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what are the festivals celebrated in the philippines

by Dr. Bert Mitchell Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Music festivals are on the rise in the Philippines, with a ton of them happening in Manila itself. Some of them are: Road to Ultra, Threadfest Manila, Pulp Summer Slam, Wanderland Music and Arts Festival, Hydro Manila Music Festival, Chroma, Roots, Bazooka Rocks, and Playback.

Here are some of the biggest Philippine festivals you must experience:
  • Sinulog Festival – Cebu.
  • Ati-Atihan Festival – Aklan.
  • Dinagyang Festival – Iloilo City.
  • Pahiyas Festival – Lucban, Quezon.
  • Panagbenga Festival – Baguio City.
  • Lechon Festival – Batangas.
  • Kadayawan Festival – Davao City.
  • MassKara Festival – Bacolod.

Full Answer

What are the biggest Philippine Festivals you must experience?

Here are some of the biggest Philippine festivals you must experience: Sinulog Festival – Cebu Ati-Atihan Festival – Aklan Dinagyang Festival – Iloilo City Pahiyas Festival – Lucban, Quezon Panagbenga Festival – Baguio City Lechon Festival – Batangas Kadayawan Festival – Davao City MassKara Festival – Bacolod Tuna Festival – General Santos City

What are the festivals in Cebu?

Mahaguyog Festival[42][43] Feb 24to Mar 7[43] Santo Tomas, Batangas[42][43] celebrates the abundance of mais, halaman, gulayand niyog, and highlights General Miguel Malvar[42][43] Cebu City Charter Day[29] Feb 24[29] Cebu City[29] Sibug-Sibug Festival[30][29] Feb 24[29] or17 – 26 Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay[30][29]

What are the festivals in the Philippines in December?

Libacao, Aklan[124] Pawil Dagupan[124] Dec 28to Dec 31[124] Dagupan City[124] Niños Inosentes Day (Yawa-yawa Festival)[124] Dec 28[124] Ibajay, Aklan[124]

Why do Filipinos celebrate fiestas in the Philippines?

Fiestas in the Philippines can be religious, cultural, or both. Several of these are held to honor the local Roman Catholic patron saint, to commemorate local history and culture, to promote the community's products, or to celebrate a bountiful harvest.

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What is the most celebrated festival in the Philippines?

1. Sinulog Festival, Third Sunday of January. Attracting millions of people every year, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu may just well be one of the most famous festivals in the Philippines, and is surprisingly becoming even more popular each year, especially among the young people.

How many types of festival do we celebrate in the Philippines?

There are more than 42,000 known major and minor festivals in the Philippines, the majority of which are in the barangay (village) level. Due to the thousands of town, city, provincial, national, and village fiestas in the country, the Philippines has traditionally been known as the Capital of the World's Festivities.

Why are festivals celebrated in the Philippines?

One reason why Filipinos celebrate these kinds of events is to honor and remember the different saints they believe have miraculous powers. The festivals in the country are mostly pious and religious in origin but nowadays, the religious component is usually secondary to the general spirit of the celebration itself.

What are the 7 popular religious festivals in the Philippines?

Philippine Religious FestivalsHigantes Festival.Obando Fertility Rites Festival.Moriones Festival.Ati-atihan Festival.Sinulog Festival.Dinagyang Festival.Sinulog Festival.

What is the 10 famous festival in the Philippines?

Higantes Festival – Where you can see giant paper mache do the festival dance. Mango Festival – A festivity held in Zambales to celebrate the bountiful harvest of mangoes. Bangus Festival – The festival that promotes bangus. Moriones Festival – A religious festival in the Philippines re-enacting Longinus' life.

What is religious festival Philippines?

Most fiestas are celebrated among patron saints and or the major events in the life of Jesus Christ and His Mother. Examples are Christmas, Quiapo Fiesta, Ati-atihan, Holy Week, Santacruzan, Peñafrancia Fluvial Festival, Antipolo Pilgrimage, Obando Fertility Rites and Carabao Festival.

What are the 11 most colorful festival in the Philippines?

11 Most Colourful Festivals in the Philippines Not to MissAti-Atihan – Kalibo. Philippines – Ati-Atihan Sinulog. ... Ati-Atihan Sinulog – Cebu City. ... Dinagyang – Iloilo City. ... Masskara – Bacolod. ... Kadayawan Festival – Davao City. ... Moriones Festival – Marinduque. ... Pintados Festival – Tacloban. ... Panagbenga, Baguio Flower Festival.More items...

How are festivals celebrated in the Philippines?

There are all sorts of activities such as games, contests, procession and a parade that serve as the highlight. It takes weeks or even months to prepare for a fiesta, surprisingly both the rich and poor make the same amount of effort in preparation; during a fiesta everyone is equal.

What are the types of festival?

Types of festivalsReligious festivals.Arts festivals.Seasonal and harvest festivals.

What are the 4 religious festivals?

Some of the most famous religious festivals include Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Passover, Easter, Holi and Eid al-Adha, which all serve to mark out the year.

What festival celebrated in the Philippines do you like most Why?

If Sinulog is one of the most globally-renowned festivals in the Philippines, then Dinagyang is probably the most attended. “Dinagyang” is the Ilonggo term for merrymaking or revelry, and true to its name, the festival is one of the biggest world-class festivals in the country hosting a variety of different events.

What are the religious and non religious festivals in the Philippines?

LIST OF RELIGIOUS AND NON-RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS IN THE PHILIPPINES WITH DESCRIPTIONS AND TITLESSINULOG | CEBU CITY.DINAGYANG | ILOILO CITY.SINULOG SA KABANKALAN | KABANKALAN CITY.ATI-ATIHAN | KALIBO.DINAGSA FESTIVAL | CADIZ CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL.BACOLAODIAT FESTIVAL | BACOLOD CITY.PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL | BAGUIO CITY.More items...

What are the two types of festival?

Types of festivalsReligious festivals.Arts festivals.Seasonal and harvest festivals.

What are examples of festivals?

Some of the most famous religious festivals include Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Passover, Easter, Holi and Eid al-Adha, which all serve to mark out the year. Among these, the Holi Festival in India is definitely the most colourful. Also known as the Colour Throwing Festival, it takes place in March every year.

How many festivals are held in the Philippines?

There are about 42,000 festivals held in the Philippines, including both major and minor fun festivities. These festivals held across the country celebrate to acknowledge and give appreciation to the Philippines ’ vibrant culture and diverse beliefs.

What is the most popular festival in the Philippines?

If Sinulog is one of the most globally-renowned festivals in the Philippines, then Dinagyang is probably the most attended. “Dinagyang” is the Ilonggo term for merrymaking or revelry, and true to its name, the festival is one of the biggest world-class festivals in the country hosting a variety of different events.

How many people attend Masskara in Bacolod?

The MassKara Festival in Bacolod is flocked by 3 million people annually. With thousands of fests in the Philippines, how do you know which ones are worth attending? Here’s a definitive list of the 10 most famous festivals in the Philippines.

Why is Ati Atihan celebrated?

Celebrated for over 800 years, the festival is held in honor of the Holy Child Jesus.

What is the significance of the Sinulog Festival?

The famous celebration is held to honor the Santo Nino (the Holy Child Jesus), the patron saint of the City. In a nutshell, the Sinulog is a dance ritual that marks the Filipino’s pagan past and its transition to Christianity.

Which city in the Philippines celebrates the Sinulog Festival?

Each region in the Philippines holds fantastic festivals, and Cebu , a lovely city that celebrates the Sinulog Festival. This is the most celebrated festival, which attracts millions of tourists. Second, Bacolod, the city of smiles, celebrates the Masskara festival. And third is Iloilo, where the colorful Dinagyang festival is mainly celebrated.

When did Masskara start?

The festival began in 1980 during a period of agricultural crisis as a means for escapism. The word Masskara is derived from the Filipino word mascara, which means mask. In the festival, dancers, performers, and onlookers are all encouraged to wear a smiling mask (a nod to Bacolod being the “City of Smiles”).

Why is the Dinagyang Festival important?

The Dinagyang Festival also gives the world a chance to taste one of the best-tasting cuisines in the country, Ilonggo cuisine. Truly, the Dinagyang Festival is worth the visit if you plan to go to the Philippines. 4. Pahiyas Festival.

Why is Penafrancia Festival celebrated?

This event is held to commemorate Bicol’s miraculous patroness Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia. As a tourist, it is an overwhelming and moving sight to see millions of devotees parading the street with their patroness’s image while shouting in unison “Viva La Virgen!”

Why is Pahiyas celebrated?

Pahiyas is held to honor the life of San Isidro Labrador (St. Isidore the Laborer). He is the patron saint of farmers.

What is the OG festival in the Philippines?

Ah, the Ati-Atihan Festival. Consider this as the “OG” of all festivals in the Philippines. It is also known as the “Mother of all Philippine Festivals”, in fact, this event is said to have inspired famous festivals such as the Sinulog and Dinagyang Festival.

How tall are the giants in the Higantes Festival?

In Higantes Festival, the locals create giants measuring up to 12-feet high made up of paper Mache’. These giants may represent different people or barangays in Angono. One of the trademarks of the Higantes Festival is the traditional “ basaan ” where locals sprinkle water on the parade or on each other to attract blessings. Several parades and processions are also held accompanied by a band of drums and lyres where people would shout “Viva San Clemente!” in honor of their Patron Saint.

What is the significance of the Sinulog Festival?

This is probably one of the grandest festivals held in the country. The celebration is to honor the life of Santo Nino (The Holy Child Jesus) which is the patron saint of Cebu City. Before the pandemic, this festival attracts more than 2 million tourists from all over the country and even foreigners from different countries. “Sinulog” is a dance ritual that depicts the pagan culture of Filipinos and its transition to Christianity. Aside from the religious celebrations held in Sinulog Festival, it is also well known for grand street banquets during the day before ( bisperas) and the actual day of the festival.

How long is the Masskara festival?

If you were hyped with the week-long celebration of the Ati-Atihan Festival, then wait ’til you discover this. The Masskara Festival is a 20-day celebration of non-stop dancing competitions, parades, merrymaking, and drinking parties! That’s right. 20. Days. Non. Stop. How about that?

What are the holidays in the Philippines?

New Year’s day, Independence day, Good friday are some of the main holidays in Philippines.

When is the Pangapog festival?

August welcomes Pangapog Festival in Samal City, Davao del Norte. Held from 1st to 7th of August, people offer thanksgiving for the abundant harvest in this festival. The festival begins with ‘Panawag Tawag’ ritual performed by Babaylan Teresita Lugam in Sama tongue.

What is the Hin Ay festival?

Hin-Ay or Paray festival is celebrated by the land-locked, rice-producing community of Irosin, Sorsogon as thanksgiving for the rich harvest. The festival lasts for the entire month of September and ends with the feast of St. Michael the Archangel – the patron saint of the local parish church – on September 29. The festival highlights three themes through its activities: harvest festival, street dancing, and culture and sports.

What city is known as the Christmas capital of the Philippines?

December gets illuminated by the Giant Lantern Festival held for the entire month in the city of San Fer nando. Its giant lanterns give this festival subtle and mesmerizing charm and it also features competition of such lanterns. San Fernando City got the nickname of ‘Christmas Capital of the Philippines’ because of this festival.

What is the Filipino culture known for?

Filipino culture is well known for its fun and festivities. Festivals are so intricately woven into the cultural ethos of the Philippines that every month of the year witnesses some kind of festival in this country. Tourists throng this nation to partake of their cultural celebrations and joyous ecstasies in different festivals.

When is the Bocaue River Festival?

Just as July knocks on the door comes Bocaue River Festival in the town of Bocaue in Bulacan. Held on the first Sunday of July, it commemorates the discovery of the miraculous cross floating on the Bocaue River 200 years ago.

When is Pintaflores in San Carlos?

It is held from November 3 to November 5 and reminisces the beginnings of San Carlos.

What is the meaning of Kadayawan?

Kadayawan Festival. ( Source) ‘Kadayawan’ is a native expression in the Dabawon tongue, derived from the word ‘madayaw’ meaning ‘good, valuable, and superior’ . This festival is a festival of thankfulness and relates to thanksgiving traditions.

What is the significance of Dinagyang Festival?

Dinagyang Festival. ‘Dinagyang’ is a Hiligaynon word meaning ‘merrymaking’. It hosts a celebration of the Santo Nino and the pact between the Datus and the locals after the arrival of Malay settlers. This festival is a beautiful time to witness the street life of the country.

What is the Panagbenga Festival?

Panagbenga Festival. ( Source) The Panagbenga Festival is a hopeful and the prettiest festival in the country. It celebrates the rising up of Baguio City after the 1990 Luzon earthquakes. The Kankanaey term ‘Panagbenga’ means ‘A Season of Blossoming’. The entire city is decorated with blooming and colourful flowers.

What did people dress up as after the Crucifixion?

People reenact the search of Longinus post-crucifixion quite literally. They dress up as Roman soldiers, hide among houses, and playfully scare the children of the city. It is an intriguing act to behold. In fact, the word ‘Morion’ means the ‘helmet of Roman soldiers’.

How big are the lanterns in Pampanga?

The lanterns rise over 15 feet in diameter and are displayed in colourful parades in each barrio in Pampanga before the midnight mass of Christmas.

What is the Santo Nino festival?

Sinulog Festival. ( Source) Celebrating Santo Nino is a big festival in the entire nation. The city of Cebu also hosts a grand festival in Santo Nino’s honour as the Ati-Atihan Sinulog Festival. ‘Sinulog’ translates to ‘like the water current’, which is the name of the step performed by dancers in the street.

What is the Moriones festival?

The Moriones Festival is probably the most dramatic and active festival in the Philippines. It relates to the life of St. Longinus, the centurion who pierced Jesus with a spear during the crucifixion. People reenact the search of Longinus post-crucifixion quite literally. They dress up as Roman soldiers, hide among houses, and playfully scare the children of the city. It is an intriguing act to behold. In fact, the word ‘Morion’ means the ‘helmet of Roman soldiers’. This festival gives a theatrical outlook into the traditions of the country and is a perfect blend of mysticism and pageantry.

How many festivals are there in the Philippines?

Festivals in the Philippines are a fairly common occurrence, with over 42,000 major and minor festivals celebrated across the country. Given the Spanish influence on Catholic spirituality in the Philippines, a number of festivals celebrated here are religion-based. Besides that, there are a number of other festivals that mark important historic ...

What is the Pahiyas festival?

Pahiyas Festival. Held in South Luzon’s Lucban, Pahiyas Festival celebrates the harvest season and honors the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador. The festival begins on May 15th and goes on for a month. Locals decorate their houses with different produces such as eggplants and turnips.

How big are Christmas lanterns in the Philippines?

The celebration of this festival in the Philippines involves a competition for creating the largest lantern. These lanterns usually rise over 15 feet in diameter, are made from locally available materials and are also displayed in a colourful parade on Christmas Eve.

What is the festival of Santo Nino?

A religious and cultural festival celebrated in Ililo, Philippines. The festival is held to show reverence of Santo Nino and to mark the arrival of Malay immigrants. Another popular festivals in the Philippines, Ati-Athian is a 2-week long celebration that begins on the 3rd Sunday of January.

Why is Sinulog Festival so popular?

The Sinulog Festival attracts hordes of tourists from all over, given that Cebu City is easy to access through direct flights. Also because it’s one of the most popular festivals in the Philippines. Sinulog is so much more than just a religious fest held in honor of Santo Nino (baby Jesus).

Where is the Masskara festival held?

Bacolod, in Cebu island, is known as the ‘City of Smiles’ and the Masskara Festival held here perfectly matches up to the city’s name. The participants pour out to the streets wearing different masks of smiling faces. Party people will love the Masskara festival, a fun-filled celebration in the Philippines.

Where is Dinagyang held?

Held in Iloilo City, on the southern tip of the large Panay Island in the Western Visayas, Dinagyang is another festival celebrated in honor of Santo Nino (child Jesus). It’s held on the 4th Sunday of every January. Iloilo is an hour-long flight from Manila and 30 minutes from Cebu.

What is the national animal of the Philippines?

Isidore the Worker, the farmer’s patron saint. The reason why it is given so much importance is because the carabao is valuable animal to farmers as it helps them to produce a good quality harvest.

Why is Apribada celebrated?

Apribada is a festival celebrated to recognize whale sharks which are also called butanding. It is celebrated due to its help in bringing wealth and success to the town. The other main purpose is preservation of the butanding so that coming generations can still see this gigantic shark.

What is Kidapawan known for?

They are also known for celebrating the most enticing and mouthwatering festival in the country, the Fruit Festival. This festival compromises of fruit parades, dances and people are even allowed to enjoy free fruits.

What is the festival of all festivals in the Philippines?

If you want to experience all Philippine festivals but you’re short on time, go for the Aliwan Festival instead! The so-called “Festival of All Festivals” is actually a contest that aims to promote cultural diversity and showcase the various Filipino festivals. Despite being one of the newer festivals, it quickly became one of the most popular festivals in the Philippines. Every year, all 17 regions in the country participate in the festival’s main highlights: a street dance competition, float parade, and beauty pageant. Because of the accessibility of Pasay City, you can easily join the festivities and see the country’s festivals in one place.

What is the Philippines' holy week?

Being a predominantly Catholic country, Holy Week in the Philippines is a nationwide holiday. During this time, people go home to their hometowns and reflect on the life of Jesus Christ. The Holy Week is also when the small island of Marinduque celebrates its Moriones Festivals. Here, you’ll find people dressed up as Roman soldiers roaming around the main streets playfully scaring children. In the evening, witness a reenactment of the search for Longinus, a soldier who punctured Jesus with a spear. Although there isn’t much interaction going on for watchers, you’ll see and appreciate the Filipinos’ penchant for pageantry and theatrics.

What is the Ati Atihan festival?

Also known as the “Mother of Philippine Festivals”, it is one of the oldest festivals in the country and is where Sinulog and Dinagyang festivals took inspiration from. The festival initially began as a pagan festival meant to honor the Aetas, the original settlers of the island, and when the Spaniards arrived, it took a religious turn, honoring the Santo Niño. Unlike other festivals in the Philippines, what makes the Ati-Atihan a must-visit festival is that it lets you participate in the events. Come in your best Ati-Atihan look and sing and dance along with the crowds!

What is the Sinulog Festival?

The Sinulog Festival is Cebu ’s pride, apart from its white-sand beaches and turquoise waterfalls. It is also one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines, and perhaps in Asia as well. Sinulog Festival honors the Santo Niño de Cebú, the oldest Christian artifact in the Philippines, and was a gift from Ferdinand Magellan to Cebu’s Rajah Humabon. The name Sinulog came from the Cebuano adverb “sulog” which meant “like water flowing movement”, pertaining to the two-step forward, one-step backward dance performed during the grand street parade.

What is the Masskara festival?

Hailed from Bacolod, the MassKara Festival was created as a way to uplift the locals during a time of agricultural crisis. Although it is a month-long celebration, the festival’s main events happen on the fourth Sunday of October. During the MassKara Festival, you’ll find locals and tourists alike wearing masks with smiling faces, a nod to Bacolod being the City of Smiles. Like most festivals in the Philippines, expect street dances, but find intricately designed masks that rival that of Venice. At night, stay tuned for the Electric MassKara, a lively parade boasting floats and masks with neon lights.

What is the Panagbenga Festival?

Baguio ’s Panagbenga Festival is one of the longest festivals in the Philippines, celebrated during the whole month of February. Panagbenga Festival was created as a way to rise up from the tragedy brought by the 1990 earthquake. Derived from the local word meaning “a season of blossoming”, you’ll find the city literally in bloom as you watch the street dance and float parade, two of the most anticipated events during the festival. Admire the participants clad in various flower-inspired costumes and marvel gigantic floats covered and decorated with flowers.

What is the Pintados-Kasadyaan festival?

The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival lets you get a glimpse of how the locals lived before the Spaniards arrived in the country. This festival dates back to the 1980s to pay tribute to the tattooed people of Leyte and has since been one of the most anticipated festivals in the Philippines. Expect lively street parades with locals wearing body paint in vibrant hues of green and blue. These designs resemble the armor used by warriors and symbolize the ancestral people of Leyte. Aside from the main parade, the city also hosts beauty pageants and other festive events.

When is Panagbenga Festival?

The three day Panagbenga festival takes place annually in Baguio City during February. Participants dress in colorful costumes reminiscent of the highland flowers and tribes, and celebrate the growing season with parades and native dancing.

What is the longest Christmas in the Philippines?

Christmas. The predominantly Catholic Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the world, which runs from mid-December through to the first week of January. Festivities start with a series of Midnight Masses known as Simbang Gabi, leading up to a Christmas Eve feast at midnight followed by Christmas Day.

What is the Sinulog Festival?

Sinulog Festival. A thanksgiving celebration that takes place on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, this is one of the Philippines largest festivals to honor Santo Niño and recognize the acceptance of Christianity.

What is the significance of the festival of the Black Nazarene?

Festival of the Black Nazarene. The Black Nazarene is a status of Jesus that is believed by many to have light skin but turned dark after surviving a ship fire as it arrived to the Philippines from Mexico.

Where is the Masskara festival?

Masskara Festival. The colorful Masskara festival is hosted by Bacolod City in the Negros Occidental province of the Philippines. The literal translation, ‘festival of many smiles’ takes place the third week of October every year and celebrates the strength of the human spirit in times of adversity.

Is the Philippines a Catholic country?

The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic nation so many of the annual festivals such as the Mariones Holy Week are related to important events on the religious calendar. There are several celebrations with roots in pagan times, such as the Ati-Atihan festival which preserves costumes and rituals that have been modified over time ...

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