilo's Dinagyang: Hala Bira! Viva Señor Santo Niño!
Festival Power Travel Tips:
1. Make sure you have confirmed reservations preferably outside the main city for
less noise.
2. Secure your tickets to watch the performances from the grand stand
3. The entire city is closed to vehicular traffic so make sure to walk around and
explore the city.
For more info, visit Official Website: http://dinagyangsailoilo.com/
 2. SINULOG FESTIVAL, CEBU

SINULOG FESTIVAL
What is it? SINULOG is a dance ritual in honor of the miraculous image
of the Santo Niño. The name pertains to the strong current movement of
the Cebu River which is re-enacted in the dance.
Type of Festival: Religious, Cultural, Dance Ritual, and a Spectator-
Type Festival
When is it Held: 3rd Sunday of January (Feast Day of Santo Niño)
Main Highlights:
 Santo Niño procession on Sunday (all day after the first Sunday Mass)
 Sinulog Fluvial Parade on Saturday (Early Morning)
Sinulog Fluvial Breakfast!
Sinulog in Cebu is the biggest festival in the Philippines, celebrating
the feast of the Child Jesus, Santo Niño de Cebú, with a dance ritual to
the beat of the drums. Held every third Sunday of January, it is the
largest and most attended fiesta in the country with an all-day-long
parade and party.
You can read about my 2006 Sinulog experience here:
 [Sinulog #1] Sinulog -- The Best Fiesta in the Philippines!
 [Sinulog #2] Essential Guide to the Sinulog Fiesta
 [Sinulog #3] The Grand Parade
 [Sinulog #4] Cebu de Sto. Nino Devotion
 [Sinulog #5] Sinulog's Beauty and the Beasts (postcards)
 [Sinulog #6] Sto. Nino Collections (part 1)
 [Sinulog #7] Sto. Nino Collections (part 2)

One day before the Santo Niño procession, the image of the Child Jesus
visits his Mother in Lapu Lapu City via the sea. Early in the morning of
Saturday, the Santo Niño returns to Cebu City, reenacting the coming of
the Spaniards through a Fluvial Parade on Cebu's Pahina River.
This is one of my best Sinulog experiences ever, not only because of the
parade, but also because of the great fluvial breakfast I got to taste
there!
Read More: Sinulog Fluvial Breakfast!
Festival Power Travel Tips:
1. Choose the Hotel based on who has a Fluvial Tour package that you can join.
2. It has the longest parade ever, so best to pick your vantage point and enjoy the
entire day with your family or barkada. Cebuanos drink the entire day during the
Sinulog celebration.
3. Get a Media or Photographer's pass to cover the parade on the streets itself.
Make sure to start shooting when they are preparing and join them throughout
the parade.
For more info, visit Official Website: http://www.sinulog.ph/
 3. ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL, KALIBO, AKLAN

ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL
What is it? ATI-ATIHAN means "to become like Aetas" which is
originally a pagan animist festival that the Spaniards adapted in honor of
the Sto. Niño
Type of Festival: Religious, Cultural, and a Participative-Type Festival
When is it Held: 3rd Sunday of January (Feast Day of Santo Niño)
Main Highlights:
 Ati-Atihan parade on Saturday (after the dawn procession at 4am & devotee's
mass at 5am.)
 Feast Day religious celebrations of Señor Santo Niño de Kalibo on Sunday
KALIBO: What to Expect in the Sto. Niño ATI-ATIHAN Festival in Kalibo?
Kalibo's Ati-Atihan is the mother of all the big Sto. Niño festivals of
Sinulog in Cebu and Dinagyang in Iloilo. It's the biggest fiesta that is
 "non-commercialized" and stays true to its Filipino Fiesta vibe. It's a
"participative fiesta" where you dance with the performers vs. a
"spectator fiesta" where you just watch in the sidelines. They say you
have not experienced a Filipino fiesta unless you've been to Ati-Atihan.
Ati-Atihan means "to become like Aetas" or in modern terms an "Ati
Cosplay". It was originally a pagan animist festival that the Spaniards
adapted in honor of the Sto. Niño celebrated every third sunday of
January.
It started when 10 Bornean Datus escaped from the island of Borneo
and migrated to the Island of Panay in the 13th century (c.1200 A.D.).
They bought the Panay Island plains from the Ati's who were the
original settlers in Maharlika (former name of the Philippines before
the Spaniards) with gifts of golden salakot, brass basins, bales of cloth
and a very long necklace for the Ati chieftain.
The Aetas celebrated the occasion with eating, dancing, and merry
making that became the inspiration of what we now call as the Filipino
Fiesta.
Read More: KALIBO: What to Expect in the Sto. Niño ATI-ATIHAN
Festival in Kalibo?
THE BEST OF KALIBO SERIES:
 KALIBO: What to Expect in the Sto. Niño ATI-ATIHAN Festival in Kalibo?
 KALIBO: Where are the Best Places to Eat in Kalibo?
 KALIBO: SAYLO Cuisine - The Best in Kalibo?
 KALIBO: LATTE Coffee Cafe @ Marzon's Hotel
 KALIBO: BAKHAWAN Eco-Park's 1.1 km Mangrove Eco-Trail
 KALIBO: SAMPAGUITA GARDEN's Precious Moments
 KALIBO: Planning Your Kalibo Escape with your Family
Festival Power Travel Tips:
1. This festival is fun when you participate in the actual dancing. There's no specific
route and you can follow different parade groups that goes around the town.
2. This is the only festival that allows drinking during the parade because it is part of
the fiesta tradition. Most of the people are drunk but there's zero security
incidents during the event.
3. Best to create your own Ati-look to fully immerse into the festival.
For more info, visit Official Website: http://www.kaliboatiatihan.ph/
 4. PAHIYAS FESTIVAL, LUCBAN, QUEZON

PAHIYAS FESTIVAL
What is it? A Harvest Thanksgiving Festival to San Isidro Labrador, the
Patron Saint of Farmers
Type of Festival: Religious, Cultural, Harvest Festival and a Spectator-
Type Festival
When is it Held: Every 15th of May
Main Highlights:
 Early Morning Procession in honor of San Isidro Labrador
 Walking along the procession route, where all the houses are decorated
with kiping and their harvest.
PAHIYAS: 8 Tips for an Awesome San Isidro Labrador Fiesta!
Pahiyas is one of the most awesome fiestas in the country. It falls on the
feast day of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers to show
gratitude for a good and abundant harvest. It is celebrated in Lucban
(most popular and commercialized), Sariaya, Tayabas and other towns
in Quezon.
The Pahiyas Festival is always observed on a fixed date -- May 15.
Read More:
 PAHIYAS FESTIVAL: Don't Miss the FUN in Lucban!
 PAHIYAS: 8 Tips for an Awesome San Isidro Labrador Fiesta!
 Pahiyas, Lucban - 8 Things We Love About Pahiyas
Festival Power Travel Tips:
1. Best to go very early (leave Manila as early as 3am) so that you can have a
nearer parking and you can see the decorations fresh in the morning.
2. It always rains during pahiyas and people believe that it is a blessing when it
rains. So make sure to get your waterproof gear and always be ready.
3. Make sure to visit other nearby festivals in the afternoon like the one in Sariaya
or Liliw.
For more info, visit Official Website: http://www.pahiyasfestival.com/
 5. CUTUD CRUXIFICIONS, SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA

San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites

What is it? A Holy Week Re-enactment of the Passion and Death of
Jesus Christ
Type of Festival: Religious, Cultural, and a Spectator-Type Festival
When is it Held: Every Good Friday 3pm
Main Highlight:
 Passion Play culminating with a nailing to a wooden cross of three penitents at
3pm.
 Cutud Crucifixions: Good Friday Traditions of San Fernando, Pampanga

Spanky once said to us that we need to experience the Cutud

Crucifixions before we can be certified as adopted Kapampangans. Our
family went to San Fernando, Pampanga on Good Friday to see the 50+-
year old solemn tradition of crucifixions in San Pedro Cutud, Pampanga.
Read More: Cutud Crucifixions: Good Friday Traditions of San Fernando,
Pampanga

Festival Power Travel Tips:

1. Going to this festival is very difficult and you have to endure the hardships to be
fully immerse in the passion play experience.
2. It's a great travel retreat experience contemplating on the passion and death of
our Lord.
3. Make sure you go with a family who is from San Fernando, to get invited to their
traditional no-meat lenten feast on the evening of Good Friday after the Santo
Entierro procession.
 6. MASSKARA FESTIVAL, BACOLOD

MASSKARA FESTIVAL
What is it? A Masquerade Party to lift up the spirits of the Bacolod
people after the Sugar Crisis in 1980's. It's name comes from English
word "mass" meaning "multitude of people", and Spanish word "kara"
meaning "face".
Type of Festival: Festival of Smiles, Modern Festival and a Spectator-
Type Festival
When is it Held: Every Third Weekend of October (or closest weekend
to October 19)
Main Highlights:
 MassKara Street Dancing Barangay Category on a Sunday
 Electric MassKara Dance Parade and Party on Saturday Night
 Festival Power Travel Tips:
1. Make sure to reserve your hotel along the main Lacson Road so that you can just
walk to see the parade and to the street party locations.
2. This is the best place to create your own food trip cum photography expedition
with your barkada.
3. Make sure to visit the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) Showroom to get
your unique and high-quality festival souvenirs and pasalubong.
For more info, visit Official
Website: http://www.bacolodmasskarafestival.com/

7. PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL, BAGUIO

PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL
What is it? A Flower Festival whose name "Panagbenga" comes
 from local Kankana-ey term in Cordillera meaning “a season or time for
blossoming"
Type of Festival: Flower Festival, Modern Festival and a Spectator-
Type Festival
When is it Held: Last Sunday of February
Main Highlights:
 Grand Flower Float Parade along Session Road on Sunday 8am
 Grand Street Parade along Session Road on Saturday 8am
BAGUIO's PANAGBENGA Flower Festival
PANAGBENGA is a local Kankana-ey term in Cordillera, which
means “a season for blossoming or a time for blooming", coined by
Ike Picpican, curator of the Saint Louis University Museum in 1997.
It is a month-long celebration in February/March during the business-
lean months to attract tourists to the City of Baguio after the holidays and
before the peak Summer Season.
It culminates with a Grand Flower Float Parade, held usually on the last
Sunday of February.
The Flower festival symbolizes the rise of Baguio from the city's
devastating earthquake disaster on July 16, 1990.
Read More: BAGUIO's PANAGBENGA Flower Festival
Festival Power Travel Tips:
1. You have to secure your spot along session road very early morning to watch the
parade.
2. Best to book in a hotel far from session road to avoid the massive traffic on this
weekend.
3. Organize a food trip to the hidden restos and destinations in Baguio.
For more info, visit Official
Website: http://www.panagbengaflowerfestival.com/
 8. HOT-AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL, CLARK, PAMPANGA

HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL

What is it? A 4-day Hot Air Balloon and Everything that Flies Festival
Type of Festival: Airshow Festival, Modern Festival and a Spectator-
Type Festival
When is it Held: Thursday to Sunday in 2nd or 3rd week of February.
Main Highlights:
 Early Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight (Thursday to Sunday)
 Hot Air Balloon Fly-In and Evening Glow (Thursday to Sunday)
 I ❤ Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta!

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is one of the passion
festivals in the country that I absolutely enjoy. It celebrates the passion
for flying and highlights the love for Hot Air Balloons.
It was started after the US Military left Clark Air Base to boost tourism
and the morale of the community around Clarkfield, Pampanga.
Read More: I ❤ Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta!
Festival Power Travel Tips:
1. Best to go on a Thursday or Friday to avoid the crowd.
2. To best experience the festival, make sure to get a photographer or media pass
to get access to the launch grounds.
3. Make sure to leave Manila as early as 3am and to park near the exit.
For more info, visit Official Website: http://www.philballoonfest.net/
 9. KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL, DAVAO

KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL
What is it? A Thanksgiving Harvest Festival to celebrate the harvest of
Davao's fruits, flowers, and farm produce
Type of Festival: Flower Festival, Cultural Festival and a Spectator-
Type Festival
When is it Held: 3rd Weekend of August
Main Highlights:
 Indak Indak sa Kadalanan Street Dancing on Saturday (8am for the entire day)
 Kadayawan Floral Parade on Sunday (8am until the parade last)
KADAYAWAN DAVAO: Indak Indak sa Kadalanan (A Photo Essay)
KADAYAWAN SA DABAW is an annual thanksgiving harvest festival
in Davao. It is held every 3rd Weekend of August to celebrate the
harvest of Davao's fruits, flowers, and farm produce.
 Its name comes from the Mandaya word "madayaw", a warm and
friendly greeting used to describe something good, beautiful, valuable,
superior, or profitable.
If you are planning to go, you must see the street dancing
festival showcasing the colorful costumes, traditions, and stories of the
different tribes in Davao. This is known as the "Indak Indak sa
Kadalanan" and is held on the Saturday of that weekend and lasts
from the morning until the afternoon.
Read More: KADAYAWAN DAVAO: Indak Indak sa Kadalanan (A Photo
Essay)
Festival Power Travel Tips:
1. The best and secure vantage point is the Marco Polo Davao stage for in-house
guests.
2. Backpacks are not allowed, so make sure to travel light and just bring the
essentials.
3. Best to enjoy the freshest and sweetest fruits (pomelo, mangosteen and duriand)
that are in season during this time.
For more info, visit Official Website: http://www.kadayawan.com/
 10. LIGLIGAN PARUL, SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA

LIGLIGAN PARUL OR GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL

What is it? It's a Giant Lantern Competition among the different
Barangays in San Fernando, Pampanga
Type of Festival: Cultural, Christmas Festival and a Spectator-Type
Festival
When is it Held: Second Saturday of December
Main Highlight:
 Giant Lantern Dancing Lights Showdown
Giant Lantern Festival - Awesome Lantern Competition, Only in the Philippines!
Another awesome festival is the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando
Pampanga, which is locally known as Ligligan Parul. Ivan
Henares previously hosted us the first time we attended and even gave
us free guest passes in the reserved seating section. Ivan has a very
popular post about Pampanga's pride. He was the chairman of the Giant
Lantern Festival in 2003 so he was able to give us all the juicy details
about this fiesta. If you haven't seen this, this is one of those moments
where you will be proud of the Filipino's creativity and hard work

Festivals
Posted by pktan on May 19th, 2009
Filed Under: Featured, Festival

Most festivals in Philippines are religious in origin, but nowadays the religious component is
usually secondary to the general spirit of celebration.

Philippines has dozens of festivals and most towns have their own in addition to the national
ones. Filipino hospitality is legendary and at no time is it more in evidence than at festival time.

Here’s a list of the ones you should keep a look out for when planning your vacation in
Philippines, we will try to cover each festival more extensively in individual articles. The Read
more link will direct you there!

PKTan: If i missed out any other interesting festivals, do leave a comment below, and I will try
my best to add it in.

Quiapo – Procession of the Black Nazarene

Date: 9th January
The procession, and the accompanying Feast of the Black Nazarene, takes place every year on
9th January. It is usually the single largest festival of the year in the Philippines and thousands
of devotees come to the district of Quiapo to take part in the procession to commemorates the
transfer of the Black Nazarene image (“traslacion”) from Intramuros to Quiapo Church.

Ati-Atihan
Date: 3rd Sunday of January
The Ati-Atihan Festival is a feast held in honor of the Santo Niño held annually in January
concluding on third Sunday, in the town of Kalibo, Aklan in the Philippines. It is the wildest
among Philippine fiestas and considered as the Mother of All Philippine festivals. Celebrants paint
their faces with black soot and wear bright, outlandish costumes as they dance in revelry during
the last three days of this two week-long festival. Catholics and non-Catholics alike observe this
special day with processions, parades, dancing, and merrymaking.
Read more on Ati-Atihan Festival

Ati-Atihan Festival
Photo by Kickflickr

Sinulog
Date: 3rd Sunday of January
The Sinulog is an annual festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, Philippines.
The festival honors the child Jesus, known as the Santo Niño (Holy Child), patron of the city of
Cebu. It is a dance ritual that commemorates the Cebuano people’s pagan origin, and their
acceptance of Christianity. The festival features a street parade with participants in bright-
colored costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets, and native gongs.
 Sinulog Festival
Photo by 2rokbotoy

Dinagyang
Date: 4th Sunday of January
The Dinagyang is a religious and cultural festival in Iloilo City, Philippines held on the fourth
Sunday of January. It is held both to honor the Santo Niño and to celebrate the arrival on Panay
of Malay settlers and the subsequent selling of the island to them by the Atis. Dinagyang was
voted as the best Tourism Event for 2006, 2007 and 2008 by the Association of Tourism Officers
in the Philippines.
 Dinagyang Festival
Photo by Blueacid

Panagbenga
Date: February
Panagbenga is month-long annual flower festival occurring in Baguio. The festival, held during
the month of February, was created as a tribute to the city’s flowers and as a way to rise up from
the devastation of the 1990 Luzon earthquake. The festival includes floats that are decorated
with flowers unlike those used in Pasadena’s Rose Parade. The festival also includes street
dancing, presented by dancers clad in flower-inspired costumes, that is inspired by the Bendian,
an Ibaloi dance of celebration that came from the Cordillera region.
 Panagbenga Festival
Photo by Whiteknight

Kaamulan
Date: 28th Feb – 1st March
The Kaamulan Festival is a Bukidnon ethnic-cultural festival that takes place from the last week
of February to the first week of March. Kaamulan, from the Binukid word amul, “to gather”, is an
indigenous Bukidnon term for a gathering for any purpose. It can mean a datukship ritual, a
wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or any number of
these together. The Festival is held in Malaybalay City from the second half of February to March
10, the anniversary date of the foundation of Bukidnon as a province in 1917,d to celebrate the
culture and tradition of the seven ethnic tribal groups—Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo,
Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon—that originally inhabited the province. It is the only
ethnic festival in the Philippines.
 Kaamulan Festival
Photo by kleo marlo

Moriones
Date: Holy Week
The Moriones is an annual festival held on Holy Week on the island of Marinduque, Philippines.
The “Moriones” are men and women in costumes and masks replicating the garb of biblical
Roman soldiers as interpreted by local folks – Morion means “mask” or “visor,” a part of the
medieval Roman armor which covers the face. The Moriones or Moryonan tradition has inspired
the creation of other festivals in the Philippines where cultural practices or folk history is turned
into street festivals.
 Moriones Festival
Photo by ompoint59

Maleldo / Cutud Lenten Rites

Date: Good Friday
Every year on Good Friday or the Friday before Easter a dozen or so penitents – mostly men but
with the occasional woman – are taken to a rice field in the barrio of San Pedro Cutud, 3km (2
miles) from the proper of City of San Fernando, Pampanga and nailed to a cross using two-inch
(5 cm) stainless steel nails that have been soaked in alcohol to disinfect them. The penitents are
taken down when they feel cleansed of their sin. Other penitents flagellate themselves using
bamboo sticks tied to a rope.
Read more on Maleldo / Cutud Lenten Rites
 Maleldo Festival
Photo by ponslizares

Turumba
Date: Between April and May
Every year during the months of April and may, the people of Pakil, in the province of Laguna
celebrates the Turumba Festival. It commemorates the seven sorrows of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. It is held 7 times each year between the months of April and May. The first is held on the
Friday before Palm Sunday and the last falls on Pentecost Sunday.

Flores de Mayo
Date: 1st May – 31st May
Flores de Mayo is a Catholic festival held in the Philippines in the month of May. It lasts for a
month, and is held in honor of the Virgin Mary. The Santa Cruzan is a parade held on the last
day of Flores de Mayo in honor of Reyna Elena.
Santacruzan
Date: 31st May
Santacruzan is the queen of Maytime festivals. It is a novena procession, in commemoration of
Saint Helena’s finding of the cross. Saint Helena was the mother of Constantine the Great. The
procession, however, differs from other religious processions in that it does not parade the usual
images of patron saints. Instead, biblical and historical characters are represented by the local
people dressed in appropriate costumes.

Carabao
Date: 14th May – 15th May
Begining May 14th, the people of Pulilan in Bulacan Province, San Isidro in Nueva Ecija Province,
and Angono in Rizal Province celebrate for two days. On the first day, farmers pay pay homage
to the beast of burden which is the farmer’s best friend – the lowly carabao. These animals are
very important for farmers because they help till the land. Farmers brush their carabaos’ skin
until it is sleek and shiny. Then the carabaos are decorated with ribbons and attached to carts. In
the afternoon, farmers lead their carabaos to the church square to be part of the procession. At
the church, the carabaos kneel for their blessings. On the second day, the carabaos compete in a
friendly race.
 Carabao Festival
Photo by Susancorpuz90

Pahiyas
Date: 15th May
Lucban celebrates the Pahiyas Festival in honor of the patron saint of farmers, St. Isidore. This
festival showcases a street of houses which are adorned with fruits, vegetables, agricultural
products, handicrafts and kiping, a rice-made decoration, which afterwards can be eaten grilled
or fried. The houses are judged and the best one is proclaimed the winner.
Read more about Pahiyas Festival.

Pahiyas Festival
Photo by stitch

Obando Fertility Rites

Date: 17th May – 19th May
“Santa Clarang pinong-pino, Ang pangako ko ay ganito, Pagdating ko sa Obando, Sasayaw ako
ng pandanggo.” The Obando Fertility Rites are a Filipino dance ritual. Every year during the
month of May, to the tune of musical instruments made out of bamboo materials, the men,
women and children of Obando, Bulacan, Philippines wear traditional dance costumes to dance
on the streets followed by the images of their patron saints San Pascual Baylon (St. Paschal),
Santa Clara (St. Clare) and Nuestra Señora de Salambao (Our Lady of Salambao), while singing
the song Santa Clara Pinung-Pino. The feast days or dance festivals are held for three
consecutive days: May 17 for St. Paschal, May 18 for St. Claire and May 19 for the Our Lady of
Salambaw. What makes the Obando fiesta unique among Philippine festivals is the dance
performed in the streets by the childless women.
Pintados
Date: 29th June
The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival is a merry-making event lasting a whole month, highlights of
which include the Leyte Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals, the Pintados Festival Ritual Dance
Presentation and the Pagrayhak Grand Parade. These festivals are said to have begun from the
feast day of Señor Santo Niño, held every June 29th. The Leyteños celebrate a religious festival
in a unique and colorful way. Since the Visayans are experienced in the art of body tattooing,
men and women are fond of tattooing themselves.

Kadayawan
Date: Third week of August
The Kadayawan Festival is an annual festival in the city of Davao in the Philippines. Its name
derives from the friendly greeting “Madayaw”, from the Dabawenyo word “dayaw”, meaning
good, valuable, superior or beautiful. The festival is a celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the
gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest and serenity of living.

Kadayawan Festival
Photo by Belarminoed
Penafrancia Fluvial
Date: Third Saturday and Sunday of September
The Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Bicol Region. During the festivities, people
attend church services, followed by parades on the streets, fireworks, and feasting. The ninth
day, usually falling on the third Saturday of September, is marked by a fluvial procession. The
image of the Virgin Mary is carried on a barge which is trailed by thousands of devotees in boats
gliding alongside. People who line the river banks shout “Viva la Virgen! as the Virgin passes by.

Peñafrancia Fluvial Festival

Photo by Sir Mervs

MassKara
Date: 3rd weekend nearest to 19th October
The MassKara Festival is a week-long festival held each year in Bacolod City, the capital of
Negros Occidental province. The festival features a street dance competition where people from
all walks of life troop to the streets to see colorfully-masked dancers gyrating to the rhythm of
Latin musical beats in a display of mastery, gaiety, coordination and stamina. The word
MassKara has a double meaning. First, it is a fusion of the English word “mass” or many and
“kara”, the Spanish word for “face.” MassKara then becomes a “mass of faces,” and these faces
have to be smiling to project Bacolod already known in the late 70’s as the City of Smiles.
 MassKara Festival
Photo by Keith Cabillon

Lanzones
Date: 25th October
Each year there is a Lanzones (a small grape-sized tropical fruit) Festival held in October. The
week-long festival is one of the more colorful events in the Philippines. The Lanzones festival is
celebrating its 30th Anniversary on October 2009.
 Lanzones Festival
Photo by Grandmasterson

Higantes
Date: 23rd November
Angono celebrates the “Higantes Festival” which coincides with the Feast of Saint Clement, the
Patron Saint of Angono. Higantes Festival is now promoted as tourism-generating event in the
country. This attracts numerous tourist from all over the world. The higantes are made of paper-
mache. Higantes measures four to five feet in diameter and ten to twelve feet in height.
Traditionally, it began in the last century when Angono was a Spanish hacienda. This higantes
was influenced by the Mexican art form of paper-mache brought by the Spanish priests to the
Philippines.
Read more on Higantes Festival
 Higantes Festival
Photo by aspirecaptured

Giant Lanterns
Date: December – Saturday before Christmas Eve
The Giant Lanterns Festival is an annual festival held in December (Saturday before Christmas
Eve) in the City of San Fernando in the Philippines. The festival features a competition of giant
lanterns. Because of the popularity of the festival, the city has been nicknamed the “Christmas
Capital of the Philippines”.
Read more on Giant Lanterns Festival
 Giant Lanterns Festival
Photo by ianong

Misa de Gallo
Date: 16th December – 25th December
Traditionally, Christmas Day in the Philippines is ushered in by the nine-day dawn masses that
start on December 16. Known as the Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass) in the traditional Spanish
and in Filipino as Simbang Gabi, or “Night Mass”, this novena of Masses is the most important
Filipino Christmas tradition.