Who doesn’t want to party? Filipinos are famous among tourists for their warm hospitality and genuine smiles in welcoming and talking to anybody. If you’re longing to escape from the routine urban life, you might want to visit the Philippine Islands. Tourists need to witness how grand Filipinos celebrate and value fiestas. You probably thought of Brazil’s Carnival. Yet, in the Philippines, you can choose among the wide array of fiestas (at least a hundred). Because of the 333-year reign of Spaniards here, no wonder these faithful festivities shaped the Filipino identity. And one of the most spectacular festivals in the Philippines are religious.
You can see that they put a lot of effort into these pomp celebrations, from the spectacular bright-colored decorations and costumes to the music serenaded to your ears. Because of the rich culture, many Filipinos take the different festivals of the Philippines to a whole new level, as they’re competitions these days (not the cutthroat sort, they’re still for fun).
Famous Festivals in the Philippines
The special festivals in the Philippines are characterized by Holy Masses, processions, parades, theatrical play and reenactments, religious or cultural rituals, trade fairs, exhibits, concerts, pageants, and various games and contests.
These festivals are not exclusively for Catholics. An after-party will surely commence. Many foreigners might agree that this is the best part of the extraordinary festivities in the Philippines. There will be alcoholic drinks everywhere, body painting, free hugs, and many more! Socialization, after all, is what these amazing events are for.
As the third-largest Catholic country in the world and the only Christian predominant country in Asia, the Philippines makes religion central in many aspects of living.
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.
When: Third week of January
Highlights: Fluvial parade and solemn procession, Grand Parade, pyro shows (fireworks), street parties
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.
When: Third week of January
Highlights: a parade of tribes and floats, street dancing, a religious procession, torch street dancing
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.
When: Fourth Sunday of January
Highlights: Kasadyahan Street Dancing, Float Parade of Lights, Festive Parage Sponsors Mardi Gras, Dinagyang 360° Tribe Competition
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.
When: May 15
Highlights: Morning Procession for the patron saint of farmers, all houses are decorated with colorful kiping (leaf-shaped wafer made of rice and dyed with food coloring) and their harvest, free food for everyone
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.
When: November 22 to 23
Highlights: Higantes Parade, water splashing tradition
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).
When: January 9
Highlight: Translation (transfer of the Black Nazarene sculpture dressed in red robes from Quirino Grandstand in Luneta to Quiapo, devotees aim to wipe Christ’s face but the crowd prevents them in doing so)
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.
When: May (depending on the church’s schedule)
Highlights: Santacruzan, participants dressed as queens and escort, procession
Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival – Tacloban City, Leyte
Locals anticipate two prominent festivals, namely, the Pintado Festival and the Kasadyaan Festival. Today, they are merged together in one big celebration to praise and adore Señor Santo Niño.
When: Around June 29
Highlight: beautiful body paintings that show braveness
Lechon (Roasted Pig) Festival – Batangas
Indulge yourself in best tasting lechon served across neighborhoods.
When: June 24 (St. John the Baptist)
Highlights: Lechon Parade, water splashing tradition
Non-Religious Festivals in the Philippines
There are also secular festivals to acknowledge local tribes, traditions, and bountiful harvest. The harvest festivals may be tied to religion, though. In ancient times, this is where they worship wooden idols and give thanks to gods and goddesses of nature. But now, they honor their patron saints who are responsible for the mentioned abundance.
In local tribes, dancing around a bonfire to the rhythmic beats of cymbals, flutes, and gongs, and drums is an integral part of their lives. Some native tribes have a cultural handwoven costume and props like a basketful of flowers or spears. And traditional events such as weddings and funerals are celebrated in a somewhat luxurious way. Some people are clad in bracelets, anklets, and necklaces made from precious jewels and gold.
History and religion have a really strong connection here. Remembering historic events and national heroes are also essential to Filipinos. These are observed in People Power Anniversary, when they commemorate the peaceful act of dethroning former President Marcos, alleged depriving them of human rights. And National Heroes Day, honoring thousands of heroes who fought in bloodshed for independence from colonizers.
Hot-air Balloon Festival – Clark, Pampanga
Many, even city people, gather to watch (or ride) customized hot-air balloons.
When: Summer Time
Highlight: Early Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight, Hot Air Balloon Fly-In, and Evening Glow
Ligligan Parul (Giant Lantern Festival) – San Fernando, Pampanga
Kapampangan takes pride in making these giant lanterns (parol) to light up your Christmas.
When: Mid-December
Highlight: Giant Lantern Dancing Lights Showdown
Panagbenga (Flower) Festival – Baguio City
Simply put, your eyes will thank you for seeing the exotic and colorful floral species of Baguio.
When: February (month-long)
Highlights: Grand Flower Float, Grand Street Dance Parade
Tuna Festival – General Santos City
Aquatic activities are central, as a way to honor the fish. You can join in a jet ski challenge, dragon boat race, motorized bangka (canoe) race, or skimboarding competition.
When: First week of September
Highlights: Tuna Float Parade, Sugbahan sa Dalan
MassKara Festival – Bacolod
As the name suggests, the festival is all about masks from the City of Smiles. You need to witness why the city is named such.
When: Fourth Sunday of October
Highlights: Street Dancing Barangay Category, Electric MassKara Dance Parade, and Party
Kadayawan Festival – Davao City
You’ll see unique barefoot dances interpreting the diverse tribes and Lumad heritage in Mindanao.
When: Third weekend of August
Highlights: Indak Indak sa Kadalanan Street Dancing, Floral Parade, Parada sa Dagat
Meaning of Religious Festivals
For most Filipinos, their deep faith and devotion to God govern almost every aspect of their lives. Among the Christian important religious holidays are Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, All Souls’ Day, and many local fiestas revering patron saints and especially Mary, mother of Christ.
Religious festivals in the Philippines are not just to exhibit art, culture, delicacies, and talent. They are ways to commemorate and pay respect to patron saints. For many Filipinos, it’s an obligation to attend because of the miraculous magic of the saints. Their deep faith makes them grateful for the good fortune and luck that the saints impart.
Types of Festival in the Philippines
The different festivals in the Philippines are often categorized as religious and secular (non-religious). Secular festivals are very much cultural in nature. Each province is proud of indigenous of one or sets of products. Townspeople look forward to these since it’s an opportunity to showcase their livelihood.
There are also festivals related to an industry such as music and film. Celebration of the arts and culture, although made fundamentals to these festivities, only polishes their significance.
Filipinos always find a way to make every fiesta special. They even borrow money just to cook and serve foods like lechon, the national dish of the Philippines. Typical, they invite neighbors to their humble abode to enjoy the feast with them. In planning and preparing these unique festivals, the local’s practice camaraderie.
Festivals provide joyful moments and a roller-coaster of emotions with friends and loved ones. Without these, can Filipinos foster strong ties and live such a colorful life?
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