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The fiesta is part and parcel of Filipino
culture. Through good times and bad times, the
Filipino fiesta must go on. Each city and barrio
has at least one local festival of its own,
usually on the feast of its patron saint, so
that there is always a fiesta going on somewhere
in the country. But the biggest and most
elaborate festival of all is Christmas, a season
celebrated with all the pomp and pageantry the
fun-loving Filipino can manage. The Philippine
fiesta is a lot more that it seem on the
service. It is the tie that binds Filipinos from
a region or an area together, a time to reunite
with your extended family and you kababayans
(countrymen/women.) No mater where you are, your
are expected to attend. It is a time to rejoice
in friendship, spend all you have, forget the
expense, just be happy you can afford to
entertain and feed others, if you can.
Below are the major Philippine Fiestas /
Filipino Fiestas
ATI-ATIHAN
Kalibo, Aklan
13-19 January
The Ati-Atihan Festival commemorates the 13th
century land deal between 10 migrating Bornean
chieftains and the aboriginal Ati King Marikudo.
It also honors the town patron, the infant Sto.
Nino.
The ceaseless, 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 merriment. A familiar
battle cry reaches your ears, and amidst all
this confusion you remember where you are:
Kalibo, Aklan. "Viva, Sto. Nino!"
The Ati-Atihan celebration is echoed in many
parts of the country.
SINULOG
Cebu City
18-19 January
Cebu City's fiesta of fiestas. Characterized by
its peculiar
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 synchronized to the beat of drums and shouts
of "Pit Senior! Viva Sto. Nino!" Feel free to
dance with the best of them, grooving all the
way to the grand final presentation at the Cebu
City Sports Center.
DINAGYANG
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
inhibitions 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!
PANAGBENGA
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 - disguised, of
course, as the Panagbenga parade floats.
KAAMULAN
Malaybalay, 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 norm, 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. The fiesta is part and parcel of
Filipino culture. Through good times and bad
times, the fiesta must go on. Each city and
barrio has at least one local festival of its
own, usually on the feast of its patron saint,
so that there is always a fiesta going on
somewhere in the country. But the biggest and
most elaborate festival of all is Christmas, a
season celebrated with all the pomp and
pageantry the fun-loving Filipino can manage.
MORIONES
Marinduque
13-20 February
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 depicting the fierce Roman
soldiers of Christ's time. All these are done to
depict the story of the conversion of Longuinus,
the centurion who pierced Jesus' side - and his
subsequent beheading.
CUTUD LENTEN RITES
San 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 performed in the morning of
Good Friday during the Holy Week. Backs, arms,
and legs are cut and then struck with burillo
whips. The climax to this occasion happens at
midday, when penitents are literally nailed to
their waiting crosses.
PAHIYAS/MAYON/AGAWAN
Quezon
11-15 May
Flowers come out in May, but these aren't the
only things flaunted during this merry month.
Down south in the town of Lucban, Quezon,
there's also the kiping - a colorful,
translucent 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 usher 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 fray. Rest
assured, whether you get handfuls or just a mere
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.
FLORES DE MAYO / SANTACRUZAN
Nationwide
May
A parade of the town's loveliest ladies,
depicting the search and discovery of Christ's
Cross by Queen Helena and Constantine.
MUDPACK FESTIVAL
Murcia, Negros Occidental
24 June
Oneness with nature is the underlying theme
behind Murcia's annual mud-moving spectacle.
Check on its murky highlight - a lively street
dancing parade with the participant wearing
nothing but mudpacks (well, almost...). It's a
surefire way to mix our ecological concerns with
good, clean, cloddy fun - just be sure to shower
afterwards!
PINYAHAN SA DAET
Daet, Camarines Norte
15-24 June
Sweet, succulent 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 complemented by art
exhibits, trade fair, cultural dances, and sport
events. Feel rich when you go for a visit at
Paracale Gold Mines, and be acquainted with some
Bicol heroes like Vinzon and Panganiban and
Lucban.
PARADA NG LECHON
Balayan, Batangas
24 June
A different sight and flavor are introduced in
June with a festival in Balayan, Batangas,
popularly known as the "Parada Ng Lechon". These
succulent roasted pork form the highlight of the
occasion, decked out in their platforms with all
kinds of decor. Since the festival coincides
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.
TACLOBAN PINTADOS FESTIVAL
Tacloban City
29 June
Back during pre-Hispanic years, tattoos
signified courage among the natives of Tacloban.
These days they symbolize a cultural revival,
and a wild, wacky fiesta called the Pintados.
Join the town residents as they deck themselves
out in body paint, mimicking the warriors of old
while dancing to the frenetic beat of drums.
SANDUGO FESTIVAL
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
remembered 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.
KINABAYO FESTIVAL
Dapitan City
25 July
An exotic and colorful pageant re-enacting the
Spanish-Moorish wars, particularly the Battle of
Covadonga where the Spanish forces under General
Pelagio took their last stand against Saracan.
They were able to reverse the tide through the
miraculous apparition of St. James. The addition
of local color and innovation has made this
annual revelry a popular attraction which brings
thousands of visitors to the city.
KADAYAWAN SA DABAW
Davao City
20-24 August
Davao's annual festival, Kadayawan Sa Dadaw
promises another weekend of fanfare and fun -
tribal style. Watch as the festivities reach a
glorious climax on Saturday morning: that's when
the Kadayawan parade is held, featuring
colorful, orchid-bedecked floats and more than a
dozen "ethnic" groups dancing to the beat of
wooden drums.
BONOK-BONOK FESTIVAL & SILOP CAVE ADVENTURE
Surigao City
9 September
Behind Surigao's multi-faceted culture is its
original tribal background. The Surigaonons go
back to their roots this month as they celebrate
their heritage with a loud, rowdy street dancing
parade.
PENAFRANCIA VIVA LA VIRGEN
Naga City
20 September
Bicol Region's biggest celebration is an annual
affair that combines religion with culture and
tradition, packing it all in a 9-day fiesta of
biblical proportions. Stay until sundown for
stirring climax: the fluvial parade as it makes
its way down the river, surrounded by a sea of
glowing candles - a fitting end of this truly
spiritual occasion.
ZAMBOANGA HERMOSA FESTIVAL
Zamboanga City
10-12 October
All roads in Mindanao lead to Zamboanga, as the
"City of Flowers" celebrates its grand, annual
Hermosa Festival. The vintas, those colorful
native sea boats, once again make their
appearance in a fast-paced, race-till-you-drop
regatta. There's also a wealth of cultural and
flower shows, art exhibits, and trade fairs.
It's an all-out celebration of life - Chavacano
style!
MASSKARA FESTIVAL
Bacolod City
14-21 October
The carnival spirit fills the air as masked
participants donning fabulous costumes dance
there way around the city's main thoroughfares.
This annual event reflects Bacolenos' love for
fun and gaiety. Coinciding with the city's
character day celebration, the festival features
carnivals, fairs, and madri-gras style street
dancing.
LANZONES FESTIVAL
Camiguin
25-28 October
Camiguin Island's favorite fruit becomes the
object of adoration in this superb street
dancing extravaganza. Watch the streets of
Mambajao become colorful, lively stages as the
Camiguinons strut their stuff; dressed in the
costumes of the Mindanao tribes, and carrying
bunches of sweet, sumptuous lanzones. Everyone
is welcome to join the fun - it is a
come-as-you-are, eat-all-you-can, and
dance-till-you-can affair.
PINTA FLORES FESTIVAL
San Carlos City
3-5 November
This city in the sugar-producing island of
Negros Occidental honors its patron saint, San
Carlos Borromeo, with a pageant where
participants with floral painted bodies dance in
rhythmic beat as they wind through the major
streets. The festival is inspired by the
tattooed Negrenses of pre-colonial times.
FEAST OF SAN CLEMENTE / HIGANTES
Angono, Rizal
23 November
A fiesta of "gigantic" proportions, this one is
highlighted by a grand procession featuring the
higantes, ten-feet papier-mache puppets,
surrounded by a crowd of drenched,
water-fighting revelers. Better bring your
squirt gun if you want to join the fun. It is a
water-logged event that is sure to leave you wet
n' wild - and wanting for more.
SHARIFF KABUNSUAN FESTIVAL
Cotabato City
15-19 December
Cotabato City's Moslem population celebrates the
arrival of Islam to the region with a series of
fun-filled activities. No need to go native to
enjoy these - there's a fluvial parade, an
outrigger boat race, as well as various musical
and athletics events.
GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL
San Fernando, Pampanga
3 December
San Fernando makes the biggest, most spectacular
lanterns, at around 40 feet in diameter and
bearing thousands of light bulbs a piece. Watch
them all in their twinkling, blinking, flashing
glory in this grand Christmas exhibit. |
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