It is well known that Filipinos all around the world love celebrations and gatherings. Just take a look at this long list of Philippine festivals and you will understand. However, this is just a part of it; after immigrating to the Philippines, if you say that there is at least one festive celebration happening every day of the year in some part of the country, it would not be surprising.
Filipino festivals are like a grand cultural feast, lasting for a day or even a month, and the vibrant festive atmosphere attracts tourists from both domestic and abroad.
Tracing back to the mid-16th century, due to the influence of Spanish Catholicism, most festivals have a certain religious character, while others commemorate significant moments in history. Regardless, participating in a festival in the Philippines is definitely an experience you cannot afford to miss.
There are different festivals almost every month, so timing is not an issue. If you want to experience the festivals in the Philippines, below is a timetable listing some of the most popular festivals, which we hope will inspire you.
● Ati-Atihan Festival
Third weekend of January | Kalibo, Aklan
This is one of the many ancient religious festivals in the Philippines that marks the beginning of the Santo Niño Festival. Participants paint their faces, wear indigenous clothing and weaponry, and the celebratory activities of the Ati-Atihan Festival are constituted by parading groups dancing to the thunderous drums.
Visitors to Kalibo can smear black soot on their faces and dance together with the beat of the drums in the streets. Ati-Atihan is known as the “Philippine Carnival” and is absolutely unmissable.
● Sinulog Festival
Third weekend of January | Cebu
Cebu City also has its unique way of celebrating the Santo Niño Festival, known as the Sinulog Festival.
This is the most attended festival in the Philippines, with millions of domestic and international visitors flocking to witness it. A report in 2013 noted that the number of participants reached an astonishing 4 million.
Sinulog Festival not only provides a stage for local performance groups but also space for troupes from surrounding provinces to showcase their talent in street dancing and festive activities. It is a nationwide celebration that annually attracts more and more party enthusiasts from all over the country.
● Dinagyang Festival
Fourth weekend of January | Iloilo
If you happen to know someone from Iloilo, try asking them about the Philippine festivals. You will find they have an infinite pride in their city’s festival. During the Dinagyang Festival, Iloilo City transforms into a giant street party—roads are closed, bands are everywhere, and food and drinks abound amidst the hanging speakers. To stand out, different groups represent their respective towns and high schools in an exceptionally fierce street dancing competition.
Surprisingly, this city’s festival holds multiple awards and is a consecutive winner of the Philippine Tourism Authority’s “Best Philippine Tourism Event” award.
According to Iloilo tourism officer Ben Jimena, the award-winning groups are going international and promoting Philippine tourism in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Singapore.
● Panagbenga Festival
>February | Baguio
The term “Panagbenga” in Filipino means “season of blooming”. During the parades, children dress up as plants or animals, perfectly embodied in the name of the festival, making Baguio an excellent destination for many still immersed in the festivities of January.
Along with Baguio’s other attractions, the Session Road during Panagbenga is truly a delight to behold, also known as the “Street of Blooming”. Some famous streets in Baguio will implement traffic controls to ensure smoothness for floats, dance performances, and outdoor cafes.
Today, hundreds of thousands of tourists participate in this grand event each year, so if you wish to join in, planning ahead is quite necessary. (For example: bring a map, book a hotel in advance, etc.)
● Moriones Festival
February 13-20 | Easter Week | Boac, Gasan, and Mogpog, Marinduque
This week-long celebration makes Marinduque one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines during Easter Week. Morion refers to the helmet worn by centurions, while Moriones describes those dressed as centurions in search of Saint Longinus.
During the festival, you will see Marinduqueños dressed as Moriones searching for Saint Longinus. One person will act as Longinus, avoiding capture, while the townspeople help Longinus hide in their homes. The passion of Christ is also reenacted during this Philippine festival.
● Christmas
>December 25 | Nationwide
>Filipinos celebrate the longest duration of the most important religious holiday of the year—Christmas. The Christmas celebration starts on September 1 when the weather cools down, and Christmas carols begin, continuing until the first week of January with the Feast of the Three Kings, marking the official end of the Christmas season.
