It's a known fact that Filipinos take their celebrations and feasts seriously. No matter what the economic situation is, the show, or in this matter, the feast must go on. Every town generally has their own yearly events dedicated to their Patron Saint. It's not an exaggeration then when someone states there might be a carnival going on in some town at any provided day. Thus, there is no requirement to time your go to thoroughly if you wish to witness the celebration and sign up with the celebration. There's bound to be one during your visit.

Due to the Spanish influence on Filipino's Catholic spirituality, most of these celebrations are spiritual in origin. No matter what the initial meaning of the celebration was, these days are usually marked with individuals garbed in elaborate outfits, overruning food and beverages, fluvial parades, processions, competitors, and many more.

1. Ati-Atihan-- Kalibo

Dubbed as the Mom of All Celebration in the Philippines, Kalibo's Ati-Atihan is the earliest celebration 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 participants practice for the upcoming event. During the celebration, people worn costumes made from indigenous products gather in the street and dance to the beat of the drums. Their skin is blackened to represent the early inhabitants referred to as "ati". Chants of "' Viva! Santo Niño!" and "Hala Bira! Pwera Pasma!" can be heard in addition to the rhythmic 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, various cities have come up with their own version however Ati-Atihan is special for one significant 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 delayed 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 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 step forward and one action backwards-- a motion that's indicated to replicate the water present (sulog) of Pahina River. The spiritual parade and street celebrations, you can also delight in trade fairs, musical events, and art exhibitions.

3. Dinagyang-- Iloilo City

Precisely a week later on the 4th Sunday of January, Iloilo City likewise holds the very same cultural and religious festivity in honour of the Child Jesus. Dinagyang consists of a fluvial procession, vibrant parades, and a competition for the most detailed outfit and remarkable choreography. There will be several stages around the city and you need to purchase tickets to better see the significant display.

4. Masskara-- Bacolod

Another distinguished Visayas celebration is Bacolod's Masskara, a 20-day street celebration brimming with food, beverages, dances, and a bunch of wild contests like chasing a pig and downing coconut milk. Held on the weekend closest to October 19, it was conceptualized to reveal the local's resiliency in spite of a difficult life. Hence, individuals wear papier-mâché or clay masks illustrating a huge smile.

5. Kadayawan Festival-- Davao City

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

6. Moriones Celebration-- Marinduque

Throughout Holy Week each year, a scriptural re-enactment is seen on the roadways of Marinduque when villagers wear their interpretation of a Roman soldiers' helmet, gown, and armour. Performed as a form of repentance, Moriones Festival is indicated to represent the look for Longinus, 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 Celebration-- Tacloban

If you enjoy tattoos and body arts then you may flip over the yearly celebration of Pintados festival in Tacloban when locals dance around the streets with tattooed bodies to signify the brave warriors of the past. Portraying the natives' practice of idolatry in world travel guide addition to their penchant for music and dance, this June 29th celebration supplies a peek of how the native people 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 Celebration commemorates the rise of the city after the terrible catastrophe 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 Celebration. In event of the Banquet of San Clemente, individuals open their houses and dining table to visitors. It's also 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 likewise buzzes with excitement each year on May 15 as they hold the Pahiyas Celebration to thank the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador, for a plentiful harvest. Each home is creatively decorated 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 outfits, papier-mâché giants, carabaos, and extravagantly designed drifts.

11. Obando Fertility Rites-- Obando, Bulacan

We'll cover 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, 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 most specifically, a child.

This list hardly even scratch the surface but is an excellent start for a more in-depth experience of Philippine Culture and Tradition.