It's a known truth that Filipinos take their festivals and fiestas seriously. No matter what the economic situation is, the show, or in this matter, the feast needs to go on. Every town usually has their own yearly events committed to their Tutelary saint. It's not an exaggeration then when somebody says there may be a feast going on in some town at any provided day. Therefore, there is no need to time your check out carefully if you want to witness the revelry and sign up with the event. There's bound to be one during your go to.

Due to the Spanish influence on Filipino's Catholic spirituality, most of these festivals are religious in origin. Others celebrate particular crucial events in history of the country. No matter what the original significance of the festival was, these days are usually marked with people garbed in sophisticated outfits, overflowing food and beverages, fluvial parades, processions, competitors, and many more. Here we highlight some of the most popular Philippine Festivals. Most of these have actually become tourist attraction that draws visitors from all over the world.

1. Ati-Atihan-- Kalibo

Called as the Mom of All Festival in the Philippines, Kalibo's Ati-Atihan is the earliest 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 individuals practice for the upcoming event. Throughout the celebration, individuals dressed in costumes made of native materials gather in the street and dance to the beat of the drums. The first expression is a homage 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, various cities have created their own version however Ati-Atihan is special for one significant factor: it is very interactive. Residents are not simply mere spectators, they paint their skin black with soot and sign up with the groups in street dancing. Do not be put off if you get damp with some beer spray, after all it's the regional 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 way they dance to the beat of the drums-- two advance and one step backward-- a movement that's indicated to simulate the water existing (sulog) of Pahina River. The religious parade and street celebrations, you can likewise enjoy trade fairs, musical events, and art exhibitions.

3. Dinagyang-- Iloilo City

Exactly a week later on the 4th Sunday of January, Iloilo City also holds the same cultural and religious celebration in honour of the Child Jesus. Dinagyang consists of a fluvial procession, colourful parades, and a competitors for the most detailed outfit and excellent choreography. There will be several phases around the city and you need to purchase tickets to better see the significant showcase.

4. Masskara-- Bacolod

Another renowned Visayas festival is Bacolod's Masskara, a 20-day street party brimming with food, drinks, dances, and a bevy of wild contests like chasing a pig and downing coconut milk. Hung on the weekend closest to October 19, it was conceptualized to show the regional's resiliency despite a tough life. Thus, individuals use papier-mâché or clay masks illustrating a huge smile.

5. Kadayawan Festival-- Davao City

Mindanao likewise has their own share of luxurious feasts led by Davao City's Kadayawan Celebration held each year every 3rd week of August. This time it's mainly to appreciate for a plentiful harvest so the streets are embellished with newly selected vegetables and fruits. During the event, colourful drifts laden with fresh produce and flowers are paraded down the street. Besides the normal street dances, the city hosts horse fights, charm pageants, and boat races.

6. Moriones Celebration-- Marinduque

Throughout Holy Week each year, a biblical re-enactment is seen on the roadways of Marinduque when villagers wear their analysis of a Roman soldiers' helmet, dress, and armour. Carried out as a type of penitence, Moriones Festival is suggested to represent the search for Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus' side with a lance during the Crucifixion. Christian or not, this spiritual pageantry is fascinating to state the least.

7. Pintados Celebration-- Tacloban

If you're into tattoos and body arts then you might flip over the yearly event of Pintados festival in Tacloban when residents dance around the streets with inked bodies to symbolize the brave warriors of the past. Depicting the natives' practice of idolatry along with their fondness for music and dance, this June 29th festival supplies a look of how the native people lived prior to the Spaniard's arrival.

8. Panagbenga, Baguio Flower Festival

The mainland Luzon is not one to take the backseat in terms of celebrations too. Every year throughout the month of February, thousands of tourists both domestic and foreign increase to the Summertime Capital of the Philippines to witness the city bloom, actually. Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival honors the increase of the city after the awful disaster when the earthquake struck it in 1990. Throughout the banquet, Burnham Park and Session Road is awash with flamboyant drifts decorated totally with flowers, it's a breathtaking spectacle truly.

9. Higantes Festival-- Angono, Rizal

Every 23rd of November, head over to Angono, Rizal to be part of its bigger than life event - the Higantes Celebration. In celebration of the Banquet of San Clemente, individuals open their houses and table to visitors. It's also rather a sight to see papier-mâché giants sashaying down the street, some measuring as high as 12 ft.

10. Pahiyas Celebration-- Lucban, Quezon

The town of Lucban, Quezon likewise buzzes with enjoyment each year on Might 15 as they hold the Pahiyas Festival to thank the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador, for an abundant harvest. Each house is creatively decorated with fruits, vegetables, and the remarkably coloured rice paper called "kiping". Brace yourself for an all out food extravaganza and an exhilarating parade of locals in vibrant costumes, papier-mâché airplane tickets giants, carabaos, and extravagantly developed drifts.

11. Obando Fertility Rites-- Obando, Bulacan

We'll cover this list with a special type of celebration-- the Obando Fertility Rites-- held for 3 days from Might 17 to 19. On nowadays in Obando, Bulacan, devotees do the fertility street dance to beseech the 3 saints, San Pascua, Nuestra Señora de Salambáo, and Santa Clara for great fortune, a partner, or many particularly, a child.

This list barely even scratch the surface area but is an excellent start for a more thorough experience of Philippine Culture and Tradition.