... and we do too
JANUARY
1. FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE - Quiapo Church, Manila
January 9People go to Quiapo Church, Manila to honor the miraculous wooden black statue of Jesus Christ carried by male devotees during the procession.
2. BINIRAY – Romblon- January 9
A festival parade in the sea followed by a celebration in Romblon
3. LINGAYEN GULF LANDING - Lingayen, Pangasinan - January 9
Held in Lingayen Pangasinan, it commemorates the landing of General MacArthur’s Allied Forces in Luzon in 1945.
4. ATI-ATIHAN - Kalibo, Aklan - Third Week
The Ati-Atihan Festival honors the 13th century land deal between 10 migrating Bornean chieftains and the indigenous Ati King Marikudo. It also honors the town patron, the infant Sto. Niño. The constant, rhythmic pounding of drums get to you, and before you know it you are on the street, shuffling your feet, shaking your head, waving your hands - and joining thousands of soot-blacked, gaily-costumed revelers in an ancient ritual of mindless happiness. A familiar battle cry reaches your ears, and amidst all this bewilderment you remember where you are: Kalibo, Aklan. "Viva, Sto. Niño!" The Ati-Atihan celebration is boomed in many parts of the country.
5. DARO SINULOG - Dumaguete Negros - Third Week
A moving pageantry depicting Holy Child’s conversation of pagan tribes.
6. SINULOG -
7. CARACOL SA
Groups dress as endangered flora and fauna to express the need to preserve and conserve our natural heritage. Caracol is a Spanish term for snail.
8. VIGAN TOWN FIESTA - Fourth Week - The highlight of the week long celebration is the procession in honor of Vigan’s patron saint,
9. APRIBADA - Donsol, Sorsogon - A celebration welcoming the whale shark (butanding) season and the blessing it will bring.
10. DINAGYANG - Iloilo City - Fourth Weekend
Merry mayhem breaks loose in Iloilo City during this weekend, when Ilonggos leave everything behind to join in the fiesta of the year. All shyness 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
1. HOT AIR BALLOON - Clark Special Economic Zone - Early February
An annual tournament of balloonist from various countries. Features aerosport shows, kite flying, games, live bands and exhibitions.
2. FEAST OF OUR LADY OF CANDLES - Jaro, Ilo-ilo
The largest and the most wealthy religious pageantry in
3. FESTIVAL OF HEARTS -
Major festival of romance to highlight Valentine’s Day.
4.
5. SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION - La Union - Februray 7 to 10
Musical extravaganzas, trade fairs and pageants featuring show business and celebrity personalities.
6. TINAGBA – Bicol - Feruary 11
A harvest festival in which coincides with the feast day of Our Lady of
7. INTERNATIONAL BAMBOO ORGAN
A 10 day cultural event which features international classical performers and utilizes the ancient bamboo organ of
8. TAWO – TAWO - February 17
Giant, paper mache scarecrows highlight their roles as guardians of
9. DIA DE ZAMBOANGA - February 26
A celebration of cultural and religious harmony between Christians and Muslims in this most cosmopolitan of Philippine cities. Marks the date when Zamboanga became a city.
10. PANAGBENGA -
It's flower season in the city of
11.
Folk traditions in music, dance and play and a painting contest featuring home grown talents.
12. SAMBALILO - February 1 – 28
Parañaque and Metro
13. SUMAN - Town of
The festival highlights the varied rice cake delicacies.
14. KALILANGAN -
A celebration of the harmonious co-existence of numerous cultural and religious communities.
15. ITIK-ITIK -
16. SIBUG - SIBUG FESTIVAL - Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay - February 17 to 26
Sibug – Sibug Festival is celebrated during their foundation day on the province of Sibugay on February 26, with colorful Ethnic Street dancing with rituals illustrating good harvest, wedding and healing rituals. During the festival, it endorses it’s number one product which is the oyster or talaba in tagalong which has been known to be the biggest, juiciest, and meatiest oysters in the country.
MARCH
1. KAAMULAN =- Malaybalay, Bukidnon- March 3 - 7
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 standard, 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.
2. ARYA ABRA -
Celebrates the founding of
3. SANDUGO - Tagbilaran, Bohol - Month-long (movable)
Highlighted every 16 March by re-enactment of the Blood Compact between
4. ARAW NG DABAW - March 10-16 - Celebration of
5. PINTADOS DE PASI - March 14-16 - Depicts the history of the Passi City
6. HOMONHON LANDING - Southeastern Samar - March 16 - A pageant by the seashore re-enacting the discovery of the
7.
A Mountain trek, which Darks the anniversary of the tragic death of President Ramon Magsaysay, whose plane crashed on the mountain.
8. SINIGAYAN - Sagas,
Named after the native seashell (sigay). Shell craft art is featured during the festival.
9. FIRST MASS IN THE PHILIPPINES - Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte-Mar31
Features a street pageant by the different municipalities.
EASTER
10. MORIONES – Marinduque - Easter Sunday
The
11. LENTEN FESTIVAL OF HERBAL PREPARATION - Easter Saturday
Secret rites of herbalists from the Visayas and Mindanao, who gather in San Antonio, Siquijor, for the ceremony know as Tang Alap, the combining of medicinal herbs.
12. SEMANA SANTA - Iguig, Cagayan- HoIy Week
Pilgrims flock to the 11 hectare Calvary Hills to meditate on the passion and death of Jesus christ.
13. AGOO SEMANA SANTA - Agoo, La
Features a parade of carriages and a Penitential Procession of women, dressed in black.
14. SALUBONG - Angono, Rizal
Celebrates the reunion of the Risen Christ with the Virgin Mary.
APRIL
1. CUTUD LENTEN RITES- -
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 executed in the morning of Good Friday during the Holy Week. Backs, arms, and legs are cut and then struck with burillo beats. The climax to this occasion happens at midday, when penitents are literally nailed to their waiting crosses.
2. KALILANG -
3. KADAUGAN SA MACTAN - Cebu City - April 27 - A complete reenactment of the Battle of Mactan, in which Magellan's Forces were defeated by Lapu-lapu and his warriors, resulting in the death of the Spanish explorer.
4. TANDUYONG -
5. CONQUER
6. BANKARERA - Penablanca, Cagayan - April 21 - A boat rowing race held on the Pinacanauan river in Callao Caves Tourist Zone.
7. CASSAVA -
Highlights many uses of this root crop. Features cooking contests.
8. BINIRAYAN - San Jose, Antique - late April - Celebrates the re-enactment of the landing of ten Bormeo Datus in 13th Century.
MAY
1. PASALAMAT LA CARLOTA - 1st Sunday - Offers thanksgiving to God of Agriculture in Kanlaon Volcano.
2. TAPUSAN - Alitagtag, Batangas- month-long - Celebration to honor the Holy Cross.
3. BOHOL month long - Celebrations throughout the province, I where sumptuous feasts are prepared. All Boholanos are expected to return home for the fiesta.
4. PISTA'Y DAYAT - Lingayen, Pangasinan - May 1 - Celebrate rich harvested seafood
5. ALINSANGAN BOA-BOAHAN -Nabla,CamarinesSur -May1 -Pagan fertility festival
6. CARABAO CARROZA RACE - Pavia,
7. RODEO PILIPINO -
8. PAHIYAS - Lucban, Laguna - May 15 - Honors San lsidro, the patron saint of farmers. Beautiful decorations, made of edible rice dough, are placed on the exteriors of houses representing various agricultural products.
9. MAGAYON -
10. PINEAPPLE --Daet, Camarines Norte - May 1-31 - In honor of Daet's main crop, the Queen Formosa Pineapple, reputed to be the sweetest variety.
11. FLORES DE MAYO / SANTACRUZAN - Nationwide- May
A parade of the town's loveliest ladies, representing the search and discovery of Christ's Cross by Queen Helena and Constantine.
12. HUNDRED
13. MANGGAHAN SA GUIMARAS – Guimaras - May 15-22 - Celebrates the founding of province and its famous golden mangoes.
14. BOLIBONG KINGKING - Loboc,
15. PANAGYAMAN - Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya - May 19-24 - Commemorates the establishment of civil government in the province.
16. ANTIPOLO PILGRIMAGE - Month long of May
Thousands of devotees venerate the miraculous sightings of the Virgin of Antipolo image.
17. BANGKERO - Pagsanjan- Last Sunday of May - A flotilla of decorated boats (bancas). Features the skills of the Pagsanjan boatmen.
18. PAHIYAS/MAYON/AGAWAN – Quezon- 11-15 May
Flowers come out in May, but these aren't the only things displayed during this merry month. Down south in the town of
JUNE
1. MUDPACK FESTIVAL - Murcia, Negros Occidental - 24 June
Oneness with nature is the underlying theme behind
2. PINYAHAN SA DAET - Daet, Camarines Norte- 15-24 June
Sweet, juicy pineapple is the fruit of choice for the people of Daet, Camarines Norte. In fact, they loved it so much that they made a festival in its honor. Join the locals as they celebrate the Pineapple Festival featuring a colorful street presentation set by art exhibits, trade fair, cultural dances, and sport events. Feel rich when you go for a visit at Paracale Gold Mines, and be familiar with some Bicol heroes like Vinzon and Panganiban and Lucban.
3. PARADA NG LECHON - Balayan, Batangas- -24 June
A different sight and flavor are introduced in June with a festival in Balayan, Batangas, commonly known as the "Parada Ng Lechon". These luscious roasted pork form the highlight of the occasion, decorated out in their platforms with all kinds of décor. Since the festival corresponds with the feast of
4. TACLOBAN PINTADOS FESTIVAL - Tacloban City- 29 June
Back during pre-Hispanic years, tattoos denoted courage among the natives of Tacloban. These days they symbolize a cultural revival, and a wild, wild fiesta called the Pintados. Join the town residents as they decorate themselves out in body paint, imitating the warriors of old while dancing to the frantic beat of drums.
5. BUKLOG - Dipolog City,
6. BARAGATAN -
7. PILI – Sorsogon - June 20-29 - Street dancing showcasing the growth stages of Bicol's indigenous Pilinut.
8. TAONG-PUTIK – Aliaga - June 24 - Devotees of St. John the Baptist cover their bodies with mud, vines, banana and coconut leaves.
9. ARAW NG MAYNILA -
10. SUBLIAN SA BATANGAS -
JULY
1. SANDUGO FESTIVAL -
The Spanish colonization of the
2. KINABAYO FESTIVAL - -
An exotic and colorful pageant re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish wars, particularly the
3. FEAST OF OUR LADY OF PIAT - Cagayan - July 1-2 - A major religious event highlighted by the procession of the Marian.
4. SAGAYAN - Tubod, Lanao del Norte - July 3-4 - The festival has its origin in a war dance that connotes masculinity. Unique in the fact that it has no religious connotation.
5. PAGODA - Pasig River, Metro Manila - First Sunday of July - The Holy Cross of Wawa is paraded in a specially built river boat (pagoda), accompanied by other vessels in a river procession along the Pasig River, Metro Manila.
6. CORDILLERA DAY - Cordillera Administrative Region - July 15 - Cultural activities celebrating the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region.
7. PINTA FLORES -
8. TINALAK - Koronadal,
9. SIMBALAY - Nabunturan - Highlighted by Mansaka Tribal dances.
AUGUST
1. KADAYAWAN SA DABAW -
2. ADLAW HONG BUTUAN -
3. PALO-PALO - Northern Province, Batanes - August 4-5 - Cultural presentation of the lifestyles of the inhabitants of the Philippines most remote Northern Province, Batanes.
4. KAADLAWAN HAN SAMAR - Catbalogan, Samar - August 11 - Marking the celebration of
5. KALIBONGAN -
6. KIDAPAWAN FRUIT - 2nd week - Featuring cultural shows and a variety of exhibits.
7. LUBI-LUBI - Calubian, Leyte - August 15 - Festivities in Calubian, Leyte, which focus on the various uses of coconut and its by-products.
8. BUYOGAN - Abuyog,
SEPTEMBER
1. BONOK-BONOK FESTIVAL & SILOP CAVE ADVENTURE -
9 September - Behind Surigao's talented culture is its original tribal background. The Surigaonons go back to their roots this month as they celebrate their heritage with a loud, noisy street dancing parade.
2. PEÑAFRANCIA VIVA LA VIRGEN -
3. TUNA SA GENSAN -
4. SARAKIKI - Calbayog City,
5. PANAGDADAPUN - Cabarroquis, Quirino - September 8-10 - Presentation of 19 cultural groups residing in the province.
6. T'BOLI TRIBAL - South Cotabato - Third week - The culture of this unique tribe is celebrated in
7. ARAW NG SIQUIJOR - Siquijor - Third week -
OCTOBER
1. ZAMBOANGA HERMOSA FESTIVAL - Zamboanga City-01-12 October
All roads in Mindanao lead to Zamboanga, as the "City of
2. MASSKARA FESTIVAL -
The carnival spirit fills the air as masked participants putting on magnificent costumes dance there way around the city's main street. This annual event reflects Bacolenos' love for fun and jollity. Corresponding with the city's character day celebration, the festival features carnivals.
3. LANZONES FESTIVAL – Camiguin - Third week of October
Lanzones Festival in Mambadjao Camiguin is celebrated with a weekend street dancing competition and parties, cultural shows, parade and beauty pageant (coronation of Mutya sa Buahanan) and trade fair that features local handicraft and products. Houses, street poles and even people are ornamented with lanzones during the lanzones festival.
4. SIARGAO SURFING CUP - 1st week (movable) - A recent event held at Cloud 9 Break near General Luna, which has placed the
5. IBALONG - Legazpi City, Bicol - October 6-12 - The festival depicts Bicol's early history and is named after an early hero of the region.
6. LA NAVAL -
7. CATANDUNGAN - Virac-October 22-24 -Celebrates the founding of the province.
8. A
9. FIESTANG KULIAT (Tigtigan, Terakan Keng Dalan)
Balibago,
10. SAGINGAN - Tubod, Lanao del Node
October 16-19 - Street pageant, where the dancers wear costumes made from banana plants.
11. LEYTE GULF LANDING - Palo, Leyte
October 20 - Marks the anniversary of the Allied Forces landing on
NOVEMBER
1. PINTA FLORES FESTIVAL -
This city in the sugar-producing
2. FEAST OF SAN CLEMENTE / HIGANTES - Angono, Rizal - 23 November
A fiesta of "gigantic" proportions, this one is highlighted by a grand procession featuring the higantes, ten-feet papier-mâche puppets, surrounded by a crowd of drenched, water-fighting revelers. Better bring your squirt gun if you want to join the f`un. It is a water-logged event that is sure to leave you wet n' wild - and wanting for more.
3. KANSILAY - November 5-13 - Named after the tree with purple-pink flowers. The festival incorporates the celebration of Cinco de Noviembre, a bloodless revolution in Silay which overthrew the city guards.
4. HELUBONG - Lake Sebu,
Cultural presentations of the T'Boli and B'Laan ethnic minorities.
5. SANDUGUAN - Calapan, Oriental, Mindoro - November 11-15 - Re-enactment of the first contact between the natives of
6. GUINAKIT OF MAGUINDANAO -
7.
8. P'YAGSAWITAN - Maragusan,
9. FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - Puerto Princesa City,
DECEMBER
1. SHARIFF KABUNSUAN FESTIVAL -
2. GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL - San Fernando, Pampanga - 3 December
San Fernando makes the biggest, most spectacular lanterns, at around 40 feet in diameter and bearing thousands of light bulbs a piece. Watch them all in their twinkling, blinking, flashing glory in this grand Christmas exhibit.
3. FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPCION - Roxas City, Panay and Malabon, Manila - December 8 - The Roxas Festival is a showcase of the culture of the province, while the Malabon celebration features a river procession.
4. OLONGAPO FESTIVAL - December 30 - The city's festivities include a lantern parade.
5. GRAND MARIAN PROCESSION - lntramuros, Manila - December 2 - Sixty images of the Virgin Mary are paraded on lavishly decorated carriages (carrozas).
6. CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS - Tangub, Misamis Occidental - Month long of December - A contest for Christmas displays that utilize indigenous materials.
7. TULTUGAN - Maasin - Highlights the town's bamboo industry and the versatility of bamboo
We gonna have to make a few choices !














