It's a known fact that Filipinos take their celebrations and fiestas seriously. No matter what the financial scenario is, the show, or in this matter, the feast must go on. It's not an exaggeration then when somebody states there may be a feast going on in some town at any given day.

Due to the Spanish impact on Filipino's Catholic spirituality, most of these celebrations are religious in origin. Others celebrate specific essential occasions in history of the nation. No matter what the original meaning of the celebration was, these days are normally marked with individuals garbed in elaborate outfits, overruning food and drinks, fluvial parades, processions, competitors, and a lot more. Here we highlight a few of the most popular Philippine Festivals. Most of these have ended up being traveler attraction that draws visitors from all over the world.

1. Ati-Atihan-- Kalibo

Dubbed as the Mother of All Festival in the Philippines, Kalibo's Ati-Atihan is the earliest celebration in the country. 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 occasion. During the celebration, people worn outfits made of native products gather in the street and dance to the beat of the drums. Their skin is blackened to represent the early settlers known as "ati". Chants of "' Viva! Santo Niño!" and "Hala Bira! Pwera Pasma!" can be heard in addition to the balanced cadence of tribal music. The very first phrase is a tribute to the baby Jesus and the second is a plea not to get ill under the sweltering heat of the sun.

In the last years, different cities have actually created their own variation but Ati-Atihan is distinct for one major reason: it is really interactive. Residents are not just mere viewers, 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 local equivalent of Mardi Gras.

2. Ati-Atihan Sinulog-- Cebu City

On the same day, Cebu City likewise 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 step forward and one action backward-- a motion that's implied to mimic the water current (sulog) of Pahina River. The spiritual parade and street celebrations, you can likewise 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 likewise holds the same cultural top holiday destinations and spiritual celebration in honour of the Kid Jesus. Dinagyang consists of a fluvial procession, colourful parades, and a competition for the most complex costume and remarkable choreography. There will be several stages around the city and you require to purchase tickets to better see the significant showcase.

4. Masskara-- Bacolod

Another prominent Visayas festival is Bacolod's Masskara, a 20-day street party loaded with food, beverages, dances, and a bunch of wild contests like chasing after a pig and downing coconut milk. Hung on the weekend closest to October 19, it was conceived to show the regional's resiliency despite a tough life. Thus, participants use papier-mâché or clay masks portraying a big smile.

5. Kadayawan Celebration-- Davao City

Mindanao likewise has their own share of lavish fiestas led by Davao City's Kadayawan Festival held each year every 3rd week of August. The normal street dances, the city hosts horse fights, appeal 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 don their analysis of a Roman soldiers' helmet, dress, and armour. Carried out as a type of penitence, Moriones Festival 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 spiritual pageantry is fascinating to say the least.

7. Pintados Celebration-- Tacloban

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

8. Panagbenga, Baguio Flower Celebration

The mainland Luzon is not one to take the rear seat in terms of celebrations too. Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival honors the rise of the city after the terrible disaster when the earthquake struck it in 1990.

9. Higantes Celebration-- Angono, Rizal

Every 23rd of November, head over to Angono, Rizal to be part of its larger than life celebration - the Higantes Festival. 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 patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador, for a numerous harvest. Each home is creatively adorned with fruits, veggies, and the remarkably coloured rice paper called "kiping". Brace yourself for an all out food extravaganza and a thrilling parade of locals 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 kind of festival-- the Obando Fertility Rites-- held for 3 days from May 17 to 19. On nowadays in Obando, Bulacan, devotees do the fertility street dance to beseech the three saints, San Pascua, Nuestra Señora de Salambáo, and Santa Clara for great fortune, a partner, or the majority of particularly, a child.

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