It's a known truth that Filipinos take their celebrations and feasts seriously. No matter what the economic circumstance is, the show, or in this matter, the carnival should go on. It's not an exaggeration then when someone states there may be a fiesta going on in some town at any given day.

Due to the Spanish influence on Filipino's Catholic spirituality, most of these festivals are spiritual in origin. No matter what the original significance of the festival was, these days are generally marked with individuals garbed in sophisticated costumes, vacation destinations overflowing food and drinks, fluvial parades, processions, competitors, and numerous more.

1. Ati-Atihan-- Kalibo

Called as the Mom of All Celebration in the Philippines, Kalibo's Ati-Atihan is the earliest celebration in the nation. It's a two-week joviality that culminates on the 3rd Sunday of January.

As early as December, you will hear drumbeats as individuals practice for the upcoming event. During the celebration, individuals dressed in costumes made of native products collect in the street and dance to the beat of the drums. The first expression is a tribute to the baby Jesus and the second is a plea not to get sick under the sweltering heat of the sun.

In the last decades, various cities have created their own variation however Ati-Atihan is distinct for one significant reason: it is extremely interactive. Locals are not just simple spectators, they paint their skin black with soot and join 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 very 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-- 2 advance and one action backward-- a motion that's meant to replicate the water current (sulog) of Pahina River. Besides the spiritual parade and street parties, you can likewise delight in trade fairs, musical events, and art exhibits.

3. Dinagyang-- Iloilo City

Precisely a week in the future the 4th Sunday of January, Iloilo City likewise holds the same cultural and religious festivity in honour of the Kid Jesus. Dinagyang includes a fluvial procession, colourful parades, and a competition for the most detailed costume and excellent choreography. There will be a number of stages around the city and you need to purchase tickets to better see the significant showcase.

4. Masskara-- Bacolod

Another prominent Visayas festival is Bacolod's Masskara, a 20-day street celebration packed with food, beverages, dances, and a bevy of wild contests like chasing a pig and downing coconut milk. Held on the weekend closest to October 19, it was conceived to reveal the regional's resiliency despite a tough life. Hence, participants wear papier-mâché or clay masks portraying a substantial smile.

5. Kadayawan Celebration-- Davao City

Mindanao likewise has their own share of extravagant fiestas led by Davao City's Kadayawan Festival held yearly every 3rd week of August. The normal street dances, the city hosts horse battles, beauty pageants, and boat races.

6. Moriones Celebration-- Marinduque

During Holy Week each year, a biblical re-enactment is seen on the roads of Marinduque when villagers wear their interpretation of a Roman soldiers' helmet, gown, and armour. Performed as a type of repentance, Moriones Festival is suggested to depict the search for Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus' side with a lance during the Crucifixion. Christian or not, this religious pageantry is interesting to say the least.

7. Pintados Festival-- Tacloban

If you're into tattoos and body arts then you may turn over the annual event of Pintados festival in Tacloban when residents dance around the streets with tattooed bodies to represent the brave warriors of the past. Representing 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 previous 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 during the month of February, thousands of tourists both domestic and foreign go up to the Summertime Capital of the Philippines to witness the city blossom, actually. Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Celebration celebrates the rise of the city after the tragic catastrophe when the earthquake struck it in 1990. Throughout the feast, Burnham Park and Session Road is awash with flamboyant drifts embellished entirely with flowers, it's a spectacular 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 homes and table to visitors. It's likewise rather a sight to see papier-mâché giants sashaying down the street, some measuring as tall as 12 ft.

10. Pahiyas Celebration-- Lucban, Quezon

The town of Lucban, Quezon also buzzes with excitement each year on Might 15 as they hold the Pahiyas Festival to thank the tutelary saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador, for an abundant harvest. Each house is creatively embellished with fruits, veggies, and the remarkably coloured rice paper called "kiping". Brace yourself for an all out food extravaganza and an exhilarating parade of locals in vibrant outfits, papier-mâché giants, carabaos, and lavishly designed floats.

11. Obando Fertility Rites-- Obando, Bulacan

We'll cover this list with a special sort of festival-- the Obando Fertility Rites-- held for 3 days from Might 17 to 19. On these days in Obando, Bulacan, enthusiasts 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 kid.

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