April / May / June Philippine Festivals, Fiesta in the Philippines

FESTIVAL IN THE PHILIPPINES

APRIL / MAY / JUNE FESTIVALS

APRIL

BANANA FESTIVAL
April 01-05 / La Castellana, Negros Occidental (1 hour 10 minutes from Manila to Bacolod City by air; 1 hour 40 minutes from Bacolod City to La Castellana by land)
An agricultural trade showcase of the bountiful harvest of the municipality, particularly banana.

KESONG PUTI FESTIVAL
April 01-07 / Sta. Cruz, Laguna (2 hours from Manila by land)
Different activities lined up in this celebration that include trade fair, food festival, cultural shows, street dancing, painting contest, beauty pageant and with highlight on the kesong puti, made from carabao milk, fermented and wrapped in banana leaves.

LILIW GAT TAYAW FOOTWEAR FESTIVAL
April 03-07 / Liliw, Laguna (2 hours from Manila by land)
A colorful event highlighted by a parade of floats featuring the agricultural and industrial products of Liliw.

ALLAW TA APO SANDAWA
April 07 / Kidapawan City, North Cotabato (1 hour 30 minutes from Manila to Cotabato City by air; 2 hours 15 minutes from Cotabato City to Kidapawan City by land)
A gathering of all highland tribes in honor of Mt. Apo as the country's highest peak, it comes as no surprise that Mt. Apo is considered sacred ground. Join the highland tribes of Mindanao to the mountain in this annual gathering.

ARAW NG KAGITINGAN
April 09 / Mt. Samat, Bataan (2 hours from Manila by land)
Commemoration of the Fall of Bataan, the last province to surrender to the Japanese in World War II.

PANA-AD SA NEGROS
April 12-21 / Bacolod City (1 hour 10 minutes from Manila by air)
A grand celebration bringing together all the 10 cities and 22 municipalities in a showcase of trade, tourism, commerce and industry, arts and culture.

SINAKULO
April 13 / Plaza Moriones, Intramuros, Manila

MORIONES FESTIVAL
April 13-20 (Holy Week) / Marinduque (45 minutes from Manila by air)
A week-long festival featuring finely-carved masks worn by colorful warriors depicting the fierce Roman soldiers of Christ's time. [details]

SEMANA SANTA AT IGUIG CALVARY HILLS
April 13-20 (Holy Week) / Iguig, Cagayan (55 minutes from Manila to Tuguegarao by air; 15 minutes from Tuguegarao to Iguig by land)
Traditional presentation of the passion and death of Christ on an 11-hectare rolling terrain of the larger-than-life size 14 Stations of the Cross.

PANAAD
April 13-20 (Holy Week) / Camiguin (1 hour 30 minutes from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City by air; 2 hours 15 minutes from Cagayan de Oro City to Camiguin by ferry/land)
A pilgrim's yearly trek around the island in observance of the Lenten season.

BUHING KALBARYO
April 13-20 (Holy Week) / Cebu City, Cebu (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila by air)
The Buhing Kalbaryo Foundation Inc. will present the following events during the Holy Week: Bendita sa Lakay on Palm Sunday Re-Enactment of the Trial of Jesus Christ, Street Passion Drama, Sugat on Easter Sunday followed by the Easter Mass.

PANA-AD SA LOBOC
April 13-20 (Holy Week) / Loboc, Bohol (2 hours from Manila by air)
In observance of the Holy Week, the Lobocanons read the "Pasyon" and do a penitential procession through the way of the cross that culminates at the place called "Cruz Daku", a huge cross 80 feet in height which is on top of the higest hill where one can view the neighboring towns including the city.

ANGKAN-ANGKAN
April 16 / Marikina City, Metro Manila (1 hour 30 minutes from Manila)
Feast of clans celebrated as a tribute to the native residents of the city who formed the community and shaped the city's own culture and tradition.

PASKO SA KASAKIT (SEMANA SANTA SA BANTAYAN)
April 17-18 (Holy Thursday/ Good Friday) / Bantayan, Cebu (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila to Mactan by air; 15 minutes from Mactan to Bantayan by air)
A unique mixture of solemn religious rites and local celebration in Bantayan Island where friends of the residents and tourists experience the scenic rites and cool off the summer heat in beautiful white sandy beaches.

TURUMBA
April 18 / Pakil, Laguna (2 hours from Manila by land)
The largest religious activity consisting of 7 fiestas or lupi to commemorate the seven sorrows of Our Lady of Turumba.

PAGTALTAL SA GUIMARAS
April 18 (Good Friday) / Jordan, Guimaras (1 hour 5 minutes from Manila to Iloilo City by air; 15 minutes from Iloilo City to Jordan by pumpboat)
An annual re-enactment of the story of salvation comparable to Germany's religious Oberrammergau Drama.

CUTUD LENTEN RITES
April 18 (Good Friday ) / San Fernando City, Pampanga (1 hour from Manila by land)
A re-enactment of Christ's passion and death.

PAMALANDONG HA PALO
April 18 (Good Friday) / Palo, Leyte (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila to Tacloban City by air; 20 minutes from Tacloban City to Palo by land)
Dramatic re-enactment of Christ's sufferings on the cross.

TUNGOH AD HUNGDUAN
April 18-24 / Hungduan, Ifugao (10 hours from Manila by land)
A cultural fiesta of the Ifugaos of Hungduan which features ethnic games, rituals, arts and crafts-oriented activities.

LENTEN FESTIVAL OF HERBAL PREPARATION
April 19 (Black Saturday) / San Antonio, Siquijor (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila to Dumaguete City by air; 1 hour 15 minutes from Dumaguete City to San Antonio, Siquijor by ferry/land)
A time when herbalists from all over Visayas and Mindanao participate in a ritual known as "Tang-Alap".

TORUGPO
April 19 / Carigara, Leyte (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila to Tacloban City by air; 1 hour from Tacloban City to Carigara by land)
Carabao and horse fights.

SALUBONG
April 19-20 (Black Saturday/ Easter Sunday) / Angono, Rizal (2 hours from Manila by land)
An Easter Sunday presentation re-enacting the reunion of the Risen Christ with Virgin Mary.

TAMPISAW FESTIVAL
April 19-21 / Concepcion, Iloilo (1 hour 5 minutes from Manila to Iloilo City by air; 2 hours from Iloilo City to Concepcion by land)
A 3-day annual festivity to commemorate the Earth Day Celebration which features fluvial parade, tree planting and other environment educational activities.

SUNDUAN HA CARIGARA
April 20 (Easter Sunday) / Carigara, Leyte (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila to Tacloban City by air; 1 hour from Tacloban City to Carigara by land)
Cultural/social activities and float parade held on Easter Sunday.

SUNDUAN
April 20 / Pasig City, Metro Manila (20 minutes from Manila)
A colorful procession of 2 barangays which hold their respective fiestas every other year, sharing one patron saint - Sta. Rosa de Lima. The image is fetched by the celebrating barangay from the other barangay.

BANKARERA
April 21 / Peñablanca, Cagayan (55 minutes from Manila to Tuguegarao by air; 30 minutes from Tuguegarao to Peñablanca by land)
A boat-rowing race on the waters of scenic Pinacanauan River.

SANDUGUAN FESTIVAL
April 21-27 / Calapan, Mindoro Oriental (2 hours 30 minutes from Manila to Batangas City by land; 1 hour from Batangas City to Calapan by ferry)
A weeklong festivity which features agro-trade fair, historical parade, re-enactment of the barter trading and a street dancing competition.

KADAUGAN SA MACTAN FESTIVAL
April 22-27 / Bgy. Mactan, Lapu-Lapi City, Cebu (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila by air)
A week-long commemoration of the historic battle of Mactan between the Spanish Conquistador Fernando Magallanes and Mactan Chieftain Lapu-Lapu.

GOTAD AD HINGYON
April 23-24 / Hingyon Municipality, Ifugao (9 hours from Manila by land)
Ethnic thanksgiving with cultural fair by Ifugaos in Hingyon.

ON TO MAYON
April 24-27 / Legazpi City, Albay (55 minutes from Manila by air)
A mountain climbing expedition to the country's most popular volcano, the majestic Mt. Mayon. Its steep and rugged terrain is a challenge to adventurers and mountain climbers to conquer this beautiful volcano.

HINUGYAW SA HINIGARAN FESTIVAL
April 25-30 / Hinigaran, Negros Occidental (1 hour 10 minutes from Manila to Bacolod City by air; 1 hour 30 minutes from Bacolod City to Hinigaran by land)
A week-long festivity which culminates with a grand parade featuring street dancing performers in their colorful costumes.

YAGYAG FESTIVAL
Last week of April / Cangmating Sibulan, Negros Oriental (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila by air)
The festival is a showcase of local arts and culture, fashion and unity. It features Mardi grass type streetdancing and related events. This is also an occasion for trading and barter, and celebration.

BANGUS FESTIVAL
April 28-May 02 / Dagupan City, Pangasinan (6 hours from Manila by land)
Part of Dagupan's Pista'y Dayat celebration, highlight of which is the longest bangus grill, 101 ways to cook bangus, Bangus Harvest Dance parade, sports competition/exhibition.

PISTA'Y DAYAT
April 29-May 01 / Lingayen, Pangasinan (6 hours from Manila by land)
Thanksgiving festival for the year's bountiful harvest from the sea.

GOTAD AD KIANGAN
April 30-May 03 / Kiangan, Ifugao (9 hours from Manila by land)
A thanksgiving festival Ifugao-style featuring sports, arts and native rituals.

GOTAD AD HINGYON
April / Hingyon, Ifugao (9 hours from Manila by land)
A traditional thanksgiving festivity featuring native songs and dances.

GAMEFISHING SAFARI
April 2003 / Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila by air)
A 2-day gamefishing tournament which includes other activities like angling clinic, seafood festival, exhibits and film showings.

MAY

ALIWAN GRAND FIESTA
May 01-03 / Star City, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Manila
A three-day event that will highlight the country's 16 regions at their best with the largest carnival-style parade. Major components are the festival, float and fireworks competitions. It will also feature nightly concerts of the country's best performers and biggest cultural market with products and food from the 16 regions.

BAWANG (GARLIC) FESTIVAL
May 01-03 / Sinait, Ilocos Sur (8 hours from Manila by land)
Competitions and exhibits include biggest garlic, longest and most creative twined garlic bulbs.

DAVAO GULF REGATTA
May 01-04 / Davao Oriental (1 hour 45 minutes from Manila by air)
A regionwide float parade competition featuring decorated bancas and vintas of different designs.

ANTIPOLO PILGRIMAGE
May 01-31/Antipolo, Rizal (2 hours 30 minutes from Manila by land)
An age-old tradition of the devotees of Our Lady of Good Voyage who make the long pilgrimage on foot from Manila to Antipolo.

MAGAYON FESTIVAL
May 01-31 / Albay (55 minutes from Manila by air)
A celebration immortalizing the origin of Mt. Mayon as inspired by Albay's famed legend Daragang Magayon (beautiful maiden). It, likewise, showcases Albay's rich history, arts and culture, trade, travel and tourism.

FLORES DE MAYO/SANTACRUZAN
May 01 - 31 / Nationwide
A parade of the town's loveliest ladies depicting the search and discovery of Christ's Cross by Queen Helena and Constantine.

CARABAO-CARROZA FESTIVAL
May 03 / Pavia, Iloilo (1 hour 5 minutes from Manila to Iloilo City by air; 20 minutes from Iloilo City to Pavia by land)
Features a parade of 18 gaily decorated bamboo sleds and a race among carroza-pulling carabaos on a 400 meter course.

PASALAMAT FESTIVAL
May 04 / La Carlota City, Negros Occidental (1 hour 10 minutes from Manila to Bacolod City by air; 45 minutes from Bacolod City to La Carlota City by land)
Thanksgiving to the God of Agriculture living inside Kanlaon Volcano.

VIVA VIGAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
1st week of May / Vigan, Ilocos Sur (8 hours from Manila by land)
A festival in a setting replete with history, heritage and cultural treasures.

MALAKAWAN "PINYA" FESTIVAL
May 09-15 / Calauan, Laguna (2 hours from Manila by land)
Promotes the juicy and sweetest pineapple or "pinya" as the main agricultural product of the town of Calauan.

BEAR BRAND KITEFEST
May 11 / Rizal Park, Manila
A wholesome event for the entire family to bond and have fun together and provides opportunities for everyone to showcase the Filipino artistry.

AGAWAN SA SARIAYA
May 11-15 / Sariaya, Quezon (2 hours 30 minutes from Manila by land)
A thanksgiving celebration to the Lord for the good harvest and abundance of agricultural production.

MAYOHAN SA TAYABAS
May 11-15 / Tayabas, Quezon (2 hours 30 minutes from Manila by land)
A thanksgiving event marked with agro-trade fair and the famous agawan ng suman in honor of San Isidro Labrador, patron saint of farmers, for the good harvest and abundance of agricultural produce.[details]

PAHIYAS
May 11-15 / Lucban, Quezon ( 3 hours from Manila by land)
An annual celebration to usher in a bountiful harvest. Homes are decorated with the town's best agricultural products.[details]

PULILAN CARABAO FESTIVAL
May 14 / Pulilan, Bulacan (1 hour 30 minutes from Manila by land)
A thanksgiving fiesta that features oiled, perfumed carabaos paying homage to Pulilan's patron saint by kneeling in front of his statue.

MANGGAHAN SA GUIMARAS FESTIVAL
May 15-22 / Guimaras (1 hour 5 minutes from Manila to Iloilo City by air; 15 minutes from Iloilo City to Guimaras by pumpboat)
A commemorative celebration of the anniversary of Guimaras as a province and to showcase the premier produce of the province (mango) and the various local attractions.

OBANDO FERTILITY RITES
May 17-19/Obando, Bulacan ( 1 1/2 hours from Manila by land)
Childless couples, praying that they bear children, do the "fertility dance" on the streets of Obando. The fiesta is observed in honor of Sta. Clara, San Pascual and Virgen de Salambao.[details]

PG'SALABOK FESTIVAL/LINGGO NG DIPOLOG
May 20-25 / Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte (1 hour 30 minutes from Manila by air)
A weeklong festival which culminates with colorful ethnic inspired street dancing.

JUNIOR CHAMBER INTERNATIONAL (JCI) ASIA PACIFIC CONFERENCE
May 21-25 / Cebu International Convention Center, Cebu City (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila by air)

LUBI-LUBI FESTIVAL
May 22 / Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental (1 hour 30 minutes from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City by air; 2 hours from Cagayan de Oro City to Gingoog City by land)
A cultural presentation using parts of the coconut palm and other indigenous materials as props and costumes.

PAHOY-PAHOY FESTIVAL
May 25 / Western Samar (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila to Tacloban City by air)
A grand parade and street dancing with participants dressed in scarecrow costumes.

MALUMAGPAK CHALLENGE
May 26-30 / New Bataan, Compostela Valley (1 hour 45 minutes from Manila to Davao City by air; 2 hours from Davao City to New Bataan by land)
A trek to Mt. Manurigao-Malumagpak, one of the region's newly discovered eco-tourism destinations.

JUNE

BILANG-BILANG ABAYAN FESTIVAL
June 01 / Balangay Taft, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte (2 hours 10 minutes from Manila by air)
A showcase of religious heritage of the Surigaonons in honor of St. Virgen de la Paz Y de Buen Viaje.

PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
June 12 / Nationwide (highlights are the ceremonies in Rizal Park, Manila and Kawit, Cavite)

BATTLE OF BESANG PASS
June 14 / Cervantes, Ilocos Sur (8 hours from Manila by land)
Commemoration of the historical victory of the Filipino guerillas in Northern Luzon which led to the surrender of Gen. Yamashita and the end of the Japanese occupation in the Philippines.

PINEAPPLE FESTIVAL
June 15-24 / Camarines Norte (8 hours from Manila by land)
A festival featuring the sweet, succulent pineapple thru art exhibits, trade fairs, cultural performances and sports events.

PISTA Y ANG KAGUEBAN
3rd week of June / Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila by air)
Palawan's offer to nature: tree-planting, live performances by the city's eco-friendly artists.

BARAGATAN SA PALAWAN
June 17-23 / Provincial Capitol Compound, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila by air)
A commemoration of the city's foundation day anniversary with a colorful parade, trade fairs and food fests.

TABAK FESTIVAL
June 18-24 / Tabaco City, Albay (55 minutes from Manila to Legazpi City by air; 30 minutes from Legazpi City to Tabaco City by land)
A celebration of fun and pageantry highlighted by a street presentation which showcases the legend of the City where its name was derived.

ZAMBULAWAN FESTIVAL
June 20 / Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur (1 hour 30 minutes from Manila to Dipolog City by air; 2 hours 30 minutes from Dipolog City to Pagadian City by land)
Street dancing and colorful parade highlighting native Subanen costumes and rituals.

PILI FESTIVAL
June 20-29 / Sorsogon, Sorsogon (55 minutes from Manila to Legazpi City by air; 1 hour 30 minutes from Legazpi City to Sorsogon by land)
An annual tribute to Bicol's indigenous crop, the "pili" nut with street dancing parade.

KALIGUAN FESTIVAL
June 22-24 / Cagwait, Surigao del Sur (1 hour 30 minutes from Manila to Butuan City by air; 3 hours 30 minutes from Butuan City to Cagwait by land)
A fluvial festival coupled with beach dancing and other beach-fun activities.

CALUMPIT "LIBAD" FESTIVAL
June 23 / Calumpit, Bulacan (1 hour 30 minutes from Manila by land)
A celebration in honor of the patron saint St. John the Baptist.

TAONG PUTIK
June 24 / Aliaga, Nueva Ecija (4 hours 30 minutes from Manila by land)
A religious event where town folks wear vines, banana leaves or dried coconut leaves on their mud-covered bodies as St. John the Baptist was said to have done in his lifetime.

PARADA NG LECHON
June 24 / Balayan, Batangas (2 hours 30 minutes from Manila by land)
A grand parade of succulent roasted pigs.

REGADA WATER FESTIVAL
June 24 / Cavite City, Cavite (1 hour 30 minutes from Manila by land)
A celebration in honor of Nuestra Señora de Porta Vaga.[details]

MUDPACK FESTIVAL
June 24 / Murcia, Negros Occidental (1 hour 10 minutes from Manila to Bacolod City by air; 20 minutes from Bacolod City to Murcia by land)
A symbolic celebration of man's return to primitive time when he was closer to nature. It seeks to instill in people the awareness and care of environment and the use of natural materials in arts and crafts.

PIAT SAMBALI FESTIVAL
June 25-30 / Piat, Cagayan (55 minutes from Manila to Tuguegarao by air; 45 minutes from Tuguegarao to Piat by land)
A religious and cultural revival in commemoration of the Christianization of the Itawes region of Cagayan.

SUBIRAN REGATTA
June 28 / Tacloban City, Leyte (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila by air)
Annual race of native sailboats with outriggers displaying seamanship.

PINTADOS FESTIVAL
June 29 / Tacloban City, Leyte (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila by air)
A body-painting festival in honor of the courageous "pintados" (warrior ancestors).

BALYUAN
June 29 / Tacloban City, Leyte (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila by air)
Ceremonial exchange of images of the Holy Child between Leyte and Samar.

KALILANG SA RANAO
June 29-July 05 / Marawi City, Lanao del Sur (1 hour 30 minutes from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City by air; 2 hours 30 minutes from Cagayan de Oro City to Iligan City/Marawi City by land)
Celebrates the legendary Lake Lanao.