10 Amazing Festivals in Philippines You Have to See [Updated]

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The Philippines is known for its rich cultural heritage. Festivals and cultural activities are very common in the Philippines despite all of the tragedies and misfortunes. The Filipino people believe that there is a bundle of reasons to celebrate. Most festivals are celebrated in honor of the city’s patron saint. Here are 10 amazing festivals in the Philippines that you should check out.

1. Sinulog – Cebu

Source: Jover Alforque – https://www.flickr.com/photos/sinulog/16428945926/

Sinulog Festival is celebrated annually in Cebu City during the third Sunday of January. This Santo Niño celebration is celebrated all throughout the country but the center of this festivity is in Cebu City. A grandiose street parade is the highlight of the said event.

2. Sandugo – Bohol

Image Source: http://images.gmanews.tv/downloads/140410-SandugoFestival-Slideshow/03.jpg

Sandugo Festival takes place every year in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. This festival is in honor of the peace treaty of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna during the 16th century. Every July, Tagbilaran City commemorates the festival through different activities such as a Beauty Pageant and Street Dancing Competition.

3. Ati-Atihan – Aklan

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Ati-Atihan also means “to be like Atis”. Itas are known to be the first inhabitants of Cebu City. Ati-Atihan Festival is celebrated on the third Sunday of January every year. The celebration is more on tribal dance, other indigenous activities and participants parade along the streets. Related article: 6 Places to Explore in KALIBO, AKLAN

4. Dinagyang – Ilo-Ilo

Image Source: http://www.iloilo.net.ph/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dinagyang2.jpg

Every January, fourth Sunday, a cultural celebration in Iloilo City is celebrated in honor of the Infant Jesus or Santo Niño. Dinagyang Festival comes after the celebration of Sinulog and Ati-Atihan. This celebration commemorates the arrival of Malay in Panay and the so-called selling of Panay Island by the first inhabitants, the Atis. They have 3 major activities; Ati-Atihan Street Dancing, Search for Miss Dinagyang and Kasadyahan Street Dancing.

Related article: Places to See and Dine in IloIlo City

5. Panagbenga – Baguio

Source: https://discoverphilippinesorg.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/baguio-panagbenga-festival.jpg

You’ve definitely heard about the Panagbenga Festival held in Baguio every year. This festival became very famous all throughout the country and even foreign nationals are captivated by this beautiful month-long festival. The flowers in Baguio are considered to be one of the many reasons of Panagbenga Festival. Panagbenga, which also means “season of blooming”, includes various activities such as street dancing where the presenters use flower-inspired dresses and costumes.

Related articles:
10 Most Recommended Places to Eat in BAGUIO CITY
12 Most Recommended Places to visit in BAGUIO CITY

6. Pahiyas – Lucban, Quezon

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Every 15 of May, Lucban celebrates the well-known Pahiyas Festival in commemoration of St. Isidore the Labourer. The festival showcases the fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products of Lucban City. Tourists love to roam around this place because of its beautiful and eye-catching decorations.

7. Masskara – Bacolod

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Masskara or “Multitude of faces” is celebrated every October in Bacolod City. This festival is focused on the mask with happy and smiling faces. Street dancing, beauty pageant, food and sports events, concerts garden shows are just a few examples of the events celebrated every year during the Masskara Festival.Related article: BACOLOD CITY | 12 Must Visit Places in the City of Smiles (2018)

8. Kadayawan – Davao

Credits to: Darwin Miranda Cayetano

If you’re thinking of visiting Davao, there’s this time of the year that lets you experience the true meaning of festivity. Every 3rd of August, Kadayawan Festival is celebrated inn Davao City. “Dayaw” which means good or beautiful, is a thanksgiving celebration in honor of the bountiful harvest, culture and life in Davao City.

Related article: EXPLORING DAVAO CITY – Famous Tourist Destinations You have to Visit in the City!

9. Moriones – Marinduque

If you’re looking for a getaway during the Holy Week Season, you should go to Marinduque and celebrate the Moriones Festival. Moriones portrays men and women with masks and garbs replicating the biblical Roman soldiers. Related article: REDiscovering MORIONES FESTIVAL in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque

10. Aliwan Festival at Aliw theater – Manila

Source: https://www.facebook.com/aliwanfiestaofficial/photos

Aliwan Festival, tagged as “The Mother of All Fiestas”, aims to portray different cultures and festivals in the Philippines. This is celebrated during the summer season.