The expected dates for the festivals in Philippines 2013 are shown in the list below.
Sto. Niño Festival
Date 2013: Tuesday, 1 January (27 January in Bulacan)
Occasion: This festival is held on different days in different provinces of Philippines. In Bulacan this festival is held during the last Sunday of January. In some other provinces it is held during the first Sunday of January. The festivities are somehow different in some regions but basically the local and foreign tourists have an opportunity to see very well-made Catholic images and statues of the Child Jesus, known locally as the Sto. Niño in various manifestations.
Applicable to: National
Pista ng Tatlong Hari (Feast of the Three Kings)
Date 2013: Sunday, 6 January
Occasion: During the feast of the Three Kings, also known as the Epiphany. In the Philippines people usually pray and prepare gifts for Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar. This feast usually marks the official end of the liturgical Christmas in the Philippines.
Applicable to: National
Pista ng Mahal na Nazareno (Feast of the Black Nazarene)
Date 2013: Wednesday, 9 January
Occasion: Catholics and devotees of the Black Nazarene converge together in what has always been an all-day intense procession carrying the huge cart where the Black Nazarene lies. Every year thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to Philippines (Manila) to be a part of the procession of the Black Nazarene.
Applicable to: Quiapo, Manila only
Araw ng Koronadal “Hinugyaw Festival”
Date 2013: Thursday, 10 January
Occasion: During this feast, people of Koronadal City in Mindanao celebrate various cultural facades that have settled in the city over the years.
Applicable to: Mindanao only
Ati-Atihan / Sinulog Festival
Date 2013: Sunday, 20 January
Occasion: One of the grandest street parties in the Philippines, this feast celebrates the Sto. Niño. It is held on every third week of January in Aklan and Cebu, and is more popularly known around the world as Ati-Atihan or Sinulog Festival. During this event, the locals of Aklan and tourists put marks on their faces similar to masks while on the Sinulog Festivals, the dancers wear vibrant colors of costume with the statue of the Sto Niño is being swing with the tune of the dance. Ati-atihan on the other hand are supposed to resemble Negritos who are dancing to vibrant ethnic music produced mostly by drums and other local instruments.
Applicable to: Aklan/Cebu only
Ati-atihan / Sinulog Festival
Date 2013: Sunday, 20 January
Occasion: Locals of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental come together in unique mostly handmade costumes while their bodies are painted in black. They are celebrating the feast of El Señor Sto. Niño.
Applicable to: National
Zambulawan
Date 2013: Sunday, 20 January
Occasion: During this feast, people of Koronadal City in Mindanao celebrate various cultural facades that have settled in the city over the years.
Applicable to: Zamboanga del Sur only
Pasungay Festival in San Joaquin (Bull Fighting Festival)
Date 2013: Every 21st day of January
Occasion: Pasungay is an annual festival held in the town of San Joaquin, Iloilo. Local people say that the Pasungay begun when two furious bulls were set loose by the cow keepers and the fighting bulls in the hillside was witnessed by the resting farmers. During this festival, spectators cheer as they watch bulls from the town and nearby areas fight. There’s also another annual festival held in the town of San Joaquin on the same day. It’s called Pahibag – the annual horse fight festival.
Applicable to: Iloilo only
Dinagyang Festival
Date 2013: Sunday, 27 January
Occasion: Dinagyang is a religious and cultural festival held in the city of Iloilo. Anyone attending the Dinagyang Festival must shout the words “Hala Bira” as they dance to the vivacious music along the populated streets. Just like most of the festivals in Philippines, this one is also very colorful and joyful.
Applicable to: Iloilo only
Pista ng Mahal na Patron ng Kandila (Feast of Our Lady of Candles-Candelaria)
Date 2013: Saturday, 2 February
Occasion: Thousands of devotees gather at the Jaro Cathedral in Iloilo to celebrate the feast of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. It is one of the most lavish religious spectacles in the country. The feast starts with the blessing of the candles and continues with a procession of Nuestra Senora de Candelaria, the patroness of the festivity.
Applicable to: Iloilo only
Chinese New Year
Date 2013: Sunday, 10 February
Occasion: Filipinos do respect the Chinese community. In the last few years, the Chinese New Year considered a national holiday.
Applicable to: National
Kalilangan Festival
Date 2013 : 27 February
Occasion : From a Maguindanaoan term "kalilang" which means celebration or festivity, Kalilangan Festival is a celebration of Gensan's rich and diverse culture and heritage and coincides with the foundation anniversary of General Santos City. It was recognized as the Best Tourism Event (Culture and Arts category) in the country in the years 2011 and 2012 by the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines. Kadsagayan is the term for their Street Dancing at the Oval Plaza of the City.
Applicable to : General Santos City
Panagbenga (Flower Festival)
Date 2013: Sunday, 24 February
Occasion: The parade of flowers on the major streets of Baguio with grand parade of floats of flowers.
Applicable to: Baguio city only
Sibug-Sibug Festival
Date 2013: Tuesday, 26 February
Occasion: This festival is celebrated during the foundation day of the Sibugay, Zamboanga Province. Sibug-Sibug festival is another colorful parade of cultural treasures. Experience street dancing, ethnic rituals, thanking the gods of good harvest, wedding and healing rituals. It usually lasts for two weeks. About their food, their famous is their delicious Oysters.
Applicable to: Sibugay only
Paraw Regatta
Date 2013: Sunday, 3 March
Occasion: This is an absolutely amazing event for all sailing enthusiasts. It is one of the most exciting race of colorful sailboats called Paraws. The festival is held annually in the straits between Guimaras Island and the city of Iloilo. It’s also a perfect time to show off stunning Paraw design.
Applicable to: Iloilo only
Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon (Ethnic Cultural Festival of Bukidnon)
Date 2013: Saturday, 02 March
Occasion: The Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon is yet another proof of rich culture of Mindanao island. It is held on the first Saturday of March annually. The main street of Malaybalay become lively and colorful, the locals and tourists are partying all week. Great music, ethnic food fest, and native dancing until the end of the week. Kaamulan, from the word Amul, that means, gathering of all tribes.
Applicable to: Bukidnon only
Sandugo Festival (Blood Compact Commemoration)
Date 2013: Saturday, 16 March
Occasion: Sandugo means “one blood”. The Blood Compact happened between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Sikatuna, chief of Bool (now Bohol), as a sign of friendship and end of hostility. Today, the city of Tagbilaran, Bohol commemorates this event through a feast and some series of interesting local events.
Applicable to: Bohol only
Mahal na Araw (Holy Week)
Date 2013: From Sunday, 24-31 March
Occasion: The Philippine Holy Week celebration is a period of wherein devotees reenact the significant moments of Jesus Christ’s life, from the time of his preaching, going through the time of his death, and until his resurrection.
Applicable to: National
Via Crusis (Way of the Cross)
Date 2013: From Monday to Sunday, 25-31 March
Occasion: Via Crusis or Via Dolorosa is a religious devotion that takes place in Cebu City and commemorates 14 key events on day of Christ’s crucifixion during the season of Lent. It’s attended mostly by Cebuano devotees and other devotees who voluntarily join the penitential procession to 12 Stations of the Cross found in 12 hectares of rolling hills.
Applicable to: Cebu City
Manaoag Pilgrimages
Date 2013: From Monday to Sunday, 7-14 April
Occasion: Our Lady of Manaoag is visited by both local and foreign devotees. Most Catholics believe that Our Lady of Manaoag has miraculous powers. Manaoag, becomes one of the Philippines’ pilgrimage centers because of the miraculous image. On Saturday, vehicles that transport pilgrims are blessed.
Applicable to: Pangasinan only
Pak’kaat Kallo
Date 2013: From Monday to Sunday, 25-31 March
Occasion: During this festivity, the tribe of Manobo in Magpet, Cotabato celebrates their bountiful harvests through rituals, dances and songs during the holy week.
Applicable to: Magpet, Cotabato
Turumba (Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba)
Date 2013: Friday, 29 March
Occasion: This procession is held during the Good Friday. Devotees usually carry the ancient image of the Virgin Mary on the streets of Pakil, Laguna. They dance and sing in the streets making religious procession even more enjoyable.
Applicable to: Pakil, Laguna
Ang Pagtaltal sa Guimaras
Date 2013: Friday, 29 March
Occasion: It’s held during the Good Friday in the city of Jordan. Locals come together to reenact the Crucifixion of Christ. Devotees start the penitential procession to the “Balaan Bukid” or the Holy Mountain where a cross stands towering at the chapel overlooking the Guimaras Straight and Iloilo City.
Applicable to: Jordan, Guimaras
Cutud Lenten Rites
Date 2013: Friday, 29 March
Occasion: Cutud, Pampanga region is known all around the world for probably the most realistic reenactment of the Passion of the Christ including the actual nailing of three flagellants. They are nailed on a wooden cross in San Pedro.
Applicable to: San Pedro, Cutud, Pampanga
Moriones Festival
Date 2013: Sunday, 29 March
Occasion: In Marinduque, locals take part in the traditional reenactment of the Crucifixion of Christ with the soldiers or “Moriones” wearing colorful masks and costumes. The Moriones refer to the heartless Roman soldiers. The festival’s highlight is the reenactment of the conversion of Longguinus, the one who stabbed Jesus and was then eventually beheaded.
Applicable to: Boac, Magpoc, Marinduque
Lamilamihan Festival
Date 2013: Sunday, 14 or 21 April
Occasion: This annual event showcases the rich culture of Yakan – indigenous tribes in Mindanao. Yakan music, dances and handmade crafts are absolutely amazing.
Applicable to: Lamitan, Basilan
Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival)
Date 2013: Wednesday, 1 May
Occasion: A day of Lingayen, Pangasinan thanksgiving for bountiful harvests and abundant fishing observed all over Pangasinan traditional with mass offering on beautiful beaches and fluvial parade.
Applicable to: Lingayen, Pangasinan
Viva Vigan Festival
Date 2013: From Sunday to Thursday, 1-5 May
Occasion: Viva Vigan Festival is the main event in the city of Vigan that showcases the cultural richness of this northern tourist destination. Unique and amazing art of the Bigueños is definitely the highlight of this festival.
Applicable to: Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Flores de Mayo/Santacruzan (Flowers of May)
Date 2013: During May
Occasion: Santacruzan is a very popular event in Philippines. During this event people celebrate the finding of the True Cross by Santa Elena. Prior to Santacruzan, a nine-day novena is held honoring the Holy Cross. It is followed by a procession wherein Reyna Elena is represented by a beautiful girl accompanied by a boy who shall represent King Constantine. Other girls and boys in the parade represent biblical characters. Well-decorated arches are the highlights of this event. It’s a month-long national festival.
Applicable to: National
Antipolo Pilgrimage
Date 2013: During May
Occasion: During the month of May, pilgrims walk from their homes to the Antipolo Church in Rizal province to visit the miraculous image of the Virgin of Antipolo.
Applicable to: Antipolo Rizal
Pahiyas Festival
Date 2013: Wednesday, 15 May
Occasion: Houses are decorated in amazingly colorful fruits, vegetables and flowers. A noodle called “habhab” and the transparent rice tortilla called “kiping” are served during Pahiyas Festival.
Applicable to: Lucban, Quezon
Mudpack Festival
Date 2013: Saturday and Sunday, 15-16 June
Occasion: The Mudpack Festival in Negros Occidental is a symbolic celebration of “primitive people”, opposite to people of the so-called modern world. They respect nature and everything surrounding them. It celebrates the harmony of man and nature and encourages environmentalism among young people.
Applicable to: Mambkal Murcia, Negros Occidental
Parada ng Lechon
Date 2013: Monday, 24 June
Occasion: Parada ng Lechon means “parade of roasted pig". During this annual event, several roasted pigs are decorated and showcased in Balayan. People also pour water during this event. It’s highly recommended to bring some extra clothes when visiting the Parada ng Lechon in June :)
Applicable to: Mambkal Murcia, Balayan, Batangas
Pintados/Kasadyaan Festival
Date 2013: Saturday, 29 June
Occasion: Local people of Tacloban who had tattoos during the Spanish years were highly regarded as courageous. During the Pintados Festival, local and foreign tourists decorate themselves to imitate brave warriors while dancing to vibrant beats of drums.
Applicable to: Tacloban City
Bocaue River Festival
Date 2013: Sunday, 7 July
Occasion: The Bocaue River Festival commemorates the discovery of the miraculous cross floating and landmark called “Wawa.” What is unique about festival however is the procession down the river with a huge ornately decorated pagoda float when people get soaked in the river water.
Applicable to: Bocaue
T'nalak Festival
Date 2013 : 2nd Week of July
Occasion : The T'nalak Festival is a commemoration of the foundation anniversary of the province of South Cotabato and was named after the woven cloth made by the T'boli's in the province.
Applicable to : South Cotabato Only
Kinabayo Festival
Date 2013: Wednesday, 24 July
Occasion: The annual Kinabayo Festival features a re-enactment of the Spanish-Moors wars especially the Battle of Covadonga, the historic last stand of Spanish soldiers under General Pelagio versus Saracan.
Applicable to: Dapitan City
Paaway sa Kabayo (Horse Fighting Festival)
Date 2013: Thursday, 25 July
Occasion: Male horses fight over female horses – this is what the Paaway sa Kabayo is all about. More than 100 horses have been trained solely for this and it is twice a year event.
Applicable to: Tanjay, Negros Oriental
Rajah Baguinda Festival
Date 2013: Sunday, 11 August
Occasion: Rajah Baguinda festival is highly respected for spreading Islam and establishing the power of the Sultanate Government in the archipelago of Sulu. The Rajah Baguinda Festival showcases a rich culture of Sulu. It’s a three-day festival.
Applicable to: Jolo, Sulu
Eid-El FITR Muslim Festival
Date 2013: Thursday, 8 August
Occasion: This Muslim festival that signifies the end of Ramadan, or the holy month of fasting, has been declared a national holiday to give further respect to the Islamic religion in the Philippines.
Applicable to: National
Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival
Date 2013: Saturday and Sunday, 17-18 August
Occasion: Kadayawan sa Dabaw – the king of all festivals in Philippines. Held at the third week of August, Kadayawan celebrates the bountiful harvest of Davao’s flowers, fruits and other produce as well as the wealth of the city’s culture.
States applicable to: Davao City
Sarakiki
Date 2013: All week, 1-8 September
Occasion: Sarakiki celebrates cockfighting as a hobby among many Filipinos. During this festival people dance in costumes that make them look like the brave fighting roosters.
Applicable to: National
Bonok-Bonok Maradjao Karadjao Festival
Date 2012: Sunday, 9 September
Date 2013: Monday, 9 September
Occasion: A colorful festival showcasing the Surigaonon’s Tribal Culture through street dancing celebrated every 9th of September.
Applicable to: Surigao City
Peñafrancia Viva La Virgen
Date 2013: Saturday, 21 September
Occasion: Peñafrancia Viva La Virgen is one of the most important religious celebrations in Naga city. It’s celebrated in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patroness of Bicol. The festival is characterized by a nine-day procession along the Bicol river, and ends with Our Lady of Peñafrancia crossing the river whilst surrounded by glowing candles.
Applicable to: Naga City, Camarines Sur
Lemlunay (T’Boli Tribal Festival)
Date 2013: From Monday to Wednesday, 16-18 September
Occasion: Lemlunay is an annual festival held at the beautiful lake Sebu. It features original T’boli’s tribal rituals which commence with the sound of gongs and native music. The event is culminated at the Town Plaza where cultural street dancing and ethnic sports, like horse fighting, are held.
Applicable to: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Zamboanga La Hermosa Festival
Date 2013: From Tuesday to Saturday, 1-12 October
Occasion: The miraculous image of Our Lady of the Pilar at Fort Pila is celebrated during the Zamboanga La Hermosa festival.
Applicable to: National
Lanzones Festival
Date 2013: Saturday, 19 October
Occasion: The harvest of small round yellow fruit called lanzones is celebrated during the Lanzones Festival. Streets are filled with local dancers and tourists. Cultural shows, parties, parades and beauty pageant are also held. One of the aims of the festival is to show the rich cultural products of Camiguin.
Applicable to: Mambajao, Camiguin
Masskara Festival
Date 2013: Saturday and Sunday, 19-20 October
Occasion: Also known as the Mardi Gras of Philippines. Bacolod City air is filled with cheerful and outrageous spirits during the Masskara Festival. Young and old participants wear masks and magnificent costumes while dancing around the main streets of the city. The city of Bacolod is also called the City of Smiles.
Applicable to: Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
La Naval De Manila (Procession of the Blessed Virgin Mary of La Naval)
Date 2013: Sunday, 13 October
Occasion: The harvest of small round yellow fruit called lanzones is celebrated during the Lanzones Festival. Streets are filled with local dancers and tourists. Cultural shows, parties, parades and beauty pageant are also held. One of the aims of the festival is to show the rich cultural products of Camiguin.
Applicable to: Sto. Domingo, Q. C.
Pinta Flores Festival
Date 2013: From Sunday to Tuesday 3-5 November
Occasion: It’s one of the most popular and definitely the most colorful street dancing festival/contest in San Carlos City. This festival is all about flowers and dances, amazing costumes, and the triumph of good against evil. PintaFlores Festival is attended by local and foreign tourists who join the locals in a city-wide celebration.
Applicable to: Negros Occidental, San Carlos City.
Higantes Festival (Feast of San Clemente)
Date 2013: Saturday, 23 November
Occasion: The image of San Clemente is carried by male devotees in a procession during this festival. The devotees wear fishermen clothes and carry fishermen equipment with themselves. The highlight of the festival are the dancing higantes which are paper mache puppets, usually 12 ft. high and about 5 ft. diameter. They are huge and very often shown in different forms and personalities. The procession ends at Laguna de Bay.
Applicable to: Angono, Rizal.
Grand Cordillera Festival
Date 2013: Sunday, 24 November
Occasion: Tribes and ethnic groups of the Cordillera region come together every year to celebrate life and revive ancient traditions on the last Sunday in November. This region is rich in arts and culture. If you want to see unique street dances, ritual performances or listen to great songs, Grand Cordillera Festival is definitely for you. Besides, it’s a week-long event.
Applicable to: Baguio City, Cordillera region.
Pagdidiwata
Date 2013: Sunday, 8 December
Occasion: Native people of Tagbanua or Palawan celebrate through ritual dances and food offerings to the souls of their departed kin and to their deities. The thanksgiving celebration is held in Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan.
Applicable to: Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Immaculate Conception
Date 2013: Sunday, 8 December
Occasion: La Immaculada is the patroness of Intramuros, Manila. During this annual event, a procession is held with more than fifty images of the Virgin Mary from provinces and countries around the world being carried by devotees around the historic place of Intramuros.
Applicable to: Intramuros, Manila
Bikol Pastores
Date 2013: Saturday, 18 December
Occasion: This extraordinary Christmas tradition takes place in the Bicol City of Legazpi in Albay. During this event, young men and women dressed in their unique colorful shepherd costumes roam around the city, dancing and singing to the tune of “Pastores a Belen”.
Applicable to: Legazpi City, Albay
Giant Lantern Festival
Date 2013: Saturday, 21 December (held every third Saturday of December)
Occasion: San Fernando, Pampanga is known for producing the most colorful, magnificent, creative and attractive Christmas lanterns in Philippines. To celebrate the art of lantern-making, an annual festival and competition among lantern-makers is held on the Saturday before Christmas Eve. The contest features giant lanterns that are as big as forty feet in diameter and have many (usually more than thousand) light bulbs.
Applicable to: San Fernando, Pampanga
Note:
If you know a festival in your place that is not listed here, please write it in the comment box below. Thank you very much.
-Con Tour Blog