Philippines Festivals

We love feasts. Many occasions are an opportunity to celebrate. We now celebrate a Saints Birthday on dates
formerly associatedwith animistic rituals. Festivals are colorful with often an inventive use of materials. Nearly
each island has its festival, so only the most remarkable ones are noted. Visitors are welcome.
JANUARY:
FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE
January 9th - Quiapo, Manila
A grand Fiesta and a religious activity, this festival centers on the image of the Black Nazarene which was
transported by galleon from Mexico to Manila in the 17th century. The festival is marked by an afternoon
procession by thousands of devotees. Even Filipino movie stars and TV personalities attend this event.
ATI-ATIHAN
January 16-22 - Kalibo, Aklan
One of the most popular of the Philippine festivals, the Ati-atihan is a celebration in honor of the Sto. Nio.
Revelers don colorful costumes and paint their bodies black and dance to the distictive beat of "Hala bira!" around
the town.
Mostly Filipino youths participate in the programs. These youngters practice for a long time to perfect their
performances. A lot of people enjoy this event because of the music and the tribal dance steps.
PASUNGAY
Every 2nd Saturday of January - San Joaquin, Iloilo
A festival of bulls on the hillsides of San Joaquin. Prized bulls from the town and neighboring areas fight amidst
wild cheering from spectators.
SINULOG
Every third weeken of January - Cebu City, Cebu
The Feast of the Sto. Nio is celebrated in Cebu with a procession, street dancing competition and a fluvial parade.
Much like the Ati-atihan, the Sinulog Festival is marked by frenzied reverly to the chant of "Pit Senor!"
DINAGYANG
Every fourth weekend of January - Iloilo City, Iloilo
Spectacle characterized by a frenetic stomping of feet and hypnotic drumbeating. It is a colorful whirl of
thousands of people dressed in unique costumes dancing and chanting all day and night.
ZAMBULAWAN
Every third Sunday of January - Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
The founding of Pagadian City showcases the Subanon tribe's rich cultural heritage by way of songs, dances and
exhibits of musical instruments.
Cultural Festivals
The many communities of predominantly Catholic Philippines almost all have a patron saint assigned to each of them.
Ati-Atihan Festival - Kalibo, Aklan (in honour of Santo Nino)

Dinagyang Festival - Iloilo City (in honour of Santo Nio )

Talakudong Festival - Tacurong City
Kinabayo festival - Dapitan City (in honour of Saint James the Great)
Higantes Festival - Angono, Rizal (in honour of Saint Clement)
Longganisa Festival - Vigan City (in honour of Saint Paul)
Kasadyahan sa Iligan - Iligan City (in honour of Saint Michael the Archangel)
Mammangui Festival - Ilagan City (held on May 30)
Moriones Festival - Marinduque (part of Holy Week; commemorates Saint Longinus)
Pintados-Kasadyaan - Leyte
Sigpawan Festval-Lemery, Batangas Celebrate every Easter Sunday
Sangyaw - Tacloban City
Silmugi Festival - Borbon, Cebu (in honour of Saint Sebastian)
Sinulog Festival - Cebu (in honour of Santo Nio de Ceb)
Zamboanga Hermosa Festival - Zamboanga City (in honour of Our Lady of the Pillar)
Pintaflores Festival - San Carlos City, Neg. Occ. (in honour of Saint Charles Borromeo)
Regada Water Festival - Cavite City, Cavite (in honour of Saint John the Baptist)
Meguyaya Festival - Upi, Maguindanao
Padul-ong Festival - Baysay Borongan
Indigenous Influence/Non-Religious Festival
Kadayawan Festival - Davao City
Lanzones Festival - Camiguin
Pav-vurulun Festival - Tuguegarao City
MassKara Festival - Bacolod City
Ibalong Festival - Legazpi City
Sandugo Festival - Bohol

Sanghiyang Festival - Alfonso, Cavite

Bangus Festival - Dagupan City
Sinukwan Festival - San Fernando City.
Frog Festival - San Fernando City.
Kannawidan 'Ylocos' Festival - Ilocos Sur
Viva Vigan 'Binatbatan' Festival of the Arts - Vigan City
World Costume Festival (An INTERNATIONAL event) - Vigan City
WORLD's Heritage Cities Solidarity Festival - Vigan City
Raniag Twilight Festival - Vigan City
Sampaguita Festival-San Pedro,Laguna
Kalimudan Festival-Isulan
Kalilangan Festival-General Santos City
Halamang Dilaw Singkaban Festival - Marilao, Bulacan
Maubanog Festival-Mauban,Quezon
Bayluhay Festival(The Barter of Panay)-San Joaquin, Iloilo
Kagay-an Festival-Cagayan de Oro
Mango Festival-Iba, Zambales
Inug-og Festival-Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental
Kaamulan Festival-Malaybalay City, Bukidnon