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.
Culaba Founding Anniversary is celebrated in the town of Culaba, Biliran, Philippines every October 16. History of Culaba The first settlement was located in the northern banks of Amambahag River, but its folks moved to the present site safe from the riverine floods. Its origins were attributed with the movement of people from the neighboring […]
Kamgbegu Festival is a harvest festival in Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines every October 16. It is an expression of thanksgiving for bountiful harvest as observed by the indigenous people called Subanen. It is also simultaneous to the foundation day of the town, an event called Araw ng Lapuyan or Gendaw DLepuyan The event is […]
Jiabong Foundation Day is the founding anniversary celebration in the town of Jiabong, Samar, Philippines every October 15. The foundation day may be declared a special non working holiday (such as Proclamation No. 598 in 2018). Jiabong is a town that has become popular for its production of mussels, locally known as “tahong.” It is […]
Hinabangan Founding Anniversary is celebrated in the town of Hinabangan, Samar, Philippines every October 15. The date may be a special non working holiday (such as Proclamation No. 601 issued in 2016). The municipality is located in the southern part of Samar. Its name comes from a Waray word that means “aid” or “assistance”. During […]
Apit Festival is the founding anniversary in the town of Allacapan, Cagayan, Philippines every October 15. In some years, the celebration is called Apit Festival. History of Allacapan Allacapan began as a thick woodland inhabited by the aboriginal Negritoes. Its name may have been derived from “Alla-Appan”, which is an Ilocano expression for a trap. […]
Parau Festival is a cultural and religious festival in the town of Pilar, Sorsogon, Philippines every October 12. It is a celebration of maritime history of the town and simultaneously a feast held in honor of Our Lady of the Pillar. Arevallo District of Iloilo City also celebrates a similar Paraw Regatta Festival every February. […]
Kawayan Charter Day is celebrated in the town of Kawayan, Biliran, Philippines every October 10. The town also celebrates the town fiesta every October 24. History of Kawayan The earliest inhabitants of Kawayan settled in Telegrafo (present Balacson). They lived along the shores and relied on the hilltop for warnings against attacks coming from the […]
Lubi-Lubi Festival is a coconut festival and founding anniversary celebration in the town of Glan, Sarangani, Philippines every October 8. The province also celebrates the summertime Sarangani Bay Festival in the month of May. A fest of the same name is also conducted in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental in honor of Sta. Rita de Cascia every […]
Kawayanan Festival is a bamboo festival and founding anniversary of the town of Gloria, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines every October 1. The festival is a vehicle in promoting the town’s bamboo industry, local products, agriculture, cultural heritage, history, and people. Etymology The name of the fest comes from kawayan, the local word for bamboo. History of […]
Mambulawan Festival is a cultural and religious festival in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte, Philippines every October 7. It is held as a way to unify the community, promote the local economy, and honor of the feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. Mambulao was the old name of the municipality of Jose Panganiban […]