1. Ati-atihan Festival (January 9 to 15 – Kalibo, Aklan)
Get an unforgettable thrill as you witness revelers masquerading as Negritos in colorful costumes, dancing while beating tribal drums and chanting “Hala Bira!” in preparation to the Sunday procession in honor of the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus). Make sure your next trip to Kalibo, Aklan falls in mid-January so you get to see this!
Photo credit: Flickr/Ati-atihan/RDexter/CC-BY
2. Sinulog Festival (January 15 – Cebu City)
Head down south to the Queen City and experience this fiesta celebrates Cebu’s patron saint, the Santo Niño. A week long, local version of the Mardi gras event, is marked by processions, parties and concerts. Then, it culminates with lively street dancing, irresistible drum beats and parades.
Photo credit: brute.lee
3. Dinagyang Festival (January 24 – Iloilo City)
The Dinagyang Festival – the pride of Iloilo – is truly a beautiful feast to the senses. Every 4th Sunday of January, the festival transforms the city of Iloilo into a massive street party with towering boom boxes and overflowing with drinks and food. What’s more, the city will host a highly competitive street dancing contest that features tribes that are represented by different high schools and barangays.
Photo credit: denxiogamarcha
4. Pahiyas Festival (May 11-15 – Lucban, Quezon)
An annual celebration to usher in a bountiful harvest. Homes are decorated with the town’s best agricultural products. Fresh fruit and vegetables are everywhere for the visitors to taste and enjoy. It’s a free-for-all, grab-all-you-can affair with suman-sweet, sticky native rice cakes-as the center of contention. Rest assured, whether you get handfuls or just a mere mouthful, the Mayohan sa Tayabas will leave you wanting for more – suman, of course! We have listed 5 things to love about Pahiyas Festival.
Photo credit: iamjanpaolo
5. Parada ng Lechon (June 24 – Balayan, Batangas)
A grand parade of succulent roasted pigs. A different sight and flavor are introduced 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 decor. Since the festival coincides with the feast of St. John the Baptist, be prepared to get wet as people observe the feast by repeating the ritual of baptism – pouring water.
Photo credit: therealcandylips
6. Panagbenga Festival (February 1 to March 5 – General Santos City)
Panagbenga is derived from the Kankanaey term that indicates season of blooming. And with its numerous paradise of eye-catching floral floats and kids dressed as fauna and flora, it surely lives up to its name and billing, making the city of Baguio the perfect travel destination for folks who are still having a hangover from the convivial festivals in January.
Photo credit: theflowershopatc
7. Masskara Festival (October 19 – Bacolod City)
Merrymaking in Sugarlandia where revellers wear colourful costumes and gaudily-decorated masks. It’s a treat for art enthusiasts, photographers and the travel aficionado looking for interesting eye-candy. Plus, never miss the real candy and sweet treats Bacolod City is known for!
8. Aliwan Grand Fiesta (April 20 to 22 – Metro Manila)
A three-day event that will highlight the country’s 16 regions at their best with the largest carnival-style parade, held at the city of Manila’s most popular amusement venue, Star City. Major components are the festival, float and fireworks competitions. It also features nightly concerts of the country’s best performers and biggest cultural market with products and food from all 16 regions of the country.
Photo credit: aliwanfiesta
The fiesta is part and parcel of the Filipino culture—through good times and bad times, the fiesta must really go on. Each city and barrio has at least one local festival of its own, a season celebrated with all the pomp and pageantry the fun-loving Filipino can manage. And they put great value in the tradition of celebration – occasions of so much good food and hearty eating. Thus you can say that these festivals lend an insight of what it is and how it is to be a Filipino. Happy fiesta!
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