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philippines festivals and celebrations

by Prof. Winona Schinner Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

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.

What is the best festival in the Philippines?

THE 20 BEST MUSIC & CULTURAL FESTIVALS IN THE PHILIPPINES

  1. Road to Ultra: Philippines. Starting off the list, is the world-famous ULTRA Music Festival, which hosts an edition in Manila! ...
  2. PULP Summer Slam. The longest running and largest annual metal festival in Southeast Asia. ...
  3. Threadfest Manila. ...
  4. Wanderland Music & Arts Festival. ...
  5. Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival. ...
  6. Hydro Manila Music Festival. ...
  7. Rakrakan Festival. ...

More items...

What are some Filipino celebrations?

For the tamarind miso glaze:

  • 1 tablespoon miso paste
  • 1 teaspoon tamarind powder
  • 100g butter
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 100g garlic, minced
  • 50g leeks, chopped
  • cornstarch slurry (1-2 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoon water to thicken the glaze)

Why are fiestas important to Filipinos?

October

  • Lanzones Festival. People in the small island of Camiguin have no need for masks as they openly celebrate the Lanzones Festival every third week of October.
  • MassKara Festival. Every fourth Sunday of October, Bacolod City in Negros Occidental Masskara hold an annual MassKara Festival.
  • Halloween. ...

What are cultural festivals in the Philippines?

So let’s hope we can put the virus behind us from January 2022 and get set up for the great revival of the Philippine Christmas traditions and spirit with more fun, joy, care, color, the arts of giving, grace, events, appearances, cruises and more ...

What is the most famous festival of the Philippines?

1. Sinulog Festival, Third Sunday of January. Attracting millions of people every year, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu may just well be one of the most famous festivals in the Philippines, and is surprisingly becoming even more popular each year, especially among the young people.

How many festivals Does Philippines celebrate?

42,000 festivalsThere 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.

What are the 11 most colorful festival in the Philippines?

11 Most Colourful Festivals in the Philippines Not to MissAti-Atihan – Kalibo. Philippines – Ati-Atihan Sinulog. ... Ati-Atihan Sinulog – Cebu City. ... Dinagyang – Iloilo City. ... Masskara – Bacolod. ... Kadayawan Festival – Davao City. ... Moriones Festival – Marinduque. ... Pintados Festival – Tacloban. ... Panagbenga, Baguio Flower Festival.More items...

What is the 15 famous festivals in the Philippines?

Kadayawan Festival – The fiesta in the Philippines celebrated in Davao City. MassKara Festival – The Philippine festival of many faces held in Bacolod. Tuna Festival – One of the fun fish festivals in the Philippines. Higantes Festival – Where you can see giant paper mache do the festival dance.

What are the biggest festivals in the Philippines?

8 Biggest Festivals in the PhilippinesAti-atihan Festival (January 9 to 15 – Kalibo, Aklan) ... Sinulog Festival (January 15 – Cebu City) ... Dinagyang Festival (January 24 – Iloilo City) ... Pahiyas Festival (May 11-15 – Lucban, Quezon) ... Parada ng Lechon (June 24 – Balayan, Batangas)More items...•

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 the mother of all festival in the Philippines?

Ati-Atihan"Nicknamed “the Mother of all Philippine Festivals,” Ati-Atihan is a festival of tribal dance, indigenous costumes, music, and parades, all in honor of the Santo Niño, or Baby Jesus.

What is religious festival in the Philippines?

Most fiestas are celebrated among patron saints and or the major events in the life of Jesus Christ and His Mother. Examples are Christmas, Quiapo Fiesta, Ati-atihan, Holy Week, Santacruzan, Peñafrancia Fluvial Festival, Antipolo Pilgrimage, Obando Fertility Rites and Carabao Festival.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 event in Dagyang?

The most popular event is the Dagyang Tribes Dance Competition. Here, Ilonggo tribes are smeared in body paint, present a tableau of folkloric scenarios, and parade throughout the city while dancing, donning props, and wearing outrageous costumes.

What is the significance of the Sinulog Festival?

The famous celebration is held to honor the Santo Nino (the Holy Child Jesus), the patron saint of the City. In a nutshell, the Sinulog is a dance ritual that marks the Filipino’s pagan past and its transition to Christianity.

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.

Why is Santo Nino celebrated?

The celebration is held to once again commemorate the Santo Nino, or the Holy Child Jesus, and to celebrate the arrival of Malay settlers in the city. There are a lot to see and a plethora of events to attend.

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.

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, ...

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 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.

When is the Kadayawan festival in Davao?

Davao brings its locals and visitors together in the biggest celebration in the city called Kadayawan Festival. It takes place during the third week of August. You can try Davao tours during your stay then watch the joyful festivities that include street dancing, beauty pageants, floral floats, and fireworks displays.

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 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.

When is Panagbenga Festival?

The three day Panagbenga festival takes place annually in Baguio City during February. Participants dress in colorful costumes reminiscent of the highland flowers and tribes, and celebrate the growing season with parades and native dancing.

What is the longest Christmas in the Philippines?

Christmas. The predominantly Catholic Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the world, which runs from mid-December through to the first week of January. Festivities start with a series of Midnight Masses known as Simbang Gabi, leading up to a Christmas Eve feast at midnight followed by Christmas Day.

What is the Sinulog Festival?

Sinulog Festival. A thanksgiving celebration that takes place on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, this is one of the Philippines largest festivals to honor Santo Niño and recognize the acceptance of Christianity.

Where does Mardi Gras take place?

The event was augmented during Spanish rule to include paying tribute to Santo Niño (Jesus the child). The festival takes place in Kaliba during the third week of January and culminates in a massive Sunday parade where bright costumed revelers with their skin painted black transport a revered icon of Santo Niño from Kaliba Cathedral to the nearby Pastrana Park.

What is the significance of the festival of the Black Nazarene?

Festival of the Black Nazarene. The Black Nazarene is a status of Jesus that is believed by many to have light skin but turned dark after surviving a ship fire as it arrived to the Philippines from Mexico.

Where is the Masskara festival?

Masskara Festival. The colorful Masskara festival is hosted by Bacolod City in the Negros Occidental province of the Philippines. The literal translation, ‘festival of many smiles’ takes place the third week of October every year and celebrates the strength of the human spirit in times of adversity.

Is the Philippines a Catholic country?

The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic nation so many of the annual festivals such as the Mariones Holy Week are related to important events on the religious calendar. There are several celebrations with roots in pagan times, such as the Ati-Atihan festival which preserves costumes and rituals that have been modified over time ...

What is a fiesta in the Philippines?

Fiestas are eagerly awaited events in the Philippines. The festivals celebrate the happy nature of the Filipinos. Whether it be for honoring the patron saint, or a harvest rite or commemorating a historical event, Filipinos celebrate every event. Some of these Philippine Festivals even attract local and foreign tourist.

What is the San Fernando lantern festival?

San Fernando, Pampanga is famous for its beautifully made Christmas lanterns. To showchase this artistry, the Giant Lantern Festival is held every December. Enormous Christmas lanterns with intricate designs and elaborate twinkling light bulbs compete with each other for the festival’s top prize.

What is the name of the saint that gives thanks to the people of Laguna?

In Lucban, Laguna, residents give thanks to its patron saint San Isidro every 15th of May. Houses are colorfully decorated with fruits, vegetables and kiping (leaves colored with dyed ground rice) as materials.

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.

What is the OG festival in the Philippines?

Ah, the Ati-Atihan Festival. Consider this as the “OG” of all festivals in the Philippines. It is also known as the “Mother of all Philippine Festivals”, in fact, this event is said to have inspired famous festivals such as the Sinulog and Dinagyang Festival.

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 is Dinagyang food festival?

Credit: Maxi Adrian San Agustin / Flickr – Creative Commons. “Dinagyang” is an Ilonggo word for merrymaking and revelry. True to its meaning, this world-class festival indeed hosts a plethora of events such as the Santo Nino Motorcade, Dinagyang Foodfest, and the most famous Dinagyang Tribes Dance Competitions.

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.

Why is the Higantes Festival celebrated?

This is a one-of-a-kind celebration because originally, its purpose was to mock Spanish Hacienderos (Owners of very large pieces of land) as an agrarian protest. In Higantes Festival, the locals create giants measuring up to 12-feet high made up of paper Mache’.

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.

When is Bikol Arts Festival?

National Arts Month: Bikol Arts Festival (NAM:BAF) February 1-28. Legazpi City. A month long festival showcasing the region’s arts and culture, crafts and agro-industrial products of the different provinces and cities of the region. It coincides with the celebration of the National Arts Month.

What is the religious festival of February 9?

February 9. Binuangan, Misamis Oriental. A popular religious festival where devotees flock to the shrine of Birhen sa Lourdes to light candles to renew their vows and ask for petitions and blessings. Part of the festival are procession, parade, cultural show, and trade fair.

What is the Karonawan festival?

In appreciation of the beautiful God- given nature, the Karonawan Fish-Tival is a celebration of the beauty and bounty of Bato in order to inject and instill the importance of preserving and conserving the these natural resources as major sources of food and as potential tourist attractions. Cagsawa Festival.

What is Palm Sunday?

The Palm Sunday is held on the fifth Sunday of Lent where churchgoers bring palm and leaves to re-enact the arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. Holy Thursday is held with a Visitaa Iglesia where Catholics visit at least 7 churches.

How many festivals are there in the Philippines?

Festivals in the Philippines are a fairly common occurrence, with over 42,000 major and minor festivals celebrated across the country. Given the Spanish influence on Catholic spirituality in the Philippines, a number of festivals celebrated here are religion-based. Besides that, there are a number of other festivals that mark important historic ...

What is the Pahiyas festival?

Pahiyas Festival. Held in South Luzon’s Lucban, Pahiyas Festival celebrates the harvest season and honors the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador. The festival begins on May 15th and goes on for a month. Locals decorate their houses with different produces such as eggplants and turnips.

How big are Christmas lanterns in the Philippines?

The celebration of this festival in the Philippines involves a competition for creating the largest lantern. These lanterns usually rise over 15 feet in diameter, are made from locally available materials and are also displayed in a colourful parade on Christmas Eve.

What is the festival of Santo Nino?

A religious and cultural festival celebrated in Ililo, Philippines. The festival is held to show reverence of Santo Nino and to mark the arrival of Malay immigrants. Another popular festivals in the Philippines, Ati-Athian is a 2-week long celebration that begins on the 3rd Sunday of January.

Why is Sinulog Festival so popular?

The Sinulog Festival attracts hordes of tourists from all over, given that Cebu City is easy to access through direct flights. Also because it’s one of the most popular festivals in the Philippines. Sinulog is so much more than just a religious fest held in honor of Santo Nino (baby Jesus).

Where is the Masskara festival held?

Bacolod, in Cebu island, is known as the ‘City of Smiles’ and the Masskara Festival held here perfectly matches up to the city’s name. The participants pour out to the streets wearing different masks of smiling faces. Party people will love the Masskara festival, a fun-filled celebration in the Philippines.

Where is Dinagyang held?

Held in Iloilo City, on the southern tip of the large Panay Island in the Western Visayas, Dinagyang is another festival celebrated in honor of Santo Nino (child Jesus). It’s held on the 4th Sunday of every January. Iloilo is an hour-long flight from Manila and 30 minutes from Cebu.

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