Philippine’s Festival Mania

Experience a celebration all year ’round in the Islands of the Philippines. Visit different cities with very unique, colorful and amazing festivals. Like most Asian countries, the Philippines are rich in culture and tradition. Influenced by the Spaniards, the Philippines have the largest number of Christians in Asia. It is one reason why these folks are festival lovers!

These Fiestas are one of the reasons why the tourism industry in this beautiful country is growing. Tourists who experienced some of these festivals keep coming back to see more. Now, it’s time to introduce you to the fun!

Filipinos are known for big celebrations at the time of the feast day of their patronized saints and it is one way of giving thanks for a good harvest and overflowing blessings.

January is the Feast of Sto Nino. “Viva Sto. Nino!” is what everyone is shouting while dancing the Ati Atihan steps during the Ati Atihan Festival; a three-day celebration of masked ball in Kalibo, Aklan. It is their commemoration to the reconciliation between malays and Ati way back then.

While in the queen city of the south, Cebu City, make sure to attend the Sinulog Festival. It is similar to the Ati Atihan with a dance of two step forward, one step back that the crowds are doing during the exciting parade. Just try not to get wrapped up in the excitement and find yourself dancing along. We bet you can’t!

Panagbenga Festival, a flower festival in the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio City, in which they exhibit different floral floats contest parade. Enjoy the festival without the sweat as the city is known for its cooler weather.

Or how about the Moriones Festival in Marinduque which is celebrated every March or April during Holy Week. During this festival people dress like one of the characters from the bible or as Romans. They wear masks and helmets called ‘Moriones’. This is a re-enactment of how Jesus suffered and was crucified according to Christian dogma.

In Lucban, Quezon Province comes the Pahiyas Festival every month of May, in honor of their patronized saint San Isidro Labrador. The houses all over the town are decorated with fruits, vegetables and flowers where everyone including visitors are free to eat and can bring some to their homes. It is a colorful event where everyone is elated in participating in the once a year event!

Well, we can’t forget to mention the very popular Flores de Mayo or the Santa Cruzan where every little Filipina is dressed in pretty gowns and accessorized with flowers dreaming to become the Reyna Elena (Queen of the parade). Its a procession towards the church where everyone brings flowers and saying the rosary offered to Virgin Mary. This is celebrated every 31st of May.

One of the world’s renowned Fiestas is the Kadayawan Festival which is a celebration of life and thanksgiving for the gift of nature. This is celebrated every third week of August with parades of floral floats and fruits. Every school participates in the street dancing contest in their traditional, unique and eye-catching costumes.

October is the Negros Island’s Mascara Festival, a carnival parade in which the people are wearing colorful and smiling masks. Bacolod City is known for sugar cane production and people as they say, will have a smile in their face upon eating the cane that is why they are called as The City of Smiles.

How about the Lanuza Surfing Festival in Surigao del Sur? For those fond of surfing, try coming here every November as the best surfers all over the country gather here to give a good show!

Famous Festivals aren’t over yet! These are just a handful of what the Philippines can offer to the tourists around the world. Try celebrating one feast and definitely everyone will ask for more!

[Tags]Ati Atihan, Fiesta, Philippines, Festival, Party[/Tags]