The Philippines is known the world over as a place of beautiful natural wonders. It attracts millions of foreign tourists who are drawn to its white sand beaches and pristine waters every year. And it is definitely a must-see destination too for its rich and colorful festivals.
Festivals are called fiesta or piyesta locally. They are crowd-drawing events and a prominent annual cultural experience of every Filipino regardless of class and background. These are celebrations that are conducted everywhere, from national down to the level of barangay (the smallest political unit), all year round that the country is famous for being “fiesta islands”.
Below is the list of top festivals in the Philippines.
Gabii sa Kabilin, also known by its translation A Night of Heritage, is a one-night cultural event held in Metro Cebu, Philippines every May. It is conducted as one of the activities in Cebu that coincides with the celebration of the National Heritage Month. Through the years, it has become one of the most-awaited cultural […]
Imbayah Festival, also called Banaue Imbayah Festival, is an annual cultural event in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines in the last week of April. It is the biggest cultural festival in the province of Ifugao. Imbayah Imbayah is the age-old ceremony and merry-making among Ifugaos that they hold when elevating a person and family to the noble […]
Kadaugan sa Mactan, translated to Victory in Mactan, is held in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines every April 27. It is a yearly re-enactment of the Battle of Mactan of 1521, an encounter where local chieftain Lapulapu defeated the Spanish forces and killed Portuguese colonizer Ferdinand Magellan. The result of the battle was the disastrous outcome […]
Aklan Day is the founding anniversary in the province of Aklan, Philippines every April 25. The date is a special non-working holiday pursuant to Republic Act No. 6722 that was signed by President Corazon Aquino on May 29, 1989. An annual trade fair called Piña and Fiber Festival has been simultaneously organized since 1999, and […]
Sakayan Festival, also is traditional boat festival and the Isabela City Cityhood Anniversary celebrated in Isabela City, Basilan, Philippines every April 25. The date might be declared a holiday (such as Proclamation No. 707 in 2019). The city also celebrates the religious fiesta in honor of St. Elizabeth of Portugal every July 8. What is […]
Sulop Founding Anniversary is observed in the municipality of Sulop, Davao del Sur, Philippines every April 24th. The date can be declared a special holiday through presidential proclamations (example, Proclamation No. 472 in 2018). History of Sulop, Davao del Sur Aboriginal groups such as B’laans, Bagobos, and Tagacaolo were the first inhabitants of Sulop. In […]
Malabon City Founding Anniversary is celebrated in Malabon City, Metro Manila, Philippines every May 21. The date can be declared a special holiday (such as Proclamation 1144 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2021). The city also celebrates the Malabon City Charter Anniversary every April 21st. History of Malabon City Malabon’s name comes from bamboo […]
Malabon City Charter Day is celebrated annually in Malabon City, Metro Manila, Philippines every April 21. The date can be a holiday through executive issuance such as Proclamation No. 366 issued by President Benigno Aquino in 2012. In addition, the city celebrates its founding anniversary every May 21. Cityhood of Malabon City In post-war years, […]
Calamba Cityhood Anniversary is celebrated in Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines every April 21. The date can be a holiday through proclamations from the Office of the President (such as Proclamation No. 1335 in 2022). The city also celebrates the birth anniversary of Jose Rizal in Buhayani Festival every June 19. History of Calamba City The […]
Araw ng Orani, also known as Orani Foundation Day, is the founding anniversary of the municipality of Orani, Bataan, Philippines every April 21. The date is a special nonworking holiday by virtue of Republic Act No. 11145 that was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte on November 9, 2018. The town also celebrates the fiesta of […]