It's a known truth that Filipinos take their festivals and fiestas seriously. No matter what the financial circumstance is, the show, or in this matter, the feast must go on. Every town usually has their own yearly events dedicated to their Tutelary saint. It's not an exaggeration then when someone says there might be a fiesta going on in some town at any given day. Thus, there is no requirement to time your visit thoroughly if you want to witness the festivity and sign up with the event. There's bound to be one throughout your go to.

Due to the Spanish influence on Filipino's Catholic spirituality, many of these celebrations are religious in origin. No matter what the initial meaning of the celebration was, these days are usually marked with people garbed in fancy outfits, overruning food and drinks, fluvial parades, processions, competitors, and many more.

1. Ati-Atihan-- Kalibo

Called as the Mom of All Festival in the Philippines, Kalibo's Ati-Atihan is the oldest festival in the country. It's a two-week merrymaking that culminates on the 3rd Sunday of January.

As early as December, you will hear drumbeats as participants practice for the upcoming occasion. Throughout the celebration, individuals dressed in outfits made of indigenous products collect in the street and dance to the beat of the drums. The first expression is a tribute to the infant Jesus and the second is a plea not to get ill under the blistering heat of the sun.

In the last decades, different cities have developed their own variation but Ati-Atihan is distinct for one significant factor: it is extremely interactive. Locals are not just simple viewers, they paint their skin black with soot and join the groups in street dancing. Do not be postponed if you get damp with some beer spray, after all it's the local equivalent of Mardi Gras.

2. Ati-Atihan Sinulog-- Cebu City

On the exact same day, Cebu City also commemorates the to Santo Niño through their Ati-Atihan Sinulog. What sets it apart is the method they dance to the beat of the drums-- two advance and one step backward-- a motion that's indicated to simulate the water present (sulog) of Pahina River. Besides the spiritual parade and street celebrations, you can likewise take pleasure in trade fairs, musical events, and art exhibits.

3. Dinagyang-- Iloilo City

Exactly a week later on the fourth Sunday of January, Iloilo City likewise holds the exact same cultural and religious festivity in honour of the Kid Jesus. Dinagyang includes a fluvial procession, colourful parades, and a competitors for the most detailed outfit and remarkable choreography. There will be a number of stages around the city and you need to purchase tickets to much better see the significant showcase.

4. Masskara-- Bacolod

Another popular Visayas festival is Bacolod's Masskara, a 20-day street party replete with food, beverages, dances, and a bunch of wild contests like chasing a pig and downing coconut milk. Held on the weekend closest to October 19, it was conceived to show the regional's resiliency in spite of a difficult life. Thus, individuals use papier-mâché or clay masks portraying a huge smile.

5. Kadayawan Celebration-- Davao City

Mindanao likewise has their own share of luxurious carnivals led by Davao City's Kadayawan Celebration held annually every 3rd week of August. The usual street dances, the city hosts horse fights, beauty pageants, and boat races.

6. Moriones Festival-- Marinduque

During Holy Week each year, a scriptural re-enactment is seen on the roadways of Marinduque when villagers wear their interpretation of a Roman soldiers' helmet, gown, and armour. Performed as a form of repentance, Moriones Celebration is indicated to portray the look for Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus' side with a lance during the Crucifixion. Christian or not, this religious pageantry is intriguing to state the least.

7. Pintados Festival-- Tacloban

If you're into tattoos and body arts then you might turn over the annual event of Pintados festival in Tacloban when residents dance around the streets with tattooed bodies to symbolize the brave warriors of the past. Representing the natives' practice of idolatry together with their fondness for music and dance, this June 29th celebration supplies a peek of how the native individuals lived prior to the Spaniard's arrival.

8. Panagbenga, Baguio Flower Festival

The mainland Luzon is not one to take the rear seat in terms of festivals too. Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Celebration commemorates the rise of the city after the terrible catastrophe when the earthquake hit it in 1990.

9. Higantes Festival-- Angono, Rizal

Every 23rd of November, head over to Angono, Rizal to be part destinations of its bigger than life event - the Higantes Celebration. Pahiyas Festival-- Lucban, Quezon

The town of Lucban, Quezon also buzzes with excitement each year on Might 15 as they hold the Pahiyas Celebration to thank the tutelary saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador, for a plentiful harvest. Each home is creatively adorned with fruits, veggies, and the brilliantly coloured rice paper called "kiping". Brace yourself for an all out food extravaganza and a thrilling parade of locals in colourful costumes, papier-mâché giants, carabaos, and extravagantly developed drifts.

11. Obando Fertility Rites-- Obando, Bulacan

We'll cover this list with an unique sort of festival-- the Obando Fertility Rites-- held for 3 days from May 17 to 19. On these days in Obando, Bulacan, devotees do the fertility street dance to beseech the three saints, San Pascua, Nuestra Señora de Salambáo, and Santa Clara for excellent fortune, a spouse, or a lot of especially, a child.

This list barely even scratch the surface area however is a great start for a more in-depth experience of Philippine Culture and Custom.