9 Unique Festivals Celebrated In The Philippines.
- 1. Apribada Festival. When: Fourth week of January Where: Sorsogon.
- 2. Carabao Festival.
- 3. Bulaklakan Festival.
- 4. Paraw Regatta Festival.
- 5. Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.
How many festivals are there in the Philippines?
Want the best guides and travel tips directly to your inbox?
- Masskara Festival. Bacolod isn’t called the City of Smiles for no reason. ...
- Ati-Atihan Festival. ...
- Pahiyas Festival. ...
- Pinagbenga Festival. ...
- Moriones Festival. ...
- Pintados-Kasadayan Festival. ...
- Sirong Festival. ...
- Giant Lantern Festival. ...
What are the festivals in Region 5 in Philippines?
Region4 a-CALABARZON.FESTIVALS,TOURIST SPOTS
- WELCOME EVERYONE!!! Region 4a-CALABARZON BY:OBENIETA,MARIJANE S. ...
- Short Description CALABARZON is one of the regions of the Philippines. It is also designated as Region IV-A and its regional capital is Calamba City in Laguna.
- The region is composed of five provinces, namely: Cavite Laguna Batangas Rizal Quezon.
What to know about Philippine festivals?
List of Famous Festivals in the Philippines
- Sinulog Festival. The Sinulog Festival in Cebu City is one of the grandest festivals in the country. ...
- Dinagyang Festival. ...
- Masskara Festival. ...
- Ati-Atihan Festival. ...
- Pahiyas Festival. ...
- Pinagbenga Festival. ...
- Moriones Festival. ...
- Pintados-Kasadayan Festival. ...
- Sirong Festival. ...
- Giant Lantern Festival. ...
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 is the most interesting festival in 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.
What is the most beautiful 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 most colorful fun festival in the Philippines?
Cebu City celebrates SINULOG in January. It is the most popular festival in the country bringing millions of tourists every year. Characterized by its peculiar two-steps-forward-and-one-step-backward shuffle, simulating the Holy Child of the shores, the Sinulog is a century-old tradition.
What makes a festival unique?
Every festival has its own unique twist, whether it's the music, venue or atmosphere. Ultimately, if a festival has spectacular line-up it's bound to sell the most tickets.
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 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.
How is Tuna Festival celebrated?
The beginning of the festival is marked by an extravagant “Tuna Float Parade”. The people enjoy and fall in love with the floats which commonly have an ocean and Tuna fish theme, showcasing the province's bountiful catch. Throughout the week-long celebration, culinary events are held every night.
What are the non religious festival in the Philippines?
LIST OF RELIGIOUS AND NON-RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS IN THE PHILIPPINES WITH DESCRIPTIONS AND TITLESSINULOG | CEBU CITY.DINAGYANG | ILOILO CITY.SINULOG SA KABANKALAN | KABANKALAN CITY.ATI-ATIHAN | KALIBO.DINAGSA FESTIVAL | CADIZ CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL.BACOLAODIAT FESTIVAL | BACOLOD CITY.PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL | BAGUIO CITY.More items...
What are the holidays in the Philippines?
New Year’s day, Independence day, Good friday are some of the main holidays in Philippines.
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 Hin Ay festival?
Hin-Ay or Paray festival is celebrated by the land-locked, rice-producing community of Irosin, Sorsogon as thanksgiving for the rich harvest. The festival lasts for the entire month of September and ends with the feast of St. Michael the Archangel – the patron saint of the local parish church – on September 29. The festival highlights three themes through its activities: harvest festival, street dancing, and culture and sports.
What city is known as the Christmas capital of the Philippines?
December gets illuminated by the Giant Lantern Festival held for the entire month in the city of San Fer nando. Its giant lanterns give this festival subtle and mesmerizing charm and it also features competition of such lanterns. San Fernando City got the nickname of ‘Christmas Capital of the Philippines’ because of this festival.
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.
When is the Bocaue River Festival?
Just as July knocks on the door comes Bocaue River Festival in the town of Bocaue in Bulacan. Held on the first Sunday of July, it commemorates the discovery of the miraculous cross floating on the Bocaue River 200 years ago.
When is Pintaflores in San Carlos?
It is held from November 3 to November 5 and reminisces the beginnings of San Carlos.
What is the Mayohan festival?
A festival which lasts from May 6 to 15, the Mayohan is the townspeople’s way of showing their devotion to San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. The celebration is also meant to symbolize the people’s gratitude for the previous year’s blessings and their hopefulness for the same in the future.
When was the Piestang Tugak festival?
Forget carabaos and pigs—the people of San Fernando prefer frogs, hence the existence of the Piestang Tugak. First organized in 2003, the frog-themed festival held every first week of October is meant to showcase the importance of frogs to the culture of Pampanga, especially to that of the Fernandinos.
Why was the Capiz parade made up of people dressed in various monster costumes?
Organizers of the festival, Dugo Capiznon, hoped to change people’s perception of Capiz as a haven for aswang and instead use the mythical creatures as a tourist attraction, which is why the parade was made up of people dressed in various monster costumes.
What is the Carabao pageant?
Aside from the standard local beauty contest involving humans, the festival also has a carabao pageant; in this contest, carabaos are dressed and are given a chance to showcase their “talents,” with the winners getting a prize in the end. This is the townspeople’s way of honoring the animal seen as the best friend of all farmers.
What is the San Vicente Ferrer celebration?
Held every May—particularly on the date with the highest 12-noontide—to honor San Vicente Ferrer, the celebration features a variety of oddities including cross-dressing men, the simulation of giving birth by said men in the sea, people wearing or carrying phallic symbols, inter-animal fights (roosters, cats, and even kittens and frogs are used), and selling of cow manure topped with ketchup.
Who celebrated the miracle of rolling in the mud?
The jubilant villagers attributed this miracle to St. John the Baptist and celebrated by rolling in the mud. Since then, the townspeople have celebrated June 24 in that fashion.
Do Filipinos like to party?
Filipinos love to party, that’s a fact. Whether it be for a religious occasion, a charter day, etc., we will find a reason to celebrate. From the biggest cities down to the smallest barangays, there is always a scheduled time for a fiesta.
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 held 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.
How many people attend Masskara in Bacolod?
The MassKara Festival in Bacolod is flocked by 3 million people annually. With thousands of fests in the Philippines, how do you know which ones are worth attending? Here’s a definitive list of the 10 most famous festivals in the Philippines.
Why is Ati Atihan celebrated?
Celebrated for over 800 years, the festival is held in honor of the Holy Child Jesus.
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.
How many performers are there in the dance festival?
The festival is essentially one big dance competition, with each contingent reaching at least a hundred costumed performers.
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.
Why do Filipinos celebrate?
Filipinos love to celebrate no matter how small the reason is. From birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, house blessings, and many more. We are kind-hearted and appreciative people capable of hosting a grand celebration for whatever reason there is. This is why our country is known all over the world for celebrating a massive number of festivals every year!
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.
Why is Penafrancia Festival celebrated?
This event is held to commemorate Bicol’s miraculous patroness Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia. As a tourist, it is an overwhelming and moving sight to see millions of devotees parading the street with their patroness’s image while shouting in unison “Viva La Virgen!”
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 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.
How tall are the giants in the Higantes Festival?
In Higantes Festival, the locals create giants measuring up to 12-feet high made up of paper Mache’. These giants may represent different people or barangays in Angono. One of the trademarks of the Higantes Festival is the traditional “ basaan ” where locals sprinkle water on the parade or on each other to attract blessings. Several parades and processions are also held accompanied by a band of drums and lyres where people would shout “Viva San Clemente!” in honor of their Patron Saint.
What is the name of the festival in Bacolod?
MassKara Festival. Known as the City of Smiles, Bacolod is home to one of the most artistic gatherings in the Asian archipelago: the MassKara Festival. The name itself is a portmanteau of “mass” (group of people) and “cara” (Spanish word for “face”).
When is Pahiyas Festival?
Pahiyas Festival. Commemorated every May 15, Pahiyas is one of the best fiestas to experience, especially for those looking for an adventure just a few hours from Manila.
What is the Ati-Atihan festival?
Ati-Atihan Festival. Considered the mother of two popular Philippine festivals (Sinulog in Cebu and Dinagyang in Iloilo), this roughly 800-year-old celebration pays homage to the original settlers of Panay island, the Aetas — hence the name “ati-atihan,” which means “to act like Atis” (another spelling of “Aetas”).
How many provinces are there in the Philippines?
With 81 provinces scattered over more than 7,600 islands, the Philippines plays host to thousands of festivals — or fiestas — every year. Each village keeps its own calendar of events, including religious gatherings, harvest festivals and cultural celebrations.
When is the Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines?
In the city of San Fernando in Pampanga, for instance, people flock every second Saturday of December to witness Ligligan Parul (or the Giant Lantern Festival).
Where is the Panagbenga festival?
Panagbenga. This month-long flower festival takes place in Baguio City , the “summer capital of the Philippines” four hours north of Manila. Named after the Kankanaey word for “season of blooming,” Panagbenga began as a way to honor the strength and resilience of the people of Baguio after a devastating earthquake in July 1990.
What is Masskara in Bacolod?
Today, MassKara is basically a huge street dance party with colorful masks and costumes that runs along Lacson Street, Bacolod’s main thoroughfare. Higantes Festival. One of the country’s many art hubs, Angono plays host to an annual spectacle you just have to see to believe.
What is the festival of San Pascual?
Celebrated every May in Obando , this festival features a dance ritual where locals and pilgrims, sometimes dressed in traditional costume, sing and dance to honour the three patron saints: San Pascual, Santa Clara and Nuestra Señora de Salambáo on the three days, respectively. A procession is held with the images of the saints followed by bands playing instruments made of bamboo or brass. It is a simple dance of prayer, asking the spirits to bring life into the wombs of women who wish to conceive a child and quite a joyous occasion for those who wish women good health and fortune with their children, in the future.
Where is the Bangus Festival?
Where: Dagupan City . Commonly known as Milkfish, Bangus is the lone living species in the family of Chanidae and is most closely related to carps and catfish. First celebrated in 2002, Bangus Festival was started by mayor Benjamin S. Lim, who wanted promote Dagupan as the Bangus Capital of the World.
What fruit is in the Lacatan festival?
The two-day festival brings together farmers, visitors and banana enthusiasts alike, showcasing the different kinds of the nutritious fruit, including the Lacatan, the Saba as well as the Latundan. The novelty, however, doesn’t end there.
What is the San Juan feast day?
Also known as The Roasted Pig Parade, this is another festival held on the San Juan feast day where the pig (lechon) is placed on a spit, in a roasting pit. The pig is baked and dressed up, depending on the theme the social organization has chosen for the event.
Where is Malasimbo held?
Held amidst the serene gardens of Puerto Galera, Malasimbo is know for the best funk, hip-hop, house, and electronic music acts, which when combined with the groovy dance groups, magical light shows and exemplary performances, guarantees a three day spectacle that will give you memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Turogpo Festival (Carigara, Leyte).
Katigbawan Festival (Catigbian, Bohol).
- Celebrated every June 17 and lasting for a week, the Katigbawan Festival is a thanksgiving festival to commemorate Catigbian’s founding. Also Read: Top 10 Weirdest Philippine Animals Aside from the standard local beauty contest involving humans, the festival also has a carabao pageant; in this contest, carabaos are dressed and are given a chance to...
Baliw-Baliw Festival (Olango Island, Cebu).
- Held every May—particularly on the date with the highest 12-noontide—to honor San Vicente Ferrer, the celebration features a variety of oddities including cross-dressing men, the simulation of giving birth by said men in the sea, people wearing or carrying phallic symbols, inter-animal fights (roosters, cats, and even kittens and frogs are used), and selling of cow manure topped wi…
Lukayo Festival (Kalayaan, Laguna).
- READ: 10 Reasons Why Life Was Better In Pre-Colonial Philippines The ritual is performed by outrageously dressed women who wave around wooden phalluses, eggplants or any other depictions of the male organ and sing innuendo-filled songs on the couple’s wedding day. Although it might look malicious, anthropologist and National Artist Ramon Obusan says the ritu…
Obando Fertility Rites (Obando, Bulacan).
- Usually celebrated from May 17 to 19, the Obando Fertility Rites traces its roots back to pre-Spanish times when pagan natives would celebrate it in hopes of having children or getting a good harvest. READ: Top 10 Pinoy Health Myths You Thought Were True Nowadays, the festival is a mix of pagan and Roman Catholic beliefs, with San Pascual de Baylon, Sta. Clara and the Lady …
Feast of Sta. Marta de Pateros (Pateros, Manila).
- While it may look ordinary, a closer look at the Feast of Sta. Marta in Pateros–which is usually celebrated by the people every second Sunday of February—reveals a colorful backstory. According to tradition, the festival began during the Spanish era when the townspeople made a plea to the lady saint after a huge crocodile living in the river began eating their ducks which wer…
Aswang Festival (Roxas City, Capiz).
- Started in 2004, the Aswang Festival showcased the country’s most famous monsters and was held on October 29 until October 30. Organizers of the festival, Dugo Capiznon, hoped to change people’s perception of Capiz as a haven for aswang and instead use the mythical creatures as a tourist attraction, which is why the parade was made up of people dressed in various monster c…
Mayohan SA Tayabas (Tayabas City, Quezon).
- Want free suman? Then head on over to and enjoy the Mayohan sa Tayabas. A festival which lasts from May 6 to 15, the Mayohan is the townspeople’s way of showing their devotion to San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. The celebration is also meant to symbolize the people’s gratitude for the previous year’s blessings and their hopefulness for the same in the future. Reco…
Rodeo Masbateño (Masbate City, Masbate).
- For those who want to see a Western-style rodeo with a Pinoy twist, there’s the famous Rodeo Masbateño, a five-day festival held right in the heart of the country’s Cattle Capital every April and which was started in 1993 by a group of ranchers. Also Read: 8 Dark Chapters of Filipino-American History We Rarely Talk About Said to be the province’s biggest event, the festival reall…
Taong Putik Festival (Aliaga, Nueva Ecija).
- While many of us would usually commemorate St. John the Baptist‘s Day (June 24) by just dousing each other with water, the people of Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, take it up a notch and drench their bodies with mud and cover themselves in vines and banana leaves before joining the procession dedicated to the saint. The practice is said to have started during World War II when …