Parties where Whole Communities Join in the Fun

Fiestas in the Philippines are held to celebrate a patron saint or to mark the passage of the seasons, depending on the region. Notably, Christmas stands apart as the sole exception, with festivities commencing long before December.

The roots of Philippine fiestas extend back even further than Spanish colonial rule, as pre-Hispanic Filipinos regularly performed ritual offerings to appease the gods, evolving into the vibrant fiestas known today. A joyous fiesta season brings good fortune for the remainder of the year!

Presently, every town and city in the Philippines hosts its own fiesta, serving as a delightful opportunity for locals to share their best food and their most potent beverages with adventurous visitors. Regardless of the time of year, one can bet there’s a fiesta happening somewhere.

Ati-Atihan Festival, Kalibo

The Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo honors the “Santo Niño,” or Christ Child, while its roots stem from much older traditions. Festival participants wear tribal clothing historically associated with the aboriginal “Ati” tribespeople who welcomed Malay datus escaping Borneo in the 13th century.

This festival has since transformed into a vibrant celebration of activity, featuring three days of parades and merrymaking culminating in a large procession. Novena masses for the Christ Child transition into joyous drumbeats and streets pulsing with dancing locals. Various “tribes,” played by townsfolk in traditional attire, compete for valuable prizes and year-round recognition.

The Ati-Atihan (similar to Sinulog) occurs on the third Sunday of January; in 2020, that falls on January 19.

Getting there: Kalibo, the capital of Aklan province, is conveniently located near the resort island of Boracay, and has an International Airport with connections to Manila as well as several international destinations.

Sinulog, Cebu

Analogous to the Ati-Atihan, the Sinulog Festival also honors the Christ Child (Santo Niño). This feast has its origins from an image of the Santo Niño presented by Ferdinand Magellan to Cebu’s recently baptized queen, later rediscovered amidst the ruins of a burning settlement.

The festivities commence with an early morning fluvial procession, representing the arrival of Spaniards along with Catholicism. Following a Mass, the main parade follows, with “sinulog” denoting the dance enacted by participants—characterized by a rhythmic two steps forward, one step back, mimicking the river’s flows.

Beyond the parade, Sinulog transforms into one of the Philippines’ largest street parties, where streets adjacent to the parade route bustle with tourists engaged in festivities, sharing drinks, painting each other, and joyously exclaiming “Pit Senyor!”

The Sinulog occurs on the same third Sunday of January; in 2020, this is also on January 19.

Getting there: Cebu is among the Philippines’ major cities, served by an international airport connecting it to Manila and some global destinations such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Seoul.

Panagbenga (Flower Festival), Baguio

The mountain city of Baguio celebrates its flower season with an exuberant flower fiesta! Every February, the city orchestrates a parade featuring floral floats, tribal festivities, and street parties, accompanied by the delightful aroma of flowers that creates a distinctive atmosphere for this unique celebration.

The term “panagbenga” means “blooming season” in Kankana-ey. As the Philippines’ primary center for flowers, it is fitting that Baguio’s most significant festival revolves around its primary export. Additional events include a Baguio Flower beauty pageant, concerts at the local SM Mall, and various exhibits organized by local and foreign sponsors.

The Panagbenga festival lasts throughout February, ensuring a month filled with colorful activities.

Getting there: Given its mountainous location (and a lack of a functional airport), visitors must travel by bus to Baguio. Bus tickets can be purchased through local booking platforms such as PinoyTravel and IWantSeats.

Malasimbo Festival, Puerto Galera

World music lovers should mark their calendars for this must-see event. The Malasimbo Festival is a two-day gathering of international and Filipino indie artists, ranging from Grammy-award winners to acclaimed European jazz musicians and renowned DJs. It is typically held on Puerto Galera Island but has recently moved to a larger venue seafront close to White Beach.

If dancing on the park grounds isn’t enough, attendees can join the party on “Malasimboat” party boats floating offshore to enhance the fun.

The Malasimbo Festival customarily takes place in the first week of March, although the specific date for 2020 remains to be announced.

Getting there: Buses regularly travel from Manila to Batangas port, from which several ferries operate the Batangas-Puerto Galera route. Camping at the festival grounds can be arranged in advance, or one can find accommodations on Puerto Galera (with various options available for price comparisons).

Moriones Festival, Marinduque

The province of Marinduque commemorates Lent with a vibrant festival that honors the Roman soldiers involved in the crucifixion of Christ. Participants don masks resembling Roman soldiers while engaging in a masquerade that dramatically narrates the story of a centurion whose sight was restored by Christ’s blood.

This festival aligns with the reading and dramatization of the Passion of Christ, reenacted across various towns in Marinduque. During this time, penitents are observed whipping themselves as atonement for their sins.

In 2020, the Moriones Festival will commence on Holy Monday (April 6) and culminate on Easter Sunday (April 12).

Getting there: Daily flights operate from Manila to Marinduque via Marinduque Airport. Accommodations in Marinduque can be explored for competitive pricing.

Maleldo Lenten Rites, Pampanga

Maleldo presents an impressive display of fervor during Lent, especially in the village of San Pedro Cutud in San Fernando, Pampanga. Known as perhaps the world’s most intense Good Friday observance, penitents flagellate themselves with burillo whips and endure being nailed to crosses.

This practice began in the 1960s, evolving from voluntary self-crucifixion aimed at seeking divine forgiveness or blessings. The tradition has expanded over the years, with hundreds partaking in the dramatic ritual.

In 2020, the Maleldo Lenten Rites will take place on Good Friday, April 10.

Getting there: Regular bus service connects Manila to San Fernando along the NLEX highway; for transportation options, please see the entry on “Panagbenga.” Accommodations in San Fernando are also available for comparison.

Pahiyas, Lucban

Lucban’s Pahiyas is a brilliantly colorful celebration of the feast of San Isidro, the patron saint of farmers. This festival celebrates a bountiful harvest with parades and traditional games while showcasing vibrant rice wafers known as kiping.

Colored sheets of kiping are hung from homes as each residence competes to outshine the others in color and creativity. Additionally, the streets brim with fresh fruits and vegetables for visitors to sample and enjoy. The rice cake called suman offers another delightful treat, with local families welcoming strangers into their homes to experience their culinary delights.

Pahiyas Festival is celebrated annually on May 15.

Getting there: From Manila, tourists can take a bus via the SLEX highway to Lucban, Quezon. Explore local bus booking websites for convenient options. Rates for accommodations in Lucban can also be compared.

Flores de Mayo (Nationwide)

Throughout the Philippines, communities celebrate Flores de Mayo, a month-long flower festival honoring the Virgin Mary while recounting the folk tale of the True Cross’s rediscovery by Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine.

The Santacruzan serves as the central highlight of these celebrations, featuring a religiously themed procession showcasing the community’s most beautiful ladies adorned in elegant traditional attire.

The best-dressed individual among them is the representative of Queen Helena, who gracefully walks beneath a flower-adorned canopy, preceding a float bearing an image of the Virgin Mary. Following the procession, a grand feast takes place throughout the town.

Flores de Mayo is celebrated throughout May; however, the specific date of the parade varies based on local observances.

Kadayawan sa Dabaw, Davao City

The southern city of Davao hosts its largest festival during August, an entire week filled with parades, races, and pageants that celebrate the forthcoming harvest. Kadayawan serves as a remarkable showcase of the diverse tribes and rich traditions that contribute to this relatively young city’s history.

Fresh fruits and flowers, being two of Davao’s key exports, are abundant, and crowds eagerly gather to witness the indak-indak sa kadalanan, a vibrant parade adorned with colorful costumes rooted in tribal heritage. The nearby Davao Gulf also features various boat races, traditional and modern alike. An intriguing event during Kadayawan is the horse-fight, a rugged spectacle inspired by local tribal customs.

Getting there: Travelers can access Davao through the Francisco Bangoy International Airport (IATA: DVO, ICAO: RPMD), with accommodation comparisons easily available for visitors.

Peñafrancia Festival, Naga City

A nine-day celebration honors Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga City, Bicol. The festivities focus on a statue of the Lady, carried by male devotees from its shrine to Naga Cathedral. Following this, the nine-day period transforms into Naga’s biggest party, featuring parades, sporting events, exhibitions, and beauty contests.

On the concluding day, the statue is returned to the shrine via the Naga River during a fluvial procession illuminated by candlelight.

The Penafrancia Festival is held on the third Saturday of September each year; in 2019, this falls on September 21.

Getting there: Visitors can reach Naga by flying into Naga Airport (IATA: WNP, ICAO: RPUN) from Manila, or by taking a bus from Manila (refer to the entry on “Panagbenga” for bus options). Comparisons for accommodations in Naga are also available.

Masskara Festival, Bacolod

Masskara represents a contemporary (1980) twist on the celebratory events of Bacolod City’s Charter Day. Partygoers adorned in vibrant masks and extravagant costumes dance exuberantly on the streets, marking the highlight of this festive occasion, while additional activities include pole-climbing competitions, exhilarating feasts, and various beauty pageants.

The Masskara Festival takes place on the fourth Sunday of October; in 2019, this date is October 27.

Getting there: Visitors can fly into Bacolod via Bacolod-Silay Airport (IATA: BCD, ICAO: RPVB) departing from Manila. Accommodations in Bacolod remain available for comparison.

Higantes/Feast of San Clemente, Angono

The Higantes (Giants) tradition was born out of a playful local jest. When Angono existed as a vast farming estate owned by an absentee Spanish landlord, the town forbade any fiestas except for the San Clemente festival in November. In wit, residents crafted massive effigies, parading them during the festive day, blissfully unnoticed by their superiors.

During the Higantes parade, townsfolk engage in water fights using various water-drenching devices. Devotees also transport the image of San Clemente (patron saint of fishermen) down Laguna de Bay in a festive fluvial procession.

The San Clemente Festival and Higantes parade occur annually on November 23.

Getting there: Angono is located near Manila; access convenient transport routes via Sakay. Compare hotel rates in Manila for accommodation options.

Giant Lantern Festival, Pampanga

San Fernando, Pampanga, situated some kilometers north of Manila, is known for its stunning giant star-shaped lanterns called parol, which adorn windows across the country during the Christmas season.

To honor both the festive season and the artistry of lantern-making, local residents host an event showcasing the largest and most brilliantly lit parol from their collection.

While the traditional parol was made from colored rice paper and bamboo, modern versions incorporate steel frames, LED lights, and advanced electronics to create mesmerizing displays of light, color, and sound. Creators vie for substantial prizes awarded to the most innovative and beautiful lanterns.

The dates for the much-anticipated 2019 Giant Lantern Festival have yet to be confirmed, so keep an eye out for updates.

Getting there: Regular bus services operate along the NLEX highway from Manila to San Fernando, Pampanga. For transport options, refer to “Panagbenga.” Accommodations in San Fernando can also be compared for pricing.