The Philippines is a country of merry people. This personality can be gleamed at the way we celebrate our fiestas. It features colorful festivals showcasing our history. Hereunder are the most popular festivals we have:
Kalibo, Aklan
13-19 January
The Ati-Atihan Festival honors the 13th century land deal between 10 migrating Bornean chieftains and the indigenous Ati King Marikudo. It also honors the town patron, the infant Sto. Niño. The constant, rhythmic pounding of drums get to you, and before you know it you are on the street, shuffling your feet, shaking your head, waving your hands - and joining thousands of soot-blacked, gaily-costumed revelers in an ancient ritual of mindless happiness. A familiar battle cry reaches your ears, and amidst all this bewilderment you remember where you are: Kalibo, Aklan. "Viva, Sto. Niño!" The Ati-Atihan celebration is boomed in many parts of the country.
Cebu City
Third Sunday of January
Cebu City's fiesta of fiestas. Distinguished by its unusual two-steps-forward-and-one-step-backward shuffle, thus simulating the Holy Child of the shores, the Sinulog is a century-old tradition observed in the part of Visayas region. The prayer-dance is harmonized to the beat of drums and shouts of "Pit Señor! Viva Sto. Niño!”. Feel free to dance with the best of them, enjoying all the way to the grand final presentation at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Iloilo City
25-26 January
Merry mayhem breaks loose in Iloilo City during this weekend, when Ilonggos leave everything behind to join in the fiesta of the year. All shyness are dropped: boring everyday clothes are exchanged for "Ati" warrior costumes and black body paint. Shields and "weapons" are held amidst the pounding rhythm of drums, the costumed Ilonggos put their best feet forward in celebration of Dinagyang!
Baguio Flower Festival
23 February - 3 March
It's flower season in the city of Pines - perfect timing for an all-out fiesta in the streets. The Baguio folk take a break on these days to revel in the cool climate and the unique culture of the city. Multi-hued costumes are worn, mimicking the various blooms of the highland region (or any of its 11 ethnic tribes). These are flowerbeds - masked, of course, as the Panagbenga parade floats.
Bukidnon
28 February - 1 March
Expect the Bukidnon to go tribal from the first to the second week of March, when the streets of Malaybalay take on that familiar fiesta theme. Banners, banderitas, and beer will be standard, as well as the sweet, haunting sound of native music. An early morning pamuhat ritual kicks off the festivities, to be followed by an ethnic food fest, trade fairs, and a lot of native dancing.
Davao City
01 -15 March
Araw ng Davao is a vibrant feast, which means celebrating oneness of our multi cultural city. Davao celebrates its birthday in a grand gala fashion befitting the largest city in Mindanao. The Araw ng Dabaw festivities come complete with a jam-packed, seven-day schedule of trade fairs and cultural presentations. There is also a colorful civic-military parade and a citywide beauty pageant, featuring the smartest, most charming ladies this side of the islands.
Marinduque
10-16 April
The island of Marinduque prides itself in being the "Lenten Capital of the Philippines", and it is easy to understand why. Come the seven days of Holy Week, the people of the island take part in the age-old ritual of the "Moriones". Colorful warrior costumes are worn topped with finely carved masks portraying the violent Roman soldiers of Christ's time. All these are done to show the story of the conversion of Longuinus, the centurion who stabbed Jesus' side - and his subsequent beheading.
Fernando, Pampanga
16-18 April
Prayer of a different meaning during the Lenten season, when villagers of San Pedro, Cutud, engage in the act of self-flagellation. This ancient ritual is executed in the morning of Good Friday during the Holy Week. Backs, arms, and legs are cut and then struck with burillo beats. The climax to this occasion happens at midday, when penitents are literally nailed to their waiting crosses.
Quezon
11-15 May
Flowers come out in May, but these aren't the only things displayed during this merry month. Down south in the town of Lucban, Quezon, there's also the kiping - a colorful, transparent rice tortilla that serves as an edible ornament of sorts. You will see lots of these at the Pahiyas Festival, an annual celebration held to accompany in a bountiful harvest, and smashing good times.It's a free-for-all, grab-all-you-can affair with suman-sweet, sticky native rice cakes-as the center of contention. It is also the grand prize, so feel free to join the battle. Rest assured, whether you get handfuls or just a plain mouthful, the Mayohan sa Tayabas will leave you wanting for more - suman, of course!Sariaya's own version of the San Isidro festival showcases the creativity and ingenuity of the townsfolk in their craft and culinary tradition.
Nationwide
May
Parade of the town's loveliest ladies, representing the search and discovery of Christ's Cross by Queen Helena and Constantine.
Murcia, Negros Occidental
24 June
Oneness with nature is the underlying theme behind Murcia's annual mud-moving spectacle. Check on its cloudy highlight - a lively street dancing parade with the participant wearing nothing but mudpacks (well, almost...). It's a safe way to mix our ecological concerns with good, clean, cloddy fun - just be sure to shower afterwards!
Daet, Camarines Norte
15-24 June
Sweet, juicy pineapple is the fruit of choice for the people of Daet, Camarines Norte. In fact, they loved it so much that they made a festival in its honor. Join the locals as they celebrate the Pineapple Festival featuring a colorful street presentation set by art exhibits, trade fair, cultural dances, and sport events. Feel rich when you go for a visit at Paracale Gold Mines, and be familiar with some Bicol heroes like Vinzon and Panganiban and Lucban.
Balayan, Batangas
24 June
A different sight and flavor are introduced in June with a festival in Balayan, Batangas, commonly known as the "Parada Ng Lechon". These luscious roasted pork form the highlight of the occasion, decorated out in their platforms with all kinds of décor. Since the festival corresponds with the feast of St. John the Baptist, be prepared to get wet as people observe the feast by repeating the ritual of baptism - pouring water.
29 June
Back during pre-Hispanic years, tattoos denoted courage among the natives of Tacloban. These days they symbolize a cultural revival, and a wild, wild fiesta called the Pintados. Join the town residents as they decorate themselves out in body paint, imitating the warriors of old while dancing to the frantic beat of drums.
Tagbilaran City
1-2 July
The Spanish colonization of the Philippines began with a blood-sealed peace treaty on the shores of Bohol. This historic event is considered today with an all-out fiesta at the island's capital city. Check out the Sandugo street dancing parade featuring ten colorfully-dressed groups dancing to the beat of drums. There's also a traditional Filipino carnival, a martial arts festival, and Miss Bohol Sandugo Beauty Pageant, among the dozen of other exciting activities.
Kaamulan Festival--can't wait to witness the event again. :)
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