Ati-Atihan Festival (Aklan)

The Ati-Atihan Festival, an annual extravaganza in Aklan, is a

harmonious blend of indigenous and Catholic cultures. This celebration of
the local Ati tribe's customs and traditions features vibrant parades, traditional
dances, and musical performances.
A religious aspect includes a procession of participants donned in
indigenous costumes and masks, paying homage to the Sto. Niño (Holy
Child), the festival's patron saint. With thousands of visitors attending each
year, Ati-Atihan is a unique tribute to Aklan province's rich heritage and
culture.
 SINULOG FESTIVAL (CEBU)

Cebu's Sinulog Festival is a grand celebration honoring the Santo Niño,

an icon symbolizing the Child Jesus. This vibrant festival includes a
magnificent parade, mesmerizing street dancing, and solemn religious
ceremonies.
The Sinulog Dance, a spirited performance by participants clad in
traditional Cebuano attire, is a major highlight. Sinulog also offers cultural
performances, delectable food fairs, and live music, making it a major
attraction in Cebu.
 Kadayawan Festival (Davao)

The Kadayawan Festival in Davao City showcases the culture and

heritage of indigenous tribes in the region. With vibrant street dances,
parades, and exhibits highlighting local traditions, this festival is a celebration
of nature's bounty and the indigenous way of life.
The "Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan" street dancing competition is a
major draw. The festival also features events like the "Hiyas ng Kadayawan"
beauty pageant and the "Pamulak sa Kadayawan" floral and fruit float parade,
attracting visitors from across the country and the world.
 MassKara Festival (Bacolod)

Bacolod City's MassKara Festival pays homage to the city's culture

and history with lively street dances, parades, and competitions featuring
intricate costumes and masks.

Live music, food vendors, cultural displays, and entertainment

enhance the festival's appeal. Held in October, MassKara is a magnet for
both locals and tourists, creating a memorable experience.
 Pahiyas Festival (Quezon)

The Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon, honors San Isidro

Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. It is famous for elaborate decorations
crafted from agricultural products, including rice stalks, fruits, and
vegetables.
Colorful kakanin (rice cakes) line the streets, while locals compete to
create intricate displays. Pahiyas also includes parades, dances, cultural
performances, and traditional delicacies, making it a beloved tourist attraction.
 Dinagyang Festival (Iloilo

Iloilo City's Dinagyang Festival commemorates the arrival of

Malay settlers and the conversion of indigenous Ati people to Christianity. It
features captivating street dance competitions with participants in colorful
costumes, body paint, and choreographed dances to the beat of drums.
Dinagyang also includes a religious procession, a reenactment of the
Ati-Atihan, and various activities like food fairs and parades. It serves as a
vibrant testament to Iloilo's rich culture and history, attracting thousands of
global tourists annually.
 Moriones Festival (Marinduque

The Moriones Festival, held during Holy Week on Marinduque

Island, commemorates the conversion of Saint Longinus, a Roman soldier, to
Christianity. Participants, known as "Moriones," wear colorful costumes,
masks, and carry wooden spears and shields, reenacting the story of Saint
Longinus.
The festival features a reenactment of the Passion of Christ,
processions, and a quest to find the hidden "Longinus" figure. The Moriones
Festival draws numerous visitors from the Philippines and beyond, making it a
significant cultural and religious event for Marinduque.
 Panagbenga Festival (Baguio)

The Panagbenga Festival, or Baguio Flower Festival, showcases the

city's abundance of flowers and promotes tourism.
The festival boasts a parade of floral floats, a street dance competition,
and various cultural performances. "Panagbenga," meaning "season of
blooming" in the Kankanaey dialect, is a major event in Baguio City,
attracting both local and international tourists.
 Higantes Festival
(Angono, Rical)

Angono, Rizal's Higantes Festival, celebrated annually on November

23, coincides with the feast day of Saint Clement, the town's patron saint. Giant papier-
mâché figures called "Higantes," adorned with colorful clothing, accessories, and masks,
parade through the town's streets.
Traditional Filipino dances, music, and culinary delights add to the festivities.
Higantes Festival is one of the most popular cultural festivals in the Philippines, a
major tourism attraction for Angono.
These festivals, each a unique tapestry of tradition, history, and artistry, offer
tourists an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Philippines' diverse cultural
heritage. As vibrant showcases of the nation's soul, these events stand as irresistible
magnets that continually beckon travelers to this enchanting archipelago.
 Tuna Festival
(General Santos City)

The Tuna Festival, also known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines
Festival, is an annual event in General Santos City. This festival celebrates
the city's status as a major tuna producer and promotes the fishing industry.
Activities include street parades, cultural shows, beauty pageants, and
cooking competitions. The highlight is the Tuna Festival Street Dance
Competition, featuring dancers in colorful tuna-inspired costumes. This
festival, held in September, attracts both local and international visitors.
 Kaamulan Festival (Bukidnon)

The Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon is an annual cultural celebration

that pays tribute to the province's indigenous culture. It showcases the heritage
of seven ethnic tribes: Talaandig, Higaonon, Manobo, Matigsalug,
Tigwahanon, Umayamnon, and Bukidnon.
Activities include colorful parades, traditional dances, music, games, a
horseback riding competition called "Pintakasi," and the "Miss Kaamulan"
pageant. The festival fosters unity among the ethnic groups and promotes
responsible tourism. It is held throughout February.
 Aliwan Fiesta (Manila)

The Aliwan Fiesta, organized by the Manila Broadcasting Company

and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, is an annual cultural event held
in Manila. It features a street parade and competition of regional festivals from
across the Philippines, highlighting the nation's diverse culture.
The festivals are judged based on presentation quality, including
costumes, props, and choreography. The event includes live performances,
food and merchandise vendors, and cultural activities. Aliwan Fiesta
typically takes place in April or May, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
 Kalilangan Festival
(General Santos City)

The Kalilangan Festival is an annual cultural and arts festival held

in General Santos City. It showcases the diverse cultural heritage of the city
through performances, competitions, and exhibits.
The festival features traditional dances, music, and other forms of
artistic expression, as well as food and craft fairs. Kalilangan usually takes
place in February and is considered one of the most important cultural events
in the region.
 Seslong Festival (T’boli)

Seslong Festival is a celebration of the economic and social activities of

the T'boli people, involving barter and exchange in an exact location and
time. It is accompanied by merrymaking and typically showcases the interplay
of cultures.
 Bangsi Festival (Maitum)

The Bangsi Festival celebrates the abundance of "bangsi" or flying fish

in Maitum, Sarangani. The festival features a parade of decorated lechon,
traditional music and dance performances, and a lechon cooking
competition. It typically takes place in June and is known for its colorful and
vibrant celebrations.
 Hinugyaw Festival
(Koronadal City)

The Hinugyaw Festival in Koronadal City is a colorful celebration

depicting the fusion of B'laan, Maguindanaon, and Christian
cultures. The festival includes street dancing parades, talent shows, beauty
pageants, sports events, and nightly street parties.
 T’nalak Festival
South Cotabato

The T’nalak Festival is an annual cultural and religious celebration held

in South Cotabato, showcasing the culture and traditions of the T'boli
people. The festival includes traditional dances, music, and
performances, as well as a T’nalak weave competition. It typically takes
place in July and is a major tourist attraction in South Cotabato.
 Kalimudan Festival
(Sultan Kudarat)

Kalimudan Festival celebrates the founding anniversary of Sultan

Kudarat province and highlights the distinct cultures of the
B'laan, Maguindanaons, and Christians. It features street dancing parades,
talent shows, and beauty pageants.
 Hinugyaw Festival
(Koronadal City)

The Hinugyaw Festival in Koronadal City is a colorful celebration

depicting the fusion of B'laan, Maguindanaon, and Christian
cultures. The festival includes street dancing parades, talent shows, beauty
pageants, sports events, and nightly street parties.