It's a known truth that Filipinos take their celebrations and feasts seriously. No matter what the economic scenario is, the program, or in this matter, the carnival should go on. Every town usually has their own annual events dedicated to their Tutelary saint. It's not an exaggeration then when somebody says there may be a feast going on in some village at any offered day. Thus, there is no need to time your go to thoroughly if you want to witness the revelry and join the celebration. There's bound to be one during your check out.

Due to the Spanish influence on Filipino's Catholic spirituality, many of these festivals are religious in origin. No matter what the original meaning of the celebration was, these days are normally marked with individuals garbed in sophisticated outfits, overruning food and drinks, fluvial parades, processions, competitors, and numerous more.

1. Ati-Atihan-- Kalibo

Dubbed as the Mom of All Celebration in the Philippines, Kalibo's Ati-Atihan is the oldest celebration 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 event. During the celebration, people dressed in costumes made of native materials gather in the street and dance to the beat of the drums. The very first expression is a tribute to the baby 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 come up with their own version but Ati-Atihan is special for one major reason: it is very interactive. Locals are not just simple viewers, they paint their skin black with soot and sign up with the groups in street dancing. Do not be put off if you get wet 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 likewise 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 motion that's suggested to imitate the water present (sulog) of Pahina River. The religious parade and street celebrations, you can also take pleasure in trade fairs, musical events, and art exhibitions.

3. Dinagyang-- Iloilo City

Precisely a week later on the fourth Sunday of January, Iloilo City also holds the same cultural and religious festivity in honour of the Child Jesus. Dinagyang consists of a fluvial procession, colourful parades, and a competitors for the most elaborate outfit and impressive choreography. There will be a number of phases around the city and you require to buy tickets to much better see the remarkable display.

4. Masskara-- Bacolod

Another popular Visayas celebration is Bacolod's Masskara, a 20-day street party packed with food, drinks, dances, and a bevy of wild contests like chasing after a pig and downing coconut milk. Held on the weekend closest to October 19, it was conceived to reveal the local's resiliency in spite of a difficult life. Thus, participants use papier-mâché or clay masks illustrating a substantial smile.

5. Kadayawan Festival-- Davao City

Mindanao also has their own share of luxurious fiestas led by Davao City's Kadayawan Festival held each year every 3rd week of August. This time it's mainly to give thanks for a plentiful harvest so the streets are embellished with freshly chosen fruits and vegetables. Throughout the celebration, vibrant drifts laden with fresh fruit and vegetables and flowers are paraded down the street. Besides the normal street dances, the city hosts horse battles, charm pageants, and boat races.

6. Moriones Festival-- Marinduque

Throughout Holy Week each year, a scriptural re-enactment is seen on the roadways of Marinduque when villagers don their interpretation of a Roman soldiers' helmet, dress, and armour. Performed as a form of penitence, Moriones Celebration is meant to portray the look for Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus' side with a lance throughout 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 may flip over the annual event of Pintados festival in Tacloban when residents dance around the streets with tattooed bodies to signify the brave warriors of the past. Portraying the locals' practice of idolatry along with their fondness for music and dance, this June 29th celebration offers a glance 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 rear seat in regards to festivals too. Every year during the month of February, countless travelers both domestic and foreign increase to the Summer season Capital of the Philippines to witness the city flower, actually. Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Celebration celebrates the increase of the city after the awful disaster when the earthquake hit it in 1990. During the banquet, Burnham Park and Session Roadway is awash with flamboyant floats decorated totally with flowers, it's a spectacular phenomenon actually.

9. Higantes Festival-- Angono, Rizal

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

10. Pahiyas Festival-- Lucban, Quezon

The town of Lucban, Quezon likewise buzzes with enjoyment each year on Might 15 as they hold the Pahiyas Celebration to thank the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador, for an abundant harvest. Each house is creatively embellished with fruits, veggies, and the brilliantly coloured rice paper called "kiping". Brace yourself for an all out food travel extravaganza and an awesome parade of residents in colourful outfits, papier-mâché giants, carabaos, and lavishly created floats.

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 Might 17 to 19. On these days in Obando, Bulacan, followers do the fertility street dance to beseech the 3 saints, San Pascua, Nuestra Señora de Salambáo, and Santa Clara for great fortune, a spouse, or many particularly, a child.

This list barely even scratch the surface however is a great start for a more thorough experience of Philippine Culture and Tradition.