Philippine Fiestas and Festivals

The fiesta is an important part of the fun-loving Filipino culture. Each Philippine city and barrio celebrates at least one local fiesta or festival, usually as a thanksgiving celebration on the feast day of its patron saint. There is always a fiesta going on somewhere in the country, celebrated with all the pomp and pageantry the town people can manage.

January

• Ati-atihan
  Kalibo, Aklan
  January 13-19

  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. Niño.

• Sinulog Festival
  Cebu City
  January 18 - 19

  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
  Iloilo City
  January 25 - 26

  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. Shields and "weapons" are held amidst the pounding rhythm of drums, the costumed Ilonggos put their best feet forward in celebration of…..Dinagyang!

February

• Moriones Festival
  Marinduque
  February 13 - 20

  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". Colorful warrior costumes are worn, topped with finely carved masks depicting the fierce Roman soldiers of Christ's time. All these are done to depict the story of the conversion of Longuinus, the centurion who pierced Jesus' side - and his subsequent beheading.

• Panagbenga
  Baguio Flower Festival
  February 23 - March 3

  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. 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
  Malaybalay, Bukidnon
  February 28 - March 1

  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.

April

• Cutud Lenten Rites
  San Fernando, Pampanga
  April 16 - 18

  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.

May

• Flores de Mayo / Santacruzan
  Nationwide
  May

  A parade of the town's loveliest ladies, depicting the search and discovery of Christ's Cross by Queen Helena and Constantine.

• Pahiyas / Mayon / Agawan
  Quezon
  May 11 - 15

  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. You will see lots of these at the Pahiyas Festival, an annual celebration held to usher in a bountiful harvest, and smashing good times.

June

• Pinyahan Sa Daet
  Daet, Camarines Norte
  June 15 - 24

  Sweet, succulent pineapple is the fruit of choice for the people of Daet, Camarines Norte. They love it so much that they made a festival in its honor.

• Mudpack Festival
  Murcia, Negros Occidental
  June 24

  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 surefire way to mix our ecological concerns with good, clean, cloddy fun - just be sure to shower afterwards!

• Parada ng Lechon
  Balayan, Batangas
  June 24

  A different sight and flavor are introduced in June with a festival in Balayan, Batangas, popularly known as the "Parada Ng Lechon". These succulent roasted pork form the highlight of the occasion, decked out in their platforms with all kinds of décor.

• Tacloban Pintados Festival
  Tacloban City
  June 29

  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. Join the town residents as they deck themselves out in body paint, mimicking the warriors of old while dancing to the frenetic beat of drums.

July

• Sandugo Festival
  Tagbilaran City
  July 1 - 2

  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
  July 25

  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

• Kadayawan sa Dabaw
  Davao City
  August 20 - 24

  Davao's annual festival, Kadayawan Sa Dadaw promises another weekend of fanfare and fun - tribal style. Watch as the festivities reach a glorious climax on Saturday morning: that's when the Kadayawan parade is held, featuring colorful, orchid-bedecked floats and more than a dozen "ethnic" groups dancing to the beat of wooden drums.

September

• Bonok-Bonok Festival
  Surigao City
  September 9

  Behind Surigao's multi-faceted culture is its original tribal background. The Surigaonons go back to their roots in September as they celebrate their heritage with a loud, rowdy street dancing parade.

• Peñafrancia Viva La Virgen
  Naga City
  September 20

  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
  October 10 - 12

  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
  October 14 - 21

  The festival that made Bacolod famous began as an event to inspire the locals to face the hard times with a smiling face, thus masks with smiling faces are worn by revelers who join the parade. Street dancing, drum beating, drinking, eating and just being merry - all this show the resiliency of Negrenses and their zest for life.