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.
Saludan Festival, also called Pagdaug Saludan Festival, is an annual cultural, historical, and harvest festival in the town of Tigbauan in the province of Iloilo, Philippines every March 18 or third Friday of October. It is a celebration of the town’s way of life, agriculture, culture, and history. Generally a week-long affair, its activities are […]
Jaro Fiesta, also called Fiesta de Jaro, La Candelaria, and Grand Jaro Fiesta, is an annual religious festival in Jaro in Iloilo City in the province of Iloilo, Philippines from January 24 to February 2. It is held in honor of Our Lady of Candles and it is considered one of the biggest yearly Marian […]
Katagman Festival is the yearly cultural festival and founding anniversary in the town of Oton in the province of Iloilo, Philippines every May 3. It is a week-long celebration, and the events are participated by the representatives of all constituent barangays. History of Katagman Festival Katagman Festival was launched in 2003. It comes from the […]
Haw-as Festival is a cultural and seafood festival in the town of Dumangas, Iloilo, Philippines every last week October. Boasting of a week-long calendar, it is a celebration of Dumangas’ vibrant local culture, rich heritage, ts seafood industry particularly the production of bangus (milkfish), thanksgiving for bountiful harvest, and heroism of Filipino patriot Colonel Quintin […]
Peñafrancia Festival is regarded as the biggest religious celebration in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Asia. A month-long celebration, it is an annual cultural and religious festival held in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia) in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines every third Sunday of September. Every Friday […]
Gaginaway Festival is a cultural festival and founding anniversary of the town of Malita every November 17. It is the most popular festival in the province of Davao Occidental, Philippines. Its name comes from gaginaway, which means gathering among Tagacaolo people and love in B’laan language. Its schedule is in the full moon in November, […]
Meguyaya Festival is a cultural festival in the town of Upi in the province of Maguindanao del Norte, Philippines every December 22. It is a celebration of harmony and unity, and it is also a convergence of the different local cultures particularly of the indigenous people called Teduray. History of Meguyaya Festival Meguyaya Festival was […]
Parayan Festival is a cultural festival, rice festival, and founding anniversary of the town of San Roque in the province of Northern Samar, Philippines every March 16. It is participated by constituent barangay units. It is one of the cultural fests participating in Ibabao Festival. History of Parayan Festival Parayan Festival comes from the word […]
Kariyala Festival is a cultural festival and founding anniversary in the town of Wao in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines held every February 22. It is a display of unity for it is a gathering of tribes in one in thanksgiving of harvest and peace, as well as a toast to the diversity […]
Sibug-Sibug Festival is a cultural festival and founding anniversary in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines every February 24. It also coincides with the Festival of Lights. A week-long fest, activities take place in Ipil, the capital of the province. History of Sibug-Sibug Festival Sibug-Sibug Festival comes from the name of the river Sibuguey, from […]