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PHILIPPINES – LOTS OF GREAT FESTIVALS TO TOUR WITH
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
ATI-ATIHAN
Kalibo, Aklan
13-19 of 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. Niño. 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.NiÑo"!
The Ati-Atihan celebration is echoed in many parts of the country
SINULOG
Cebu City 18-19 of 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 Señor! Viva Sto. Niño!" 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 of 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 February 23 – March 3
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 February 28 – March 1
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.
MORIONES
Marinduque 13-20 of 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 of 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 of 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 all month of 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 June 24
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 of 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 June 24
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 décor. 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 June 29
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 of 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 July 25
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 of 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 AND SILOP CAVE ADVENTURE Surigao City September 9
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.
PEÑAFRANCIA
VIVA LA VIRGEN Naga City September 20
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 of 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 of 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 mardi-gras style street dancing.
LANZONES
FESTIVAL Camiguin 25-28 of 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 of 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 November 23
A fiesta of "gigantic" proportions, this one is highlighted by a grand
procession featuring the higantes, ten-feet papier-mâche 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 Cotobato City 15-19 of 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 December 3
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.
Source:
Philippine Almanac
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