The Philippines is a popular tourist spot, and people all around the world visit this country to have the best time of their lives. With stunning wildlife, cultural and culinary delights, and witnessing vibrant festivals in the Philippines should be on your bucket list. It’s one of the most happening countries and has a rich culture full of celebrations.
So, if you are planning to visit the Philippines, make sure you attend these festivals or visit during the festival season. This way, you can enjoy the authentic culture and essence of the country. Thus, in this blog, we are going to talk about the 5 most vibrant and happening festivals in the Philippines.
These are the festivals that you should enjoy once in a lifetime. Moreover, Filipinos love the celebration of their culture, and no matter what time you visit the country, there must be some or other festivals or fiesta going on. Here are some of the most popular and vibrant festivals that you must enjoy.
1. ATI-ATIHAN
This festival is celebrated in many towns and cities of the Philippines and is celebrated in honor of Santo Niño (Holy Child or Infant Jesus). It is also known as the mother of all festivals in the Philippines. Moreover, ATI-ATIHAN – KALIBO is one of the oldest festivals in the country.
It’s celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of January, and this year, it was celebrated on January 15th. During the celebration, people cover their bodies with black paint and wear costumes made of traditional material. Hundreds of people gather on the streets of the town and dance to the beats of drums. The whole vibe and the energy of the place are just on another level.
People start preparing for this festival months in advance, and you can listen to the drum rolls even in December. The spirit of this festival cannot be described in words. However, over the years, many cities have started celebrating Ati Atihan in their own special way.
It’s undoubtedly, the most vibrant and colorful festival. The best part is that people can participate in it rather than just being in the audience. This is why this is such a unique and special celebration of their culture. However, you can see the true color and the spirit of the festival in the city of Kalibo, which is nearby Boracay, which is a famous tourist attraction.
2. GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL
It is an annual festival that is celebrated in December every year in the city of Saint Fernando. The celebration of this festival comes with a competition to make the largest lantern. This is such a treat for the eyes, and people come up with unique and creative ideas every year.
So, if you are planning a trip to the Philippines, December will be a great time as you can celebrate Christmas as well as you can enjoy the Gaint lantern festival. You must experience this festival once in a lifetime.
The city of Saint Fernando is also known as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines. People first started celebrating this festival of light in 1931 when electricity was introduced to the city. However, you can easily travel to Saint Fernando by a two-hour long journey from Manila.
The whole city lights up with bright colours and beautiful lanterns. Trust me, it will be completely worth a while.
3. BAGUIO FLOWER FESTIVAL
This is an annual festival of flowers, and the celebrations start from the very first day of February and go on the whole month. There are different activities that take place during this celebration. However, the first few activities are organized by the government itself.
This celebration represents the month of the blooming and during this month. Huge floats are decorated with loads of flowers and roam around the city. People also get very creative and take inspiration from different flowers and wear costumes and also perform in the streets. This is a treat to watch, and you will have a blast during Panagbenga or Baguio flower festival.
After 2020 this festival was not celebrated for two years because of COVID. However, now there are no restrictions, and this festival of flowers is back with even more colours. Many people visit Baguio during this festival, so make sure to plan your trip in advance.
4. MASSKARA FESTIVAL
This festival of Smiles is celebrated in Bacolod, which is on Cebu island. The Masskara festival is celebrated on the 4th Sunday of October, and during the celebration, people celebrate on the streets wearing colourful smiling masks on their faces.
There are so many parties, gatherings, and dancing happening on the streets. Moreover, anyone can participate in the celebration. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic for the past two years, the Masskara festival was celebrated virtually. This festival has attracted the maximum number of people from around the world to the Philippines.
This is a festival full of fun, and you can’t miss out on this one, so make sure to visit Bacolod if you are in the Philippines during October.
5. DINAGYANG FESTIVAL
It is a popular religious and cultural festival that is celebrated in Iloilo city of the Philippines. This festival is celebrated to show devotion to Santo Nino (child Jesus). This is the best thing you can experience as a tourist. The streets are closed for the celebration as different tribes from various parts of the country come here to celebrate and dance.
All the tribes participate in a folk dance battle or dance-off. The whole city is buzzing with joy during this time. If you get to witness this festival, it will be a memory you will cherish for the rest of your life.
Different tribes come in colourful costumes, and they all represent different cultures. It’s such a treat to watch. Moreover, you can get to taste food from all over the world.
Final words
Festivals in the Philippines are something that holds a significant value in their culture. Moreover, the spirit of the celebration is something I can’t put into words.
The Filipinos are very passionate about their festivals and fiesta. Recently, the Filipino community celebrated the Pistahan festival in San Francisco.
So, no matter what time of the year you visit, there is something special going on in the country. Make sure you get to witness the celebration of the festivals while you are in the Philippines.
