It's a recognized truth that Filipinos take their celebrations and feasts seriously. No matter what the financial circumstance is, the program, or in this matter, the fiesta should go on. It's not an exaggeration then when somebody states there might be a carnival going on in some village at any provided day.

Due to the Spanish influence on Filipino's Catholic spirituality, most of these festivals are religious in origin. Others celebrate certain important occasions in history of the nation. No matter what the initial meaning of the celebration was, nowadays are generally marked with individuals garbed in fancy beach vacation costumes, overruning food and drinks, fluvial parades, processions, competitions, and a lot more. Here we highlight a few of the most popular Philippine Festivals. The majority of these have become traveler destination that draws visitors from all over the world.

1. Ati-Atihan-- Kalibo

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

As early as December, you will hear drumbeats as participants practice for the upcoming event. Throughout the event, people dressed in outfits made of indigenous products gather in the street and dance to the beat of the drums. The very first phrase is a tribute to the baby Jesus and the second is a plea not to get sick under the blistering heat of the sun.

In the last years, different cities have developed their own version but Ati-Atihan is distinct for one major reason: it is extremely interactive. Locals are not just simple 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 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-- 2 advance and one action backward-- a movement that's suggested to imitate the water present (sulog) of Pahina River. The spiritual parade and street parties, you can likewise take pleasure in trade fairs, musical occasions, and art exhibits.

3. Dinagyang-- Iloilo City

Exactly a week later the 4th Sunday of January, Iloilo City also holds the exact same cultural and spiritual festivity in honour of the Child Jesus. Dinagyang consists of a fluvial procession, colourful parades, and a competitors for the most detailed costume and outstanding choreography. There will be numerous stages around the city and you need to purchase tickets to much better see the dramatic showcase.

4. Masskara-- Bacolod

Another popular Visayas festival is Bacolod's Masskara, a 20-day street party brimming with food, drinks, dances, and a bunch of wild contests like chasing 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. Participants use papier-mâché or clay masks depicting a substantial smile.

5. Kadayawan Festival-- Davao City

Mindanao also has their own share of luxurious feasts led by Davao City's Kadayawan Festival held yearly every 3rd week of August. The usual street dances, the city hosts horse fights, appeal pageants, and boat races.

6. Moriones Festival-- 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, dress, and armour. Carried out as a kind of repentance, Moriones Festival is meant to represent the search for Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus' side with a lance throughout the Crucifixion. Christian or not, this spiritual pageantry is fascinating to say the least.

7. Pintados Festival-- Tacloban

If you enjoy tattoos and body arts then you may turn over the yearly celebration of Pintados festival in Tacloban when locals dance around the streets with tattooed bodies to symbolize the brave warriors of the past. Representing the locals' practice of idolatry in addition to their fondness for music and dance, this June 29th celebration offers a glimpse 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 terms of celebrations too. Every year throughout the month of February, countless travelers both domestic and foreign go up to the Summer Capital of the Philippines to witness the city bloom, actually. Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Celebration honors the increase of the city after the terrible disaster when the earthquake struck it in 1990. Throughout the banquet, Burnham Park and Session Roadway is awash with flamboyant floats embellished totally with flowers, it's a breathtaking spectacle actually.

9. Higantes Celebration-- Angono, Rizal

Every 23rd of November, head over to Angono, Rizal to be part of its bigger than life celebration - the Higantes Festival. In event of the Banquet of San Clemente, individuals open their homes and table to visitors. It's also quite 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 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 artistically decorated 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 colourful outfits, papier-mâché giants, carabaos, and extravagantly created floats.

11. Obando Fertility Rites-- Obando, Bulacan

We'll cover this list with an unique kind of celebration-- the Obando Fertility Rites-- held for 3 days from Might 17 to 19. On these days in Obando, Bulacan, fans do the fertility street dance to beseech the 3 saints, San Pascua, Nuestra Señora de Salambáo, and Santa Clara for excellent fortune, a partner, or most specifically, a kid.

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