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Philippine
Festivals and Fiestas
The
fiesta is part and parcel of Filipino culture.
Through good times and bad times, the fiesta must
go on. Each city and barrio has at least one local
festival of its own, usually on the feast of its
patron saint, so that there is always a fiesta
going on somewhere in the country. But the biggest
and most elaborate festival of all is Christmas, a
season celebrated with all the pomp and pageantry
the fun-loving Filipino can manage.
ATI-ATIHAN
Kalibo, Aklan
13-19 January
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.
The
ceaseless, 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 merriment. A familiar battle cry reaches
your ears, and amidst all this confusion you
remember where you are: Kalibo, Aklan. "Viva, Sto.
Niño!"
The
Ati-Atihan celebration is echoed in many parts of
the country.
SINULOG
Cebu City
18-19 January
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. The
prayer-dance is synchronized to the beat of drums
and shouts of "Pit Señor! Viva Sto.
Niño!" Feel free to dance with the best of
them, grooving all the way to the grand final
presentation at the Cebu City Sports
Center.
DINAGYANG
Iloilo City
25-26 January
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!
PANAGBENGA
Baguio Flower Festival
23 February - 3 March
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
28 February - 1 March
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.
MORIONES
Marinduque
13-20 February
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.
CUTUD
LENTEN RITES
San Fernando, Pampanga
16-18 April
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.
PAHIYAS/MAYON/AGAWAN
Quezon
11-15 May
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.
It's
a free-for-all, grab-all-you-can affair with
suman-sweet, sticky native rice cakes-as the center
of contention. It is also the grand prize, so feel
free to join the fray. Rest assured, whether you
get handfuls or just a mere mouthful, the Mayohan
sa Tayabas will leave you wanting for more - suman,
of course!
Sariaya's
own version of the San Isidro festival showcases
the creativity and ingenuity of the townsfolk in
their craft and culinary tradition.
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.
MUDPACK
FESTIVAL
Murcia, Negros Occidental
24 June
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!
PINYAHAN
SA DAET
Daet, Camarines Norte
15-24 June
Sweet,
succulent 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 complemented by art exhibits, trade
fair, cultural dances, and sport events. Feel rich
when you go for a visit at Paracale Gold Mines, and
be acquainted with some Bicol heroes like Vinzon
and Panganiban and Lucban.
PARADA
NG LECHON
Balayan, Batangas
24 June
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. 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.
TACLOBAN
PINTADOS FESTIVAL
Tacloban City
29 June
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.
SANDUGO
FESTIVAL
Tagbilaran City
1-2 July
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. Check
out the Sandugo street dancing parade featuring ten
colorfully-dressed groups dancing to the beat of
drums. There's also a traditional Filipino
carnival, a martial arts festival, and Miss Bohol
Sandugo Beauty Pageant, among the dozen of other
exciting activities.
KINABAYO
FESTIVAL
Dapitan City
25 July
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. They
were able to reverse the tide through the
miraculous apparition of St. James. The addition of
local color and innovation has made this annual
revelry a popular attraction which brings thousands
of visitors to the city.
KADAYAWAN
SA DABAW
Davao City
20-24 August
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.
BONOK-BONOK
FESTIVAL & SILOP CAVE ADVENTURE
Surigao City
9 September
Behind
Surigao's multi-faceted culture is its original
tribal background. The Surigaonons go back to their
roots this month as they celebrate their heritage
with a loud, rowdy street dancing
parade.
PEÑAFRANCIA
VIVA LA VIRGEN
Naga City
20 September
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. Stay until sundown for stirring
climax: the fluvial parade as it makes its way down
the river, surrounded by a sea of glowing candles -
a fitting end of this truly spiritual
occasion.
ZAMBOANGA
HERMOSA FESTIVAL
Zamboanga City
10-12 October
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. There's
also a wealth of cultural and flower shows, art
exhibits, and trade fairs. It's an all-out
celebration of life - Chavacano style!
MASKARA
FESTIVAL
Bacolod City
14-21 October
The
carnival spirit fills the air as masked
participants donning fabulous costumes dance there
way around the city's main thoroughfares. This
annual event reflects Bacolenos' love for fun and
gaiety. Coinciding with the city's character day
celebration, the festival features
carnivals.
Related
Articles About the Republic of the
Philippines:
courtesy
of the Official Websites of the Philippine
Department of Tourism
please visit www.wowphilippines.com.ph and
www.tourism.gov.ph for more information
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