The Philippines is known the world over as a place of beautiful natural wonders. It attracts millions of foreign tourists who are drawn to its white sand beaches and pristine waters every year. And it is definitely a must-see destination too for its rich and colorful festivals.
Festivals are called fiesta or piyesta locally. They are crowd-drawing events and a prominent annual cultural experience of every Filipino regardless of class and background. These are celebrations that are conducted everywhere, from national down to the level of barangay (the smallest political unit), all year round that the country is famous for being “fiesta islands”.
Below is the list of top festivals in the Philippines.
CALACAtchara Festival is a food, fruit, and religious festival in Calaca, Batangas, Philippines every October 24. It is held as a recognition of atchara, a dish made from pickled papaya that the town is known for. A ten-day affair, it opens beginning in October 10. Simultaneously, it is also the patronal feast of St. Raphael […]
Panagbunga Festival is a cultural festival held in Santol, La Union, Philippines every March 25. A four-day event that begins in March 22, its official name is Ragragsakan and Panagbunga Festival. The word ragragsakan means merriment, and it also refers to a native dance where women balance a woven basket on their head and wear […]
Fruit Festival is the yearly festival in the town of Sablan, Benguet, Philippines from September 2 to 4. It is a three-day affair that celebrates Sablan as the fruit capital of the province of Benguet. History of Fruit Festival The first ever Fruit Festival in the town of Sablan was held in 2015 within the […]
National Heritage Month, also called Pambansang Buwan ng Pamana, is celebrated in the Philippines for the entire month of May. This observance was established through a presidential order that was passed in 2003. Since then, it has been staged annually by the government and private sector to promote awareness and respect for the country’s rich […]
Cagsawa Festival is an annual celebration of Cagsawa Ruins, a National Cultural Treasure located in the village of Busay in the municipality of Daraga, Albay, Philippines every February. It is a fest that puts into center stage the beautiful landscape and history of Cagsawa, its popular ruins often photographed with Mt. Mayon in the background. […]
Diyandi Festival is the cultural and religious festival in the town of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, Philippines every third Monday of January. It is organized in honor of Sto. Niño. It is also called Balingasag’s Sinulog festivity. The word diyandi means celebration. The Diyandi Festival is a way for the people of Balingasag to express their […]
Sakay-Sakay Festival is a cultural and religious festival in the city of Maasin, Southern Leyte, Philippines every third Sunday of January. It is held as an expression of gratitude and devotion to Sto. Niño. The city has been conducting an annual observance of the feast of Sto. Niño every year. It is a localized version […]
Pasalamat Festival is a cultural and religious festival in the city of Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines every third Sunday of January. It is held in honor of Sto. Niño and as a city-wide cultural affair that celebrates tradition and identity. In some years, the third Sunday of January is declared a special non-working holiday. […]
Festival de Navidad is the annual Christmas festival in the city of Zamboanga, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines the entire month of December. The city of Zamboanga has a yearly Christmas tradition. Tourism Promotions Board dubbed this yuletide season event in Zamboanga City as Hanging of the Green, and for years it’s been called Pascua na […]
Agoo Day is the founding anniversary celebration in the town of Agoo, La Union, Philippines every 8th of December. It is also a non-working holiday in the entire municipality. It is also simultaneous with Dalyasat Festival. The town also celebrates in summertime the more popular event, the Dinengdeng Festival. History of Agoo Day Agoo Day […]