The heritage of the Spanish era here in the Philippines is pulsating even until today. For over 300 years, the country suffered the cruelty of the Spaniards, but it’s a love-hate relationship since they left a lasting legacy for the Filipino people.
Polytheism, monotheism, and belief in nature were replaced by Catholic churches and huge crosses. The supposed-to-be spread of Chinese religions such as Buddhism were intercepted by the strong yearning of Spain to also share their religion to the Philippine natives. The festivals of the Catholic Church, included.
Filipinos are fun-loving people. While the fiestas here resemble the characteristics of those in other Spanish settlements, such as in Colombia, the Philippine festivals are unique, they reflect the personality of the country’s people. In this edition of Toph10, you’ll get to know the must-see festivals around the Philippines.
Top 10
Lanzones Festival – Camiguin
Camiguin is not popular for its glistening beaches alone, but also for its Lanzones Festival. If you want the sweetest lanzones, buy them from this province. The Lanzones Festival isn’t the loudest fiesta in the Philippines, but locals and tourists look forward to this event every year as it is very meaningful.
Top 9
Moriones Festival – Marinduque
Held every Holy Week in Marinduque province, the Moriones Festival is perhaps the “most Western” of all festivals on this top 10. The performers are men and women clad as Roman soldiers, as the event reenacts the story of Longinus, a Roman centurion who regained his sight after Jesus’ miracle using his blood. The festival culminates on Easter Sunday, reenacting Longinus’ arrest, trial, and execution. Interesting.
Top 8
Giant Lantern Festival – San Fernando, Pampanga
When you think of lanterns, you’ll think of Christmas, then you’ll think of San Fernando in Pampanga where the country’s most groovy “parols” or lanterns are made. It appears that the culinary capital of the Philippines has something else to show. At the Giant Lantern Festival, you’ll see breathtaking parols paraded, instead of people costumed as Ati tribes or Pinoys in masks.
Top 7
Dinagyang Festival – Iloilo City
Another festival held in honor of the Holy Child is the Dinagyang Festival. A Hiligaynon word which means “merrymaking,” the Dinagyang also celebrates the pact between the datus and the locals after the arrival of Malay settlers. So, like the Ati-Atihan, it is a festival that combines Spanish and native traditions. This event is particularly known for its energetic street partying with food and beverages.
Top 6
Lechon Festival – Various Places
For the fun part, be sure you won’t miss the Lechon Festival. It’s basically not a festival that honors a patron saint, but, brace yourself, the famous suckling pig in the Philippines, lechon. That’s right. Lechon is most famous in Cebu, but this event is also held in Balayan, Batangas, as well as in La Loma in Quezon City and, of course, Cebu.
Top 5
Ati-Atihan Festival – Kalibo, Aklan
The Ati-Atihan Festival was once the most famous festival in the country, but was overtaken by other festivals competing for the glory of being the most fun and colorful. Nevertheless, the Ati-Atihan remains as one of the oldest festivals in the Philippines, celebrated for over 800 years, as it blends the arrival of the Catholics with the Ati tribe, Negritos who are considered the first inhabitants of the archipelago. Hence, you’ll see the participants’ skins painted black.
Top 4
Panagbenga Festival – Baguio City
Further up in the north, the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio, hosts the illustrious Panagbenga Festival. Be sure you don’t have a clogged nose at this time because it’s the festival of flowers, a month-long occasion created as a tribute to the city’s flowers, cultivated beautifully in such a cool environment. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Igorots dancing on the streets.
Top 3
Pahiyas Festival – Lucban, Quezon
While Spanish influence is strong in the Visayas area, that doesn’t mean there are no exciting festivals in the north of the country. Taking place in the land of the tasty Pancit Lucban, Pahiyas Festival is touted as the biggest and most colorful harvest festival in the country, honoring the patron saint of farmers. Aside from the festivities, the people of Quezon decorate their houses with fruits, vegetables, and flowers, making the sight such as Instagrammable piece.
Top 2
MassKara Festival – Bacolod City
Masks are a common feature in traditional costumes. You’ll see it in the national attire of Italy, for instance. Being a Spanish-conquered country, the influence of this fashion is seen here, in the personification of the MassKara Festival in the city of caring people, Bacolod. As the name suggests, being part of this event is like watching the Masquerade scene in “The Phantom of the Opera.”
Top 1
Sinulog Festival – Cebu City
Of course, the famous Sinulog Festival. Interestingly, this festival in the Queen City of South has gained more attention today as it has become viral on social media. Taking place on the third Sunday of January, this religious celebration honors the Santo Niño. As you fly to Cebu City for this event, you’ll see participants dressed in bright costumes on a street parade featuring traditional Sinulog dances and music, all chating the trendy hashtag, “Viva Pit Señor!”
Flying soon to the Philippines? For sure, you want to be here for the beaches or to feel what the Pinoy Christmas spirit is like. But, you might want to take a U-turn and experience the country like never before. Make sure you have lots of energy as you take part in the most fun festivals in the country.
