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.
T’Nalak Festival is an annual cultural festival in the province of South Cotabato, Philippines held every second week of July. It is a province-wide celebration of the diversity of its culture and ethnic minorities. In addition, it is also a yearly commemoration of the founding of the province. Major activities happen in Koronadal City, the […]
Kadayawan Festival is a yearly cultural and historical festival in Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines held every third week of August. It is a celebration of diversity and thanksgiving for life and harvest, Davao City being rich in bounties of nature and agriculture, in addition to giving tribute to the city’s indigenous minority composed […]
Ibalong Festival is a cultural, historical, and sports festival held in the city of Legazpi in the province of Albay, Philippines every August. It is a celebration of the history of the founding of Bicol as contained in Ibalong epic that was created before the Spanish conquest and passed down as oral history until it […]
Pintados de Pasi Festival is a cultural and historical festival and founding anniversary held in the inland city of Passi in Iloilo, Philippines every March, coinciding the date that Passi was granted cityhood status which is March 14, 1998. Thus, the festival is a blend of commemorating the proud tribal culture of body-painting of pintados […]
Aliwan Festival is a cultural festival held in Metro Manila, Philippines every April. It is a three-day grand fiesta that brings together contingents from different regions, provinces, cities, and towns in the country. Major competitions include street dance, float, and festival queen search called Reyna ng Aliwan. Special awards in best folkloric performance, best costume, […]
Pintados Festival, also known as Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival, is a cultural and religious festival held in honor of Sto. Niño in the city of Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines every June 27. A month-long celebration, it is also a commemoration of the pre-colonial body-painting tradition of pintados, the name that the Spanish colonizers gave to the native population […]
Higantes Festival is a month-long artistic, cultural, and religious festival held in the town of Angono, Rizal, Philippines every November. Dedicated in honor of St. Clement of Rome, also known as Pope Clement I, and as thanksgiving for good harvest, it is known for its grand fluvial parade in Laguna Lake and colorful giant puppets […]
Panaad sa Negros Festival is a agricultural, cultural, and environmental festival held in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines every April. Considered the mother of all festivals in the province and also its summer festival, it gathers all of its cities and municipalities that participate in various activities, competitions, and events. It is also a […]
MassKara Festival is a cultural and inaugural festival held in Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, Philippines every fourth Sunday of October. A month-long celebration, it commemorates the inauguration of Bacolod as a city. The festivity is known as one of the biggest festivals in the country and for its Carnival-esque street parades complete with performers […]
Moriones Festival is a folk-religious festival held in the island of Marinduque, Philippines during Holy Week usually in the month of March and/or April. A movable festival, its schedule relies on the timing of the Jewish Passover. It is widely known for penitents in elaborate mask and costumes. Furthermore, it is listed as one of […]