Festivals

The fiesta is part and parcel of Filipino culture. Through good times and bad times, the fiesta must go on. Each city and barrio has at least one local festival of its own, usually on the feast of its patron saint, so that there is always a fiesta going on somewhere in the country. Here’s a list of the major and most visited festivals in the Philippines.


January

Feast of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo, Manila City)

Ati-atihan Festival (Kalibo, Aklan)
The Ati-Atihan Festival commemorates the 13th century land deal between 10 migrating Bornean chieftains and the aboriginal Ati King Marikudo. It also honors the town patron, the infant Sto. Nino. The Ati-Atihan celebration is echoed in many parts of the country.

Sinulog Festival (Cebu City, Cebu)
Cebu City’s fiesta of fiestas. Characterized by its peculiar two-steps-forward-and-one-step-backward shuffle, thus simulating the Holy Child of the shores, the Sinulog is a century-old tradition observed in the part of Visayas region.

Dinagyang Festival (Iloilo City, Iloilo)
Merry mayhem breaks loose in Iloilo City during this weekend, when Ilonggos leave everything behind to join in the fiesta of the year. All inhibitions are dropped: boring everyday clothes are exchanged for “Ati” warrior costumes and black body paint.

February

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga)

Panabenga – Baguio Flower Festival (Baguio City, Benguet)
It’s 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.

Pamulinawen Festival (Laoag City, Ilocos Norte)

Kalinlangan Festival (General Santos City, South Cotabato)

EDSA Revolution (Metro Manila)

March

Kaamulan Festival (Malaybalay, Bukidnon)
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.

April

Holy Week (Nationwide)

Moriones (Marinduque)
The island of Marinduque prides itself in being the “Lenten Capital of the Philippines”, and it is easy to understand why. Come the seven days of Holy Week, the people of the island take part in the age-old ritual of the “Moriones”.

Panaad Fesival (Bacolod City, Negros Occidental)

Cutud Lenten Rites (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
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Aliwan Fiesta (Manila)

May

Pahiyas / Mayon / Agawan Festival (Quezon City, Metro Manila)
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 colorful, translucent rice tortilla that serves as an edible ornament of sorts.

Flores de Mayo (Nationwide)
A parade of the town’s loveliest ladies, depicting the search and discovery of Christ’s Cross by Queen Helena and Constantine.

Vigan Festival of the Arts (Vigan City, Ilocos Sur)

Rodeo Pilipino Festival (Masbate City, Masbate)

Pulilan Carabao Festival (Pulilan, Bulacan)

June

Philippine Independence Day Celebration (Nationwide)

Mudpack Festival (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.

Pinyahan sa Daet Festival (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 honor.

Parada ng Lechon (Balayan, Batangas)
A different sight and flavor are introduced in June with a festival in Balayan, Batangas, popularly known as the “Parada Ng Lechon”.

Pintados Festival (Tacloban City, Leyte)
Back during pre-Hispanic years, tattoos signified courage among the natives of Tacloban. These days they symbolize a cultural revival, and a wild, wacky fiesta called the Pintados.

July

Sandugo Festival (Tagbilaran City, Bohol)

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.

Kinabayo Festival (Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte)
An exotic and colorful 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.

August

Pasigarbo sa Sugbo (Cebu City, Cebu)

Kadayawan Festival (Davao City)
Davao’s annual festival, Kadayawan Sa Dadaw promises another weekend of fanfare and fun – tribal style.

September

Bonok-Bonok Festival and Silop Cave Adventure (Surigao City, Surigao del Norte)
Behind Surigao’s multi-faceted culture is its original tribal background. The Surigaonons go back to their roots this month as they celebrate their heritage with a loud, rowdy street dancing parade.

Penafrancia Festival (Naga City, Camarines Sur)
Bicol Region’s biggest celebration is an annual affair that combines religion with culture and tradition, packing it all in a 9-day fiesta of biblical proportions.

October

Zamboanga Hermosa Festival (Zamboanga City)
All roads in Mindanao lead to Zamboanga, as the “City of Flowers” celebrates its grand, annual Hermosa Festival. The vintas, those colorful native sea boats, once again make their appearance in a fast-paced, race-till-you-drop regatta.

Masskara Festival (Bacolod City, Negros Occidental)
The carnival spirit fills the air as masked participants donning fabulous costumes dance there way around the city’s main thoroughfares. This annual event reflects Bacolenos’ love for fun and gaiety.

November

Higantes Festival (Agono Rizal)

December

Sinadya sa Halaran Festival (Roxas City, Capiz)

San Fernando Giant Lantern Festival (San Fernando, Pampanga)