List of Famous Festivals in the Philippines
- Sinulog Festival. The Sinulog Festival in Cebu City is one of the grandest festivals in the country. The famous...
- Dinagyang Festival. If Sinulog is one of the most globally-renowned festivals in the Philippines, then Dinagyang is...
- Masskara Festival. Bacolod isn’t called the City of Smiles for no reason. People here are a fun-loving bunch, and the...
- Ati-Atihan Festival. The Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan is the oldest festival in the Philippines, which has earned it the...
Full Answer
What are the religious festivals in the Philippines?
20/01/2022 · List of Famous Festivals in the Philippines Sinulog Festival. The Sinulog Festival in Cebu City is one of the grandest festivals in the country. The famous... Dinagyang Festival. If Sinulog is one of the most globally-renowned festivals in the Philippines, then Dinagyang is... Masskara Festival. ...
Why are fiestas important in the Philippines?
06/06/2021 · Major characters that are present in the colourful and famous festivals in the Philippines are religion, food specialties and skills expertise, all of which show the ever-so-popular sunny disposition of the Filipinos. Read More: Top Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Bohol, Philippines. The Filipino people are a spiritual bunch. When the Spaniards set foot in the …
What are the best festivals in the Philippines for 2020?
13/03/2014 · Top Must-See Festivals in the Philippines Feast of Black Nazarene. Considered as the largest annual religious procession in the Philippines, the Feast of Black... Sinulog Festival. Every third Sunday of January, Cebu City celebrates Santo Niño with Sinulog Festival. During the... Kadayawan Festival. ...
What are the festivals in Davao City?
16/06/2020 · One of the most famous festivals in the philippines is the Pahiyas festival. The locals even start decorating their homes a week before the event proper. Aside from that, people living in Manila go all the way to the town just to have fun. People do not mind the heat as long as they get to witness the festivity.
What is the most famous festival in Philippines?
Sinulog. This is by far the most celebrated festival in the Philippines. ... Dinagyang Festival. On the fourth Sunday of January, Iloilo City takes the reins with its own gathering to honor Santo Niño. ... Panagbenga. ... Pahiyas Festival. ... Parada ng Lechon (Roasted Pig Parade) ... MassKara Festival. ... Giant Lantern Festival.25-Mar-2019
What are the 11 biggest festivals in the Philippines?
11 Best Festivals to Join in the PhilippinesAti-Atihan Festival.Panagbenga Festival.Moriones Festival.Pahiyas Festival.Dinagyang Festival.Kadayawan Festival.Aliwan Festival.Pintados Festival.More items...
What are the popular festivals in Philippines?
Here are some of the biggest Philippine festivals you must experience:Sinulog Festival – Cebu.Ati-Atihan Festival – Aklan.Dinagyang Festival – Iloilo City.Pahiyas Festival – Lucban, Quezon.Panagbenga Festival – Baguio City.Lechon Festival – Batangas.Kadayawan Festival – Davao City.MassKara Festival – Bacolod.More items...
What are the 12 festivals in Philippines?
The Filipinos have a strong celebration game.Ati-Atihan Festival. (Source) ... Sinulog Festival. (Source) ... Kaamulan Festival. (Source) ... Moriones Festival. (Source) ... Panagbenga Festival. (Source) ... Giant Lantern Festival. (Source) ... Dinagyang Festival. (Source) ... Pahiyas Festival. (Source)More items...•10-Jan-2021
How many festivals are there in Philippines?
There are more than 42,000 known major and minor festivals in the Philippines, the majority of which are in the barangay (village) level. Due to the thousands of town, city, provincial, national, and village fiestas in the country, the Philippines has traditionally been known as the Capital of the World's Festivities.
What is the Bangus festival?
The Bangus Festival is a ten-day celebration taking place in Dagupan City every April. The festivities include an array of sports competitions, fairs, and street parties. And of course, the festival is full of culinary demonstrations, tastings, and contests.01-Dec-2021
What was the first popular festival celebrated in the Philippines?
Ati-Atihan Festival One of the oldest and most famous festivals in the Philippines, Ati-atihan was originally a pagan festival that is now celebrated as a tribute to Santo Niño.
Which festival is befittingly a celebration of life?
Kadayawan FestivalKadayawan in Davao. With a name derived from the Dabawenyo friendly greeting, “Madayaw!” Davao City's Kadayawan Festival is befittingly a celebration of life.30-Aug-2018
What is the mother of all festival in the Philippines?
the Ati-atihanFor decades, both foreigners and countrymen alike have called the Ati-atihan as the undisputed Mother of All Philippine Festivals. History records show that the Ati-atihan is the festival that has served as impetus and inspiration for many festivals, big and small, all across the archipelago.
What festival is celebrated in Bacolod?
MassKara FestivalThe MassKara Festival of Bacolod City is one the biggest festivals in the Philippines. Believe it or not, the festival has been giving local and international visitors the chance to have fun, drink, and party on the streets of Bacolod for over 30 years now!
What is Philippine cultural festival?
A festival or commonly known as a “Fiesta” is part of the Filipino culture. Each city or province has a local fiesta. Being a very religious centered country, a fiesta is commonly about the celebration of a city or province's patron saint or of harvest. There is a fiesta going on at any time in the Philippines.
What is festival dance Philippines?
For 32 years, the Sinulog Festival is a traditional celebration in Cebu City held every third Sunday of January to honor the Santo Niño (Child Jesus). Basically, the festival is done by a dance ritual, in which it tells the story of the Filipino people's pagan past and their acceptance of Christianity.
What is the Filipino culture known for?
Filipino culture is well known for its fun and festivities. Festivals are so intricately woven into the cultural ethos of the Philippines that every month of the year witnesses some kind of festival in this country. Tourists throng this nation to partake of their cultural celebrations and joyous ecstasies in different festivals.
Where is the Moriones Festival?
April sees masked men and women in costumes resembling those of biblical Roma soldiers during Moriones Festival in the island of Marinduque in the Philippines. This festival is a motley of rituals as it depicts the story of the Passion of Christ.
What is the meaning of Anibina Bulawanun?
Anibina Bulawanun: Extol rich harvest. March brings in its wake the resplendent festival of Anibina Bulawanun that lasts for a week. The name ‘Anibina’ consists of two terms, ‘Ani’ meaning ‘harvest’ and ‘bina’ indicating ‘gold veins.’.
When is the pineapple festival in Daet?
The Pineapple Festival is held every year from June 15 to June 24 in the Daet district. It celebrates a unique variety of pineapple fruit only produced in this region and is called ‘Queen of Formosa.’. People take out colorful parades, where they march and dance in the streets in fanciful costumes.
What is the meaning of Flores de Mayo?
Flores de Mayo: Invoke Blessings of Virgin Mary. Image Source. This is a month-long festival held in the entire country in the month of May. People evoke their devotions for Blessed Virgin Mary and glorify the finding of the True Cross by Helena of Constantinople and Constantine the Great.
When is the Pangapog festival?
August welcomes Pangapog Festival in Samal City, Davao del Norte. Held from 1st to 7th of August, people offer thanksgiving for the abundant harvest in this festival. The festival begins with ‘Panawag Tawag’ ritual performed by Babaylan Teresita Lugam in Sama tongue.
What is the festival of the Bocaue River?
Held on the first Sunday of July, it commemorates the discovery of the miraculous cross floating on the Bocaue River 200 years ago.
Why is Ati Atihan celebrated?
Celebrated for over 800 years, the festival is held in honor of the Holy Child Jesus.
What is the most popular festival in the Philippines?
If Sinulog is one of the most globally-renowned festivals in the Philippines, then Dinagyang is probably the most attended. “Dinagyang” is the Ilonggo term for merrymaking or revelry, and true to its name, the festival is one of the biggest world-class festivals in the country hosting a variety of different events.
How many festivals are there in the Philippines?
There are about 42,000 festivals held in the Philippines, including both major and minor fun festivities. These festivals held across the country celebrate to acknowledge and give appreciation to the Philippines ’ vibrant culture and diverse beliefs.
Which city in the Philippines celebrates the Sinulog Festival?
Each region in the Philippines holds fantastic festivals, and Cebu , a lovely city that celebrates the Sinulog Festival. This is the most celebrated festival, which attracts millions of tourists. Second, Bacolod, the city of smiles, celebrates the Masskara festival. And third is Iloilo, where the colorful Dinagyang festival is mainly celebrated.
Where is the Ati Atihan Festival?
Location: Kalibo, Aklan. Date: The Third Sunday of January. What to expect: The Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan is the oldest festival in the Philippines, which has earned it the distinction of being “The Mother of all Philippine Festivals”.
Where is the Giant Lantern Festival?
Location: San Fernando. Date: The weekend before Christmas Eve. What to expect: Trust in San Fernando, the Christmas Capital of the Philippines, to throw one of the biggest Christmas-themed festivals in the country. The Giant Lantern Festival is an event that revolves around a lantern-making competition.
Where is Joshua Lagandaon?
Joshua Lagandaon is a writer from the Philippines. He has been writing professionally for more than a decade after taking a Creative Writing degree at the Philippines ' prestigious Ateneo de Manila University. He writes for local travel, fashion, and lifestyle magazines while dabbling in theater and the arts.
What is the Philippines known for?
The Philippines is known around the world not only for its stunning natural wonders but also for the locals' love to get together and celebrate. A proof of this is the long list of cultural festivals in the country. Discover cultural experiences that you can try in the Philippines. There are a number of holidays, long weekends, ...
Where is the giant lantern festival?
Where: San Fernando City, Pampanga. Feel the holiday cheer during the Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga. San Fernando City or the Christmas Capital of the Philippines organizes the competition of giant lanterns during the weekend before Christmas Eve.
What is the most popular festival in the Philippines?
The Aliwan Festival in Pasay City of Metro Manila , is by far one of the most popular festivals in the Philippines. Due to its popularity for Filipinos and international travelers, it is called the “Mother of all Festivals.". This festivity, which started in early 2003, is known as more of a competition than a festival.
Where is the biggest Mardi Gras in the Philippines?
Where: Kalibo, Aklan. The Ati-Atihan Festival is known as the grandfather of festivals in the Philippines since it's the celebration that started many festivals in the country. This festival in Aklan is also one of the oldest and is known as the best and the biggest Mardi Gras in the Philippines.
What are the highlights of the Ati-Atihan Festival?
The highlights of the Ati-Atihan Festival are the tribal dances, the booming drum beats, the loud chants, and the Catholic rituals, which will surely make any visitor dance their heart out. If you're going to Kalibo, we recommend adding Boracay to your itinerary. Check out our travel guide to Boracay Island.
Where is the 2020 Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta?
Where: Carmona, Cavite for 2020. Previously Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga. Unlike most of the traditional festivals in the country, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is an extraordinary one and is often hailed as one of the top events in Pampanga.
Where is the Masskara festival?
Where: Bacolod City . The MassKara Festival is a giant masquerade held at the country’s City of Smiles, Bacolod . Thousands of locals wear colorful masks decorated with flowers, feathers, beads, and paints.
Why is the Dinagyang Festival important?
The Dinagyang Festival also gives the world a chance to taste one of the best-tasting cuisines in the country, Ilonggo cuisine. Truly, the Dinagyang Festival is worth the visit if you plan to go to the Philippines. 4. Pahiyas Festival.
What are some of the things that happen during a festival in the Philippines?
A variety of events can happen within a festival, there are holy masses, processions, parades, pageants, concerts, traditional plays, dances, and many more! You name it, I assure you, a lot of things can happen during a festival here in the Philippines.
How long did the Philippines colonize?
The Philippines was colonized by Spain from the year 1521 up to 1898. That’s a total of 333 years.
What is the grandest festival in the Philippines?
This is also one of the grandest festivals in the country is the Masskara Festival, the sheer volume of tourists attending this festival reaches almost 3 million annually. The word “masskara” is derived from the Filipino word “mascara”. Which literally translates to masks.
Why is Pahiyas celebrated?
Pahiyas is held to honor the life of San Isidro Labrador (St. Isidore the Laborer). He is the patron saint of farmers.
What is the significance of the Sinulog Festival?
This is probably one of the grandest festivals held in the country. The celebration is to honor the life of Santo Nino (The Holy Child Jesus) which is the patron saint of Cebu City. Before the pandemic, this festival attracts more than 2 million tourists from all over the country and even foreigners from different countries. “Sinulog” is a dance ritual that depicts the pagan culture of Filipinos and its transition to Christianity. Aside from the religious celebrations held in Sinulog Festival, it is also well known for grand street banquets during the day before ( bisperas) and the actual day of the festival.
How long is the Pinagbenga festival?
Aside from being one of the most colorful festivals in the country, Pinagbenga is also one of the longest festivals ever in history, lasting for one whole month.
What are the most popular festivals in the Philippines?
Let me characterize the colorful and famous festivals in the Philippines: 1 Cultural – These festivals celebrate harvest, arts, culture and food. 2 Religious – These festivals commemorate Biblical figures and saints. 3 Modern – These festivals are relatively new and showcase advancements in all aspects.
What religion did the Spaniards bring to the Philippines?
When the Spaniards set foot in the Philippines hundreds of years ago, they brought with them the Christian religion. In a town, city or province wherein Roman Catholicism dominates the community, more or less it has a patron saint being celebrated in the place.
Where is the Kadayawan festival?
A cultural festival that celebrates the harvest season in the Philippines, the Kadayawan takes place in the city of Davao. Students wearing traditional ethnic clothes walk the streets and dance to the tune of traditional rhythms. Trade fairs and exhibits showcasing the rich produce of the country also takes place.
What is the largest religious festival in the Philippines?
One of the largest religious festivals in the Philippines is the Procession of the Black Nazarene happening every year in Quiapo, Manila. This is done in honor of a black Jesus Christ statue that is over 200 years of age.
What is Malasimbo festival?
Malasimbo is a modern festival showcasing culture and art of the Mangyans in Mindoro in the most festive way possible. It is one of the festivals in the Philippines which promotes environmental conservation through education and charitable actions. There is music and art, food and culture – all dosed with a party vibe.
What is the purpose of Bulacan?
Held in Obando, Bulacan is a unique religious festival in the Philippines that has a particular mission – to bring children to childless couples. Devotees would dance on the streets to ask favor from three saints: San Pascua, Nuestra Senora de Salambao and Santa Clara.
What is the significance of the Sandugo festival?
SANDUGO FESTIVAL – July 1. The Sandugo is a cultural festival in Bohol commemorating the first treaty between Spain and the Philippines. ‘Dugo’, which means blood, is the main highlight of this treaty, because Datu Sikatuna and Captain Miguel Lopez de Legaspi did a blood compact to seal their peace treaty.
Famous Festivals in the Philippines: Introduction
Plenty of provinces and cities in the Philippines have festivals or fiestas (for barangays) celebrated yearly. For most of the Filipinos, this is a celebration where they get to showcase what their hometown is known for. These festivities have been implanted in the Filipino tradition even prior to the coming of Spaniards.
History of Festivals in the Philippines
Filipinos used to practice animism. This is the method of worshipping the spirits in order to alleviate the spirits that bring bad luck. These spirits are known to take control of aspects of human life, like health, wealth, loved ones, career, and subsistence.
Other Reasons Why You Should Visit the Philippines During Festival Season
During festivals, you will that almost all the houses are filled with colorful decorations. This will amaze you because it is proof of how creative Filipinos ca be. Also, if you will take a close gander at each house, you will see that there are flags, especially during National Day.
Famous Festivals in the Philippines
Now that you know the history of festivals in the Philippines, let us see these famous festivals. You should see at least once in your lifetime and I assure you it is going to be one of the best trips of your life.
Conclusion
Included in this article are only a few of the most popular festivals in the Philippines. So it is just the tip of the iceberg. The country has plenty of enjoyable festivities to offer to both local and international tourists. Everyone must experience these festivals as it showcases the lavish Filipino culture.
Why do people celebrate festivals in the Philippines?
Several of these are held to honor the local Roman Catholic patron saint, to commemorate local history and culture, to promote the community's products, or to celebrate a bountiful harvest.
How many festivals are there in the Philippines?
There are more than 42,000 known major and minor festivals in the Philippines, the majority of which are in the barangay (village) level. Due to the thousands of town, city, provincial, national, and village fiestas in the country, the Philippines has traditionally been known as the Capital of the World's Festivities.
What is the Bulak Festival?
Bulak Festival is San Ildefonso's official town festival. Primarily, the festival is celebrated in honor of the town's patron, San Ildefonso but it also gives honor to the "kapok" plant, also known as "bulak" which played a very important part in the town's history.
When is the Mahaguyog festival in Santo Tomas?
25 — Santo Tomas in Batangas kicked off its 12-day opening salvo Sunday for the "Mahaguyog Festival" with the amateur singing qualifying rounds in observance of the 347th town fiesta celebration which falls on March 7.
What is the meaning of the word "ajonay"?
The term "ajonay" refers to a long history of tradition in the locality wherein neighbors, friends, or relatives readily lend a hand in times of need, such as in burials, weddings, "panughok" or asking the parents of a lady for her hand in marriage, community projects, and other social or personal undertaking.
When was the Kawayan Festival?
The Kawayan Festival was conceived in 2007 by incumbent Governor Eustaquio Bersamin when he pushed for the utilization of the abundant resource in the province – bamboo, encouraging province mates with wide idle lands to plant different varieties of bamboo as livelihood.
Where is the strawberry festival in Baguio?
La Trinidad, Benguet — The red strawberries of this capital town will take the spotlight from nearby Baguio City’s flower festival in the month-long Strawberry Festival in this capital town of Benguet. ... The festival will also feature strawberry cake festival and strawberry baking and pastries competition.
Sinulog Festival – Cebu (Feast of Santo Niño)
Performers dressed in bright-colored and intricate costumes dance to the rhythm of the drums, trumpets, and native gongs, and parades the sacred relic Santo Niño. The Sinulog Festival attracts millions of tourists yearly and dubbed ‘mother of all festivals’ and the grandest festival in the Philippines.
Ati-Atihan Festival – Aklan (Feast of Santo Niño)
This is known as ‘The Mother of All Philippine Festivals’ since it’s around 800 years old. Expect strangers offering you cans of beer and inviting you to sip from their rum bottle. You’ll be encouraged to participate too, instead of you being a spectator.
Dinagyang Festival – Iloilo City
Experience a merry street party with drinks and food everywhere. There are also art exhibits, music contests, and pageant. The main attraction here, really, is the highly competitive dance festival.
Pahiyas Festival – Lucban, Quezon (Feast of San Isidro Labrador)
People of Lucban transforms their house into harvest aesthetic. The festival also features cultural shows, exciting contests, parades, and exhibits that represents the people, their livelihood, and culture. As you walk in the procession for San Isidro Labrador, you’ll be amazed by how creative each house is decorated.
Higantes Festival – Angono, Rizal (Feast of San Clemente)
This is yet another display of Filipino creativity. The Gigantes (lit. giants) became an emblem of the townspeople’s unyielding spirit and larger-than-life artistry. The most awaited part here is when cold water is splashed everywhere during the parade.
Feast of the Black Nazarene – Quiapo, Manila
Witness how deep Filipinos’ faith is! They’ll go to such lengths as being pushed, hurt, and hit by the huge crowd (millions).
Flores De Mayo (lit. Flowers of May) – in many cities
Dubbed as the “Queen of Philippine Festivals”. You’ll see children and ladies dressed in white carrying flowers and basket of petals, and offer the flowers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. You’ll also be awed in seeing creative costumes and floral arch.