Famous Festivals in The Philippines

FAMOUS FESTIVALS
IN THE PHILIPPINES
1. Sinulog Festival, Third Sunday of January
Cebu
Image: Bernardo Berniemack via Wikimedia Commons
Attracting millions of people every year, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu may just well be one of the
biggest festivals in the country, and is surprisingly becoming even more popular each year, especially among
the young people. It celebrates the image of the Santo Niño (Holy Child) that was originally brought by
Ferdinand Magellan from Spain in the 16th century; hence, the words “Pit Señor” that you will constantly hear
throughout the celebration, which is a plea to Holy Child.
2. Masskara Festival, Third Week of October

Bacolod
Image: John Albert Pagunsan via Wikimedia Commons
Filipinos are known to be resilient people who are able find ways to smile and jest even amidst crises and
adversity. This can be seen in the history of the Masskara Festival of Bacolod, which was an answer to the city’s
dwindling revenue from the sugar industry. The festival is marked by dancers donning elaborate colorful masks parading
all over town, backed up by Latin-inspired drumbeats. The celebration is highlighted by a beauty pageant, concerts, and
sports events among its numerous activities.
FAMOUS FESTIVALS
IN THE PHILIPPINES
3. Dinagyang Festival, Fourth Sunday of January
Iloilo Image: Collusion via Flickr
Another celebration in honor of Santo Niño, this award-winning fête in Iloilo is marked by a street
party celebrated with bountiful food and drinks, concerts, and a street dance competition where
different districts and local schools participate. It also celebrates the traditions of Aklan Island’s
indigenous Aeta people.
4. Panagbenga Festival, February

Baguio
Image: SusanCorpuz90 via Flickr
Also called the “Season of Blooming,” Panagbenga is a grand event in Baguio where giant floats adorned with flowers
parade along the whole stretch of Session Road. A tribute to the city’s flower industry, it was first held after the 1990 Luzon
earthquake to uplift the spirits of those who were affected by the tragedy.
FAMOUS FESTIVALS
IN THE PHILIPPINES
5. Pintados Festival, June 29
Tacloban, Leyte Image: Jelynnc via Flickr
The Pintados Festival of Tacloban is yet another cultural-religious festival dedicated to Santo Niño, which is filled
with various activities locals and tourists would enjoy. Street dancers are painted with designs that resemble armors, to
display the body-painting traditions of ancient warriors, while they parade all over town to the beat of marching bands; it
then culminates with a grand dance presentation where people from all over the area participate in. The festival lasts for
about a month and has been so for almost 30 years.
6. Moriones Festival, Holy Week

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The Moriones Festival is as unique as the island where it is annually celebrated. During the celebration, men and women
who play the role of the “Moriones” are dressed in biblical Roman warrior costumes and intricately carved masks. They then
reenact the seven-day search for St. Longinus, a Roman centurion who converted into Christianity. During the reenactment,
they scare kids or conjure up surprises and tricks to draw attention. But the most exciting thing about the festival is that the
audience gets to participate in the search for the person who plays St. Longinus who sometimes hides in townspeople’s
homes.
FAMOUS FESTIVALS
IN THE PHILIPPINES
7. Pahiyas Festival, May 15
Lucban, Quezon
Image: Susancorpuz90 via Flickr
Probably one of the most colorful celebrations around, Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon, is dedicated to San Isidro
Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. Since it is a harvest festival, houses are gilded with colorful kiping (wafer made of
rice) and fresh produce that you can pick for free. These décors are then judged by town officials and are given awards
before the celebration culminates.
8. Ati-Atihan Festival
Aklan Image: Ree Dexter via Flickr
One of the oldest festivals in the country, Ati-atihan was originally a pagan festival that is now celebrated as a tribute to
Santo Niño. The festival is characterized by soot-covered performers, dressed in indigenous costumes dancing tirelessly to
the beat of the drums. Guests are encouraged to join in the fun and smudge some soot on their skins and celebrate with the
performers, too. Ati-Atihan is notable for having been the inspiration by a number of other festivals in the Philippines.

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FAMOUS FESTIVALS

2. Masskara Festival, Third Week of October

4. Panagbenga Festival, February

6. Moriones Festival, Holy Week

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