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.
Balayong Festival is a cultural festival and founding anniversary in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines every March 14. It is an annual celebration of history as it remembers the beginning of Puerto Princesa in the 19th century. Its calendar of activities showcases a diverse array of festivities, cultural performances, and environmental initiatives. Etymology Balayong Festival draws […]
Malaybalay City Charter Day is celebrated in the city of Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Philippines every March 22. The date is a special working holiday by virtue of Republic Act No. 8813 that was signed by President Joseph Estrada on August 21, 2000. The city is also the venue of the Kaamulan Festival every March 10. History […]
Panagyaman Festival is a rice festival in the municipality of Pura, Tarlac, Philippines every second Sunday of March. This annual event is an expression of gratitude of the town, particularly as a town-wide cultural outlet to say thanks to the townsfolk who worked tirelessly towards the progress and development of the town. It is distinct […]
Guling Guling Festival is a cultural and religious festival in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines as a prelude to the Lenten season. Its schedule falls on the Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday, the day that marks the beginning of Lent so it can occur between February 3 and March 9. Etymology Guling-guling originates from guling, a word […]
Sillag Festival, also known as Sillag Poro Point Festival of Lights, is a tourism and summer festival held at Poro Point Freeport Zone in the city of San Fernando, La Union, Philippines generally taking place every first week of April. Etymology Sillag Festival comes from sillag, an Ilokano word for moonbeam or lunar light. History […]
Urdaneta City Charter Day is held in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, Philippines every March 21. It remembers the historic transformation of Urdaneta from a municipality to a city in 1998. History of Urdaneta City It is said that in the past, Urdaneta City was called Organita that means a “small unit.” It was inhabited by people […]
Tinapa Festival is a founding anniversary and cultural festival held in Pio Duran, Albay, Philippines every March 13. It celebrates the historic conversion to a municipality in 1964, as well as its rich culture and tradition. Etymology The name of Tinapa Festival comes from tinapa, meaning smoked fish. History of Tinapa Festival In the past, […]
Mambusao Founding Anniversary is celebrated in the town of Mambusao, Capiz, Philippines every March 29. It commemorates the founding of the town in the 17th century. The date may be declared a special nonworking holiday through presidential proclamations. History of Mambusao It is thought that it was a flourishing settlement in pre-Hispanic times, ruled by […]
Araw ng Binganonan (Binangonan Day), also known as Binangonan Founding Anniversary, is celebrated in Binangonan, Rizal, Philippines every March 29. It is an annual event, which is also known as Aba! Festival, that recalls the birth of Binangonan as an independent town in 1900. The date may be declared a special nonworking holiday through presidential […]
Madja-as Festival is a week-long cultural festival and foundation anniversary in the municipality of Culasi, Antique, Philippines every March. It is celebrated as an outlet of thanksgiving and a commemoration of its founding in March 1735. History of Culasi Madja-as Festival remembers the humble beginnings of the town. Before the coming of the Spaniards, people […]