15 Must-Experience Grand Festivals in the Philippines

Quiapo, Manila (January 9)

The black Nazarene is currently housed in the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines. This was transported by galleon from Mexico to Manila in the 17th century. During the feast of the Black Nazarene, thousands of devotees flock to join “Traslacion”, the procession in honor of the miraculous wooden black statue of Jesus Christ.

Kalibo, Aklan (January 1 to 16)

One of the most popular of the Philippine festivals, the Ati-Atihan Festival honors the 13th-century land deal between 10 migrating Bornean chieftains and the indigenous Ati King Marikudo. Similar to the Sinulog Festival celebrated by the Cebuanos, the Ati-Atihan also pays tribute to the infant Sto. Niño, the patron of the town. It is marked by the joyful rhythmic pounding of drums and colorful street dance to the beat of "Hala Bira!" around the town.

Cebu City (January 6 to 21)

This is Cebu City's grandest fiesta. It is a century-old tradition celebrated in honor of the Feast of the Sto. Niño which commemorates the Cebuanos pagan origin and their acceptance of Catholicism. The celebration includes a procession, lively street dancing competition. and a colorful fluvial parade. The Sinulog Festival is marked by the two steps forward and one step backward dance while the vivacious dancers chant "Pit Senyor!".

Malaybalay, Bukidnon (from the second week of February lasting until the 10th of March, which marks the anniversary of Bukidnon’s foundation date as a province)
Bukidnon's merry festival marked by colorful banners and ‘banderitas’ decorated around the town. Kaamulan, which originates from the Binukid word “amul” meaning “to gather,” commemorates the customs as well as the traditions of the seven tribal groups who were the original inhabitants of the Bukidnon region. The celebration includes Bukidnon people wearing their tribal costumes, ethnic food fest, various trade fairs, and native dancing.

Marinduque (April 18 to 24)

The island of Marinduque is known as "Lenten Capital of the Philippines". During the Moriones festival, people of the island take part in the age-old ritual of the "Moriones" which portrays the violent Roman soldiers. It is marked by colorful warrior costumes and finely carved masks with locals reenacting the story of the conversion of Longinus, the centurion who stabbed Jesus' side and his beheading.

Baguio City (Month of February)

This is the City of Pines’ month-long celebration of the flower season which showcases the colorful floral floats and brightly - colored costumes worn by the locals. Celebration includes band contests, street dancing marked by dancers wearing exuberant flower-inspired costumes, and the grand float parade.

Lucban, Quezon (May 15)

The country’s most colorful harvest festival, Pahiyas is a festival that honors San Isidro, the patron saint of farmers. Beautiful decorations, made of edible rice dough and other commercial products, used as symbols of joy and merriment, are placed on the exterior of the local's houses representing the town's various agricultural products. Aside from holding a competition that selects the local house with the most creative design, the festival also features various contests, cultural shows, parades, and exhibits

Obando, Bulacan (May 17 to 19)

A celebration in honor of the town's patron saints San Pascual Baylon, the shepherd who danced his prayers, Sta. Clara, patron saint of the childless, and Nuestra Señora de Salambao. The Obando festival fertility rites involve the various dance rituals held for three consecutive days to honor these three patron saints.

May 17 is for St. Paschal, for couples who desire to have a male child. May 18 is for St. Claire, for couples who desire to have a female child. With hands in the air, the participants of the rituals swing their hips and sway to the Santa Clara melody while stamping their feet. Fertility rites dance is believed to help childless women in conceiving. Finally, May 19 is for the Our Lady of Salambaw, patroness of fishermen. During the rituals, participants can add their own prayers, with the festival regarded as a feast that not only gives hope but also strengthens faith.

Catholic-Wide Event (The Whole Month of May)

This is a Flower festival celebrated across many towns and villages across the country that lasts for the whole month of May. The celebration was introduced by the Spaniards to the Philippines and is a tribute to the Virgin Mary. The festivity of Flores de Mayo also commemorates Queen Helena (Reina Elena) and her son Constantine’s, search of the Holy Cross. This is marked by Santacruzan, the parade of the loveliest ladies, and where the women reenact the finding of the True cross. The highlight of the procession is Reyna Helena, represented by the small cross that she carries. She is escorted by her son, Constantine. The float that carries the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary follows behind Reyna Helena. Many television and movie personalities join in the events and are often featured as major sagalas and escorts.

Davao City (Third Week of August)

Davao's annual festival, Kadayawan Sa Dabaw, derived from the word ‘dayaw’ meaning “beautiful or good,” is the Dabawenyo's grandest festival which lasts for five days. A thanksgiving festival for nature and bountiful harvest, the celebration also pays tribute to the town’s indigenous people and is characterized by street dancing, showcase of ethnic costumes, and tribal celebration.

Naga City (September 19)

Bicol Region's largest celebration. It is an annual religious and colorful affair marked by the fluvial parade climaxing all the way down the Bicol river, surrounded by a sea of glowing candles. The festivity is held in honor of the town's patroness, the Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The one week celebration involves colorful dance competitions, cultural shows, civic-military parade, beauty pageants, sports fests, and various exhibits.

Bacolod City (October 14 to 21)

This is a festival held annually in Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental province, known as the “City of Smiles.” This is also in commemoration of the city's Charter Inauguration Anniversary. The festival features a street dance competition which is highlighted by colorfully-masked dancers performing lively dances in Latin beats. Major activities during the festival comprise of the MassKara Queen beauty pageant, musical concerts, food festivals, carnivals, sports events, and agriculture-trade fairs.

Camiguin (Third week of October)

During this festival, locals decorate their houses, streets and even adorn themselves with the lanzones fruit. The celebration includes street dancing competition and parties, cultural shows, parades, and beauty pageant as well as a trade fair which features local handicrafts and products.

Angono, Rizal (November 23)

Angono Rizal's gigantic fiesta, which is highlighted by a grand procession featuring the ‘higantes’, about ten-feet paper-mâche puppets, in honor of San Clemente the patron saint of the fishermen whose image is carried by the male devotees around the town. A wet and wild celebration, on the course of the procession thousands of revelers splash water on participants and including the onlookers. They use water bottles, squirt guns, and even drinking glasses, spraying water on the spectators and mostly everyone who is passing by.

Joint Celebration of the City of Roxas and the Province of Capiz (December 4 to 8)

Sinadya and Halaran are two Hiligaynon words that translate into “joy and thanksgiving.” Sinadya sa Halaran is a fusion of two major festivals - Sinadya (celebration) of Roxas City and Halaran (offering) of the Province of Capiz. The festival also serves as a commemoration of the Virgin of the Immaculate Concepcion, Roxas City’s patroness. A celebration of religion and culture, the highlights of the festival include a fluvial parade known as “Prosesyon sa Suba,” grand festival parade, Mutya sa Halaran, seafood festival, and fireworks display.