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.
Guling Guling Festival is a cultural and religious festival in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines as a prelude to the Lenten season. Its schedule falls on the Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday, the day that marks the beginning of Lent so it can occur between February 3 and March 9. Etymology Guling-guling originates from guling, a word […]
Sillag Festival, also known as Sillag Poro Point Festival of Lights, is a tourism and summer festival held at Poro Point Freeport Zone in the city of San Fernando, La Union, Philippines generally taking place every first week of April. Etymology Sillag Festival comes from sillag, an Ilokano word for moonbeam or lunar light. History […]
Urdaneta City Charter Day is held in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, Philippines every March 21. It remembers the historic transformation of Urdaneta from a municipality to a city in 1998. History of Urdaneta City It is said that in the past, Urdaneta City was called Organita that means a “small unit.” It was inhabited by people […]
Tinapa Festival is a founding anniversary and cultural festival held in Pio Duran, Albay, Philippines every March 13. It celebrates the historic conversion to a municipality in 1964, as well as its rich culture and tradition. Etymology The name of Tinapa Festival comes from tinapa, meaning smoked fish. History of Tinapa Festival In the past, […]
Mambusao Founding Anniversary is celebrated in the town of Mambusao, Capiz, Philippines every March 29. It commemorates the founding of the town in the 17th century. The date may be declared a special nonworking holiday through presidential proclamations. History of Mambusao It is thought that it was a flourishing settlement in pre-Hispanic times, ruled by […]
Araw ng Binganonan (Binangonan Day), also known as Binangonan Founding Anniversary, is celebrated in Binangonan, Rizal, Philippines every March 29. It is an annual event, which is also known as Aba! Festival, that recalls the birth of Binangonan as an independent town in 1900. The date may be declared a special nonworking holiday through presidential […]
Madja-as Festival is a week-long cultural festival and foundation anniversary in the municipality of Culasi, Antique, Philippines every March. It is celebrated as an outlet of thanksgiving and a commemoration of its founding in March 1735. History of Culasi Madja-as Festival remembers the humble beginnings of the town. Before the coming of the Spaniards, people […]
Romblon Foundation Day is observed in the province of Romblon, Philippines every 16th of March. It celebrates the establishment of Romblon as an independent province in 1901. The date is a special non-working holiday by virtue of Republic Act No. 9642 signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on June 11, 2009. Romblon is also known […]
Kalap Festival is a cultural festival, charter day, and cityhood celebration in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines every March 21. It remembers the historic transformation of Calapan from a town to a city in 1998 and celebrates its vibrant culture, rich history, and people. The date may be declared a special non working holiday such […]
La Union Founding Anniversary is held in the province of La Union, Philippines every March 2. This annual event marks the establishment of La Union as an independent province in 1850. Its date may be declared a holiday by virtue of proclamations from the Office of the President of the Philippines (such as Proclamation No. […]