It's a known truth that Filipinos take their celebrations and feasts seriously. No matter what the financial scenario is, the show, or in this matter, the feast should go on. Every town typically has their own yearly celebrations devoted to their Tutelary saint. It's not an exaggeration then when somebody says there might be a carnival going on in some village at any given day. Hence, there is no need to time your visit carefully if you wish to witness the revelry and join the celebration. There's bound to be one throughout your go to.

Due to the Spanish influence on Filipino's Catholic spirituality, many of these celebrations are spiritual in origin. No matter what the original significance of the celebration was, these days are generally marked with individuals garbed in intricate outfits, overflowing food and drinks, fluvial parades, processions, competitions, and lots of more.

1. Ati-Atihan-- Kalibo

Dubbed as the Mother of All Festival in the Philippines, Kalibo's Ati-Atihan is the earliest festival in the country. It's a two-week merriment 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 dressed in outfits made of native materials collect 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 actually developed their own variation but Ati-Atihan is unique for one major reason: it is extremely interactive. Locals are not just mere viewers, they paint their skin black with soot and sign up with the groups in street dancing. Do not be postponed 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-- two step forward and one step backwards-- a movement that's meant to simulate the water current (sulog) of Pahina River. The spiritual parade and street celebrations, you can also enjoy trade fairs, musical events, and art exhibitions.

3. Dinagyang-- Iloilo City

Exactly a week in the future the fourth Sunday of January, Iloilo City likewise holds the very same cultural and spiritual celebration in honour of the Kid Jesus. Dinagyang includes a fluvial procession, colourful parades, and a competitors for the most detailed costume and outstanding choreography. There will be several stages around the city and you require to purchase tickets to much better see the significant display.

4. Masskara-- Bacolod

Another renowned 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. Hung on the weekend closest to October 19, it was conceptualized to reveal the regional's resiliency in spite of a tough life. Participants use papier-mâché or clay masks portraying a substantial smile.

5. Kadayawan Celebration-- Davao City

Mindanao also has their own share of lavish fiestas led by Davao City's Kadayawan Festival held every year every 3rd week of August. This time it's mainly to give thanks for a plentiful harvest so the streets are decorated with freshly picked vegetables and fruits. During the celebration, vibrant drifts laden with fresh fruit and vegetables and flowers are paraded down the street. Besides the usual street dances, the city hosts horse battles, 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 don their analysis of a Roman soldiers' helmet, dress, and armour. Carried out as a form of repentance, Moriones Celebration is implied to portray the look for Longinus, popular holiday destinations the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus' side with a lance during the Crucifixion. Christian or not, this religious pageantry is fascinating to state the least.

7. Pintados Festival-- Tacloban

If you're into tattoos and body arts then you may turn over the annual celebration of Pintados festival in Tacloban when residents dance around the streets with tattooed bodies to symbolize the brave warriors of the past. Portraying the locals' practice of idolatry in addition to their fondness for music and dance, this June 29th celebration provides a peek of how the native individuals 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 festivals too. Every year during the month of February, thousands of travelers both domestic and foreign go up to the Summer season Capital of the Philippines to witness the city blossom, actually. Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival celebrates the increase of the city after the terrible catastrophe when the earthquake struck it in 1990. During the feast, Burnham Park and Session Road is awash with flamboyant floats embellished completely with flowers, it's a breathtaking spectacle really.

9. Higantes Festival-- Angono, Rizal

Every 23rd of November, head over to Angono, Rizal to be part of its larger than life celebration - the Higantes Celebration. Pahiyas Celebration-- Lucban, Quezon

The town of Lucban, Quezon also buzzes with excitement each year on May 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 artistically adorned with fruits, veggies, and the brilliantly coloured rice paper called "kiping". Brace yourself for an all out food extravaganza and an awesome parade of locals in vibrant costumes, papier-mâché giants, carabaos, and extravagantly developed drifts.

11. Obando Fertility Rites-- Obando, Bulacan

We'll wrap this list with an unique type of celebration-- the Obando Fertility Rites-- held for 3 days from May 17 to 19. On nowadays in Obando, Bulacan, followers do the fertility street dance to beseech the three saints, San Pascua, Nuestra Señora de Salambáo, and Santa Clara for good fortune, a spouse, or many especially, a kid.

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