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The fiesta is part and bundle of Filipino culture. Through good times and bad times, the fiesta must go on. Each city and barrio has at least one local festival of its own, usually on the feast of its patron saint, so that there is always a fiesta going on somewhere in the country. But the major and most elaborate festival of all is Christmas, a season celebrated with all the display and show the fun-loving Filipino can handle.

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

JANUARY

1. FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE

Quiapo Church, Manila
January 9

People go to Quiapo Church, Manila to honor the miraculous wooden black statue of Jesus Christ carried by male devotees during the procession.
more about the Feast of the Black Nazarene or Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno

2. BINIRAY

Romblon
January 9

A festival parade in the sea followed by a celebration in Romblon

3. LINGAYEN GULF LANDING

Lingayen, Pangasinan
January 9

Held in Lingayen Pangasinan, it commemorates the landing of General MacArthur’s Allied Forces in Luzon in 1945.

Kalibo, Aklan
Third Week

The Ati-Atihan Festival honors the 13th century land deal between 10 migrating Bornean chieftains and the indigenous Ati King Marikudo. It also honors the town patron, the infant Sto. Niño. The constant, rhythmic pounding of drums get to you, and before you know it you are on the street, shuffling your feet, shaking your head, waving your hands - and joining thousands of soot-blacked, gaily-costumed revelers in an ancient ritual of mindless happiness. A familiar battle cry reaches your ears, and amidst all this bewilderment you remember where you are: Kalibo, Aklan. "Viva, Sto. Niño!" The Ati-Atihan celebration is boomed in many parts of the country.
more on ati-atihan festival

5. DARO SINULOG

Dumaguete Negros
Third Week

A moving pageantry depicting Holy Child’s conversation of pagan tribes.

6. SINULOG

Cebu City
third sunday of January

Cebu City's fiesta of fiestas. Distinguished by its unusual two-steps-forward-and-one-step-backward shuffle, thus simulating the Holy Child of the shores, the Sinulog is a century-old tradition observed in the part of Visayas region. The prayer-dance is harmonized to the beat of drums and shouts of "Pit Señor! Viva Sto. Niño!”. Feel free to dance with the best of them, enjoying all the way to the grand final presentation at the Cebu City Sports Center.
more on sinulog festival

7. CARACOL SA MAKATI

Makati City, Manila
Last Sunday in January

Groups dress as endangered flora and fauna to express the need to preserve and conserve our natural heritage. Caracol is a Spanish term for snail.

8. VIGAN TOWN FIESTA

Fourth Week

The highlight of the week long celebration is the procession in honor of Vigan’s patron saint, St. Paul the Apostle.

9. APRIBADA

Donsol, Sorsogon

A celebration welcoming the whale shark (butanding) season and the blessing it will bring.

10. DINAGYANG

Iloilo City
Fourth Weekend

Merry mayhem breaks loose in Iloilo City during this weekend, when Ilonggos leave everything behind to join in the fiesta of the year. All shyness are dropped: boring everyday clothes are exchanged for "Ati" warrior costumes and black body paint. Shields and "weapons" are held amidst the pounding rhythm of drums, the costumed Ilonggos put their best feet forward in celebration of Dinagyang!
more on dinagyang festival

FEBRUARY

1. HOT AIR BALLOON

Clark Special Economic Zone
Early February

An annual tournament of balloonist from various countries. Features aerosport shows, kite flying, games, live bands and exhibitions.

2. FEAST OF OUR LADY OF CANDLES

Jaro, Ilo-ilo

The largest and the most wealthy religious pageantry in Western Visayas.

3. FESTIVAL OF HEARTS

Tanjay City
month long

Major festival of romance to highlight Valentine’s Day.

4. LAOAG CITY AND PROVINCE (Pamulinawen)

Laoag City
February 7 to 10

Features a colorful floral parade and celebrates the Feast of William, the toem’s patron saint.

5. SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION

La Union
Februray 7 to 10

Musical extravaganzas, trade fairs and pageants featuring show business and celebrity personalities.

6. TINAGBA

Bicol
Feruary 11

A harvest festival in which coincides with the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes. Main feature is a parade of colorful and grandiosely decorated bull carabao carts

7. INTERNATIONAL BAMBOO ORGAN

A 10 day cultural event which features international classical performers and utilizes the ancient bamboo organ of St. Joseph’s Parish Curch, Las Piñas.

8. TAWO – TAWO

February 17

Giant, paper mache scarecrows highlight their roles as guardians of Bayawan City crops.

9. DIA DE ZAMBOANGA

February 26

A celebration of cultural and religious harmony between Christians and Muslims in this most cosmopolitan of Philippine cities. Marks the date when Zamboanga became a city.

10. PANAGBENGA

Baguio City
Fourth Week

It's flower season in the city of Pines - perfect timing for an all-out fiesta in the streets. The Baguio folk take a break on these days to revel in the cool climate and the unique culture of the city. Multi-hued costumes are worn, mimicking the various blooms of the highland region (or any of its 11 ethnic tribes). These are flowerbeds - masked, of course, as the Panagbenga parade floats.
more on panagbenga festival

11. SANTIAGO CITY ARTS MONTH

February 1 – 28

Folk traditions in music, dance and play and a painting contest featuring home grown talents.

12. SAMBALILO

February 1 – 28

Parañaque and Metro Manila celebrates cityhood with dance contests.

13. SUMAN

Town of Baler in Aurora Province
Third Week

The festival highlights the varied rice cake delicacies.

14. KALILANGAN

General Santos City
Fourth Week

A celebration of the harmonious co-existence of numerous cultural and religious communities.

15. ITIK-ITIK

Pasig City
last Sunday

Celebrates the native duck (itik).

16. SIBUG - SIBUG FESTIVAL

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
February 17 to 26

Sibug – Sibug Festival is celebrated during their foundation day on the province of Sibugay on February 26, with colorful Ethnic Street dancing with rituals illustrating good harvest, wedding and healing rituals. During the festival, it endorses it’s number one product which is the oyster or talaba in tagalong which has been known to be the biggest, juiciest, and meatiest oysters in the country. more on sibug-sibug festival

MARCH

1. KAAMULAN

Malaybalay, Bukidnon
March 3 - 7

Expect the Bukidnon to go tribal from the first to the second week of March, when the streets of Malaybalay take on that familiar fiesta theme. Banners, banderitas, and beer will be standard, as well as the sweet, haunting sound of native music. An early morning pamuhat ritual kicks off the festivities, to be followed by an ethnic food fest, trade fairs, and a lot of native dancing.

2. ARYA ABRA

Abra Province
March 7-10

Celebrates the founding of Abra Province with a variety of events, including raft and horse races.

3. SANDUGO

Tagbilaran, Bohol
Month-long (movable)

Highlighted every 16 March by re-enactment of the Blood Compact between Spain's Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sik|tuna, which helped forge friendly relations between the two countries.

4. ARAW NG DABAW

March 10-16

The celebration of Davao's Foundation Day as a chartered city.

5. PINTADOS DE PASI

March 14-16

Depicts the history of the Passi City and how it got its name.

6. HOMONHON LANDING

Southeastern Samar
March 16

A pageant by the seashore re-enacting the discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan.

7. MT. MANUNGGAL

Central Cebu
March 16-17

A Mountain trek, which Darks the anniversary of the tragic death of President Ramon Magsaysay, whose plane crashed on the mountain.

8. SINIGAYAN

Sagas, Negros Occidental
March 19

Named after the native seashell (sigay). Shell craft art is featured during the festival.

9. FIRST MASS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte
March 31

Features a street pageant by the different municipalities.

EASTER

10. MORIONES

Marinduque
Easter Sunday

The island of Marinduque prides itself in being the "Lenten Capital of the Philippines", and it is easy to understand why. Come the seven days of Holy Week, the people of the island take part in the age-old ritual of the "Moriones". Colorful warrior costumes are worn topped with finely carved masks portraying the violent Roman soldiers of Christ's time. All these are done to show the story of the conversion of Longuinus, the centurion who stabbed Jesus' side - and his subsequent beheading.

11. LENTEN FESTIVAL OF HERBAL PREPARATION

Easter Saturday

Secret rites of herbalists from the Visayas and Mindanao, who gather in San Antonio, Siquijor, for the ceremony know as Tang Alap, the combining of medicinal herbs.

12. SEMANA SANTA

Iguig, Cagayan
HoIy Week

Pilgrims flock to the 11 hectare Calvary Hills to meditate on the passion and death of Jesus christ.

13. AGOO SEMANA SANTA

Agoo, La Union

Features a parade of carriages and a Penitential Procession of women, dressed in black.

14. SALUBONG

Angono, Rizal

Celebrates the reunion of the Risen Christ with the Virgin Mary.

APRIL

1. CUTUD LENTEN RITES

San Fernando, Pampanga
16-18 April

Prayer of a different meaning during the Lenten season, when villagers of San Pedro, Cutud, engage in the act of self-flagellation. This ancient ritual is executed in the morning of Good Friday during the Holy Week. Backs, arms, and legs are cut and then struck with burillo beats. The climax to this occasion happens at midday, when penitents are literally nailed to their waiting crosses.

2. KALILANG

Marawi City
April 10-1 5

The charter anniversary celebration of Marawi City. A celebration of Muslim culture, including songs, dances, crafts and food.

3. KADAUGAN SA MACTAN

Cebu City
April 27

A complete reenactment of the Battle of Mactan, in which Magellan's Forces were defeated by Lapu-lapu and his warriors, resulting in the death of the Spanish explorer.

4. TANDUYONG

San Jose City
4th Sunday

A celebration of the harvest featuring colorful costumes and street dancing. Focuses on the contribution of onions, garlic and other vegetables to the city's economy

5. CONQUER MT. APO

Kapatagan, Davao del Sur
April 1-5

A climbing expedition to the top of Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak.

6. BANKARERA

Penablanca, Cagayan
April 21

A boat rowing race held on the Pinacanauan river in Callao Caves Tourist Zone.

7. CASSAVA

Camotes Islands, Cebu.
Last week of April

Highlights many uses of this root crop. Features cooking contests.

8. BINIRAYAN

San Jose, Antique
late April

Celebrates the re-enactment of the landing of ten Bormeo Datus in 13th Century.

MAY

1. PASALAMAT LA CARLOTA

1st Sunday

Offers thanksgiving to God of Agriculture in Kanlaon Volcano.

2. TAPUSAN

Alitagtag, Batangas
month-long

Celebration to honor the Holy Cross.

3. BOHOL

month long

Celebrations throughout the province, I where sumptuous feasts are prepared. All Boholanos are expected to return home for the fiesta.

4. PISTA'Y DAYAT

Lingayen, Pangasinan
May 1

Celebrate rich harvested seafood in the province.

5. ALINSANGAN BOA-BOAHAN

Nabla, Camarines Sur
May 1

A fertility festival of pagan origin.

6. CARABAO CARROZA RACE

Pavia, Iloilo
May 3

The race features the fastest water buffalos (carabaos) in the area pulling bamboo carts.

7. RODEO PILIPINO

Masbate City
May 6-9

The highlight of Masbate's Livestock Week focusing on the importance of cattle raising to the island's economy.

8. PAHIYAS

Lucban, Laguna
May 15

Honors San lsidro, the patron saint of farmers. Beautiful decorations, made of edible rice dough, are placed on the exteriors of houses representing various agricultural products.

9. MAGAYON

Mt. Mayon Volcano in Albay, Bicol Region
May 1-31

Pays tribute to the beauty and power of regal Mt. Mayon Volcano in Albay, Bicol Region.

Daet, Camarines Norte
May 1-31

In honor of Daet's main crop, the Queen Formosa Pineapple, reputed to be the sweetest variety.

11. FLORES DE MAYO / SANTACRUZAN

Nationwide
May

A parade of the town's loveliest ladies, representing the search and discovery of Christ's Cross by Queen Helena and Constantine.
more on santacruzan or flores de mayo

12. HUNDRED ISLANDS

Lucap, Pangasinan
May 11-12

Thanksgiving festival for the blessings of the unique, natural island formations.

13. MANGGAHAN SA GUIMARAS

Guimaras
May 15-22

Celebrates the founding of province and its famous golden mangoes.

14. BOLIBONG KINGKING

Loboc, Bohol
May 23-24

A music and dance festival of folklore and traditions.

15. PANAGYAMAN

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
May 19-24

Commemorates the establishment of civil government in the province.

16. ANTIPOLO PILGRIMAGE

Month long of May

Thousands of devotees venerate the miraculous sightings of the Virgin of Antipolo image.

17. BANGKERO

Pagsanjan
Last Sunday of May

A flotilla of decorated boats (bancas). Features the skills of the Pagsanjan boatmen.

18. PAHIYAS/MAYON/AGAWAN

Quezon
11-15 May

Flowers come out in May, but these aren't the only things displayed during this merry month. Down south in the town of Lucban, Quezon, there's also the kiping - a colorful, transparent rice tortilla that serves as an edible ornament of sorts. You will see lots of these at the Pahiyas Festival, an annual celebration held to accompany in a bountiful harvest, and smashing good times.

It's a free-for-all, grab-all-you-can affair with suman-sweet, sticky native rice cakes-as the center of contention. It is also the grand prize, so feel free to join the battle. Rest assured, whether you get handfuls or just a plain mouthful, the Mayohan sa Tayabas will leave you wanting for more - suman, of course!

Sariaya's own version of the San Isidro festival showcases the creativity and ingenuity of the townsfolk in their craft and culinary tradition.

JUNE

1. MUDPACK FESTIVAL

Murcia, Negros Occidental
24 June

Oneness with nature is the underlying theme behind Murcia's annual mud-moving spectacle. Check on its cloudy highlight - a lively street dancing parade with the participant wearing nothing but mudpacks (well, almost...). It's a safe way to mix our ecological concerns with good, clean, cloddy fun - just be sure to shower afterwards!

2. PINYAHAN SA DAET

Daet, Camarines Norte
15-24 June

Sweet, juicy pineapple is the fruit of choice for the people of Daet, Camarines Norte. In fact, they loved it so much that they made a festival in its honor. Join the locals as they celebrate the Pineapple Festival featuring a colorful street presentation set by art exhibits, trade fair, cultural dances, and sport events. Feel rich when you go for a visit at Paracale Gold Mines, and be familiar with some Bicol heroes like Vinzon and Panganiban and Lucban.

3. PARADA NG LECHON

Balayan, Batangas
24 June

A different sight and flavor are introduced in June with a festival in Balayan, Batangas, commonly known as the "Parada Ng Lechon". These luscious roasted pork form the highlight of the occasion, decorated out in their platforms with all kinds of décor. Since the festival corresponds with the feast of St. John the Baptist, be prepared to get wet as people observe the feast by repeating the ritual of baptism - pouring water.

4. TACLOBAN PINTADOS FESTIVAL

Tacloban City
29 June

Back during pre-Hispanic years, tattoos denoted courage among the natives of Tacloban. These days they symbolize a cultural revival, and a wild, wild fiesta called the Pintados. Join the town residents as they decorate themselves out in body paint, imitating the warriors of old while dancing to the frantic beat of drums.
more on pintados festival

5. BUKLOG

Dipolog City, Mindanao
June 1-6

Festival features stationary dancing by native Subanons on three meterstructures.

6. BARAGATAN

Puerto Princesa City
June 17-23

Celebration of the founding anniversary of the civil government of Palawan.

7. PILI

Sorsogon
June 20-29

Street dancing showcasing the growth stages of Bicol's indigenous Pilinut.

8. TAONG-PUTIK

Aliaga
June 24

Devotees of St. John the Baptist cover their bodies with mud, vines, banana and coconut leaves.

9. ARAW NG MAYNILA

Manila
June 24

Celebrates the founding of Manila with parades and sports events and the Manila Film Festival.

10. SUBLIAN SA BATANGAS

Batangas City
June 26

Celebrates the Foundation Day of Batangas City.

JULY

1. SANDUGO FESTIVAL

Tagbilaran City
1-2 July

The Spanish colonization of the Philippines began with a blood-sealed peace treaty on the shores of Bohol. This historic event is considered today with an all-out fiesta at the island's capital city. Check out the Sandugo street dancing parade featuring ten colorfully-dressed groups dancing to the beat of drums. There's also a traditional Filipino carnival, a martial arts festival, and Miss Bohol Sandugo Beauty Pageant, among the dozen of other exciting activities.
more on sandugo festival

2. KINABAYO FESTIVAL
Dapitan City
25 July

An exotic and colorful pageant re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish wars, particularly the Battle of Covadonga where the Spanish forces under General Pelagio took their last stand against Saracan. They were able to overturn the tide through the miraculous spirit of St. James. The addition of local color and modernism has made this annual revelry a popular attraction which brings thousands of visitors to the city.
more on kinabayo festival

3. FEAST OF OUR LADY OF PIAT

Cagayan
July 1-2

A major religious event highlighted by the procession of the Marian.

4. SAGAYAN

Tubod, Lanao del Norte
July 3-4

The festival has its origin in a war dance that connotes masculinity. Unique in the fact that it has no religious connotation.

5. PAGODA

Pasig River, Metro Manila
First Sunday of July

The Holy Cross of Wawa is paraded in a specially built river boat (pagoda), accompanied by other vessels in a river procession along the Pasig River,
Metro Manila.

6. CORDILLERA DAY

Cordillera Administrative Region
July 15

Cultural activities celebrating the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region.

7. PINTA FLORES

San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
July 1

Participants with floral-painted bodies dance through the streets.

8. TINALAK

Koronadal, Cotabato Province

Harvest celebration.

9. SIMBALAY

Nabunturan

Highlighted by Mansaka Tribal dances.

AUGUST

1. KADAYAWAN SA DABAW

Davao City
20-24 August

Davao's annual festival, Kadayawan Sa Dabaw assures another weekend of trumpet blast and fun - tribal style. Watch as the festivities reach a glorious peak on Saturday morning: that's when the Kadayawan parade is held, featuring colorful, orchid-bedecked floats and more than a dozen "ethnic" groups dancing to the beat of wooden drums.
more on kadayawan sa dabaw

2. ADLAW HONG BUTUAN

Butuan City
August 2

Charter Day celebration of Butuan City.

3. PALO-PALO

Northern Province, Batanes
August 4-5

Cultural presentation of the lifestyles of the inhabitants of the Philippines most remote Northern Province, Batanes.

4. KAADLAWAN HAN SAMAR

Catbalogan, Samar
August 11

Marking the celebration of Samar's provincehood.

5. KALIBONGAN

Kidapawan City
August 14

A gathering of tribal groups featuring horse fighting and a blood compact ceremony in Kidapawan City.

6. KIDAPAWAN FRUIT

2nd weak

Featuring cultural shows and a variety of exhibits.

7. LUBI-LUBI

Calubian, Leyte
August 15

Festivities in Calubian, Leyte, which focus on the various uses of coconut and its by-products.

8. BUYOGAN

Abuyog, Leyte
August 19

Bees (buyog) depicts origin of town's name in colorful dances.

SEPTEMBER

1. BONOK-BONOK FESTIVAL & SILOP CAVE ADVENTURE

Surigao City
9 September

Behind Surigao's talented culture is its original tribal background. The Surigaonons go back to their roots this month as they celebrate their heritage with a loud, noisy street dancing parade.
more on bonok-bonok festival

2. PEÑAFRANCIA VIVA LA VIRGEN

Naga City
16 September (third saturday of september)

Bicol Region's largest celebration is an annual affair that combines religion with culture and tradition, stuffing it all in a 9-day fiesta of biblical proportions. Stay until sundown for stirring climax: the fluvial parade as it makes its way down the river, surrounded by a sea of glowing candles - a fitting end of this truly spiritual occasion.
more on peñafrancia viva la virgen festival

3. TUNA SA GENSAN

General Santos City
September 3-5

Celebrates the contribution of tuna fish to the General Santos City's livelihood.

4. SARAKIKI

Calbayog City, Samar
September 1-8

The Filipino passion for cockfighting is celebrated with dancing and costumes which mimic the movements and appearance of the brave birds.

5. PANAGDADAPUN

Cabarroquis, Quirino
September 8-10

Presentation of 19 cultural groups residing in the province.

6. T'BOLI TRIBAL

South Cotabato
Third week

The culture of this unique tribe is celebrated in South Cotabato.

7. ARAW NG SIQUIJOR

Siquijor
Third week

Solili street dancing depicts the marriage rituals of the locals in Siquijor.

OCTOBER

1. ZAMBOANGA HERMOSA FESTIVAL

Zamboanga City
01-12 October

All roads in Mindanao lead to Zamboanga, as the "City of Flowers" celebrates its grand, annual Hermosa Festival. The vintas, those colorful native sea boats, once again make their appearance in a fast-paced, race-till-you-drop regatta. There's also a wealth of cultural and flower shows, art exhibits, and trade fairs. It's an all-out celebration of life - Chavacano style!
more about zamboanga hermosa festival

2. MASSKARA FESTIVAL

Bacolod City
14-21 October

The carnival spirit fills the air as masked participants putting on magnificent costumes dance there way around the city's main street. This annual event reflects Bacolenos' love for fun and jollity. Corresponding with the city's character day celebration, the festival features carnivals.
more on masskara festival

3. LANZONES FESTIVAL

Camiguin
Third week of October

Lanzones Festival in Mambadjao Camiguin is celebrated with a weekend street dancing competition and parties, cultural shows, parade and beauty pageant (coronation of Mutya sa Buahanan) and trade fair that features local handicraft and products. Houses, street poles and even people are ornamented with lanzones during the lanzones festival.
more on Lanzones Festival

4. SIARGAO SURFING CUP

1st week (movable)

A recently inaugurated event held at Cloud 9 Break near General Luna, which has placed the Philippines on the international surfing calendar.

5. IBALONG

Legazpi City, Bicol
October 6-12

The festival depicts Bicol's early history and is named after an early hero of the region.

6. LA NAVAL

Quezon City and Angeles City
2nd Sunday

Celebrates the victory at sea against the Dutch in 1646. An image of the Virgin is paraded through the streets of Quezon City in a carriage decorated to resemble a ship. Also celebrated in Angeles City.

7. CATANDUNGAN

Virac
October 22-24

The festival celebrates the founding of the province.

8. A BATTLE OF SURIGAO STRAIT

October 25

Commemorates the anniversary of the largest naval battle in historywhich took place in World Warll.

9. FIESTANG KULIAT (Tigtigan, Terakan Keng Dalan)

Balibago,Angeles City, Pampanga.
last week of October

Large street festival

10. SAGINGAN

Tubod, Lanao del Node
October 16-19

Street pageant, where the dancers wear costumes made from banana plants.

11. LEYTE GULF LANDING

Palo, Leyte
October 20

Marks the anniversary of the Allied Forces landing on Red Beach and the famous return of General Douglas MacArthur to the Philippines.

NOVEMBER

1. PINTA FLORES FESTIVAL

San Carlos City
3-5 November

This city in the sugar-producing island of Negros Occidental honors its patron saint, San Carlos Borromeo, with a pageant where participants with floral painted bodies dance in rhythmic beat as they wind through the major streets. The festival is inspired by the tattooed Negrenses of pre-colonial times.

2. FEAST OF SAN CLEMENTE / HIGANTES

Angono, Rizal
23 November

A fiesta of "gigantic" proportions, this one is highlighted by a grand procession featuring the higantes, ten-feet papier-mâche puppets, surrounded by a crowd of drenched, water-fighting revelers. Better bring your squirt gun if you want to join the f`un. It is a water-logged event that is sure to leave you wet n' wild - and wanting for more.
more on higantes festival

3. KANSILAY

November 5-13

Named after the tree with purple-pink flowers. The festival incorporates the celebration of Cinco de Noviembre, a bloodless revolution in Silay which overthrew the city guards.

4. HELUBONG

Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
2nd week

Cultural presentations of the T'Boli and B'Laan ethnic minorities.

5. SANDUGUAN

Calapan, Oriental, Mindoro
November 11-15

Re-enactment of the first contact between the natives of Mindoro and Chinese traders.

6. GUINAKIT OF MAGUINDANAO

Rio Grande de Mindanao
November 22

Decorated boats are tied together and parade along the river.

7. MT. PINATUBO TREK

Capas Tarlac
November 30

A trek to summit of the world-famous volcano, guided by native Aetas.

8. P'YAGSAWITAN

Maragusan, Compostela Valley
Third week

A thanksgiving festival that highlights the province's eco-tourism potential

9. FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
November 29 to December 8

Highlighted by a fluvial parade and nightly cultural presentations.

DECEMBER

1. SHARIFF KABUNSUAN FESTIVAL

Cotabato City
15-19 December

Cotabato City's Moslem population celebrates the arrival of Islam to the region with a series of fun-filled activities. No need to go native to enjoy these - there's a fluvial parade, an outrigger boat race, as well as various musical and athletics events.
more on kabunsuan festival

2. GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL

San Fernando, Pampanga
3 December

San Fernando makes the biggest, most spectacular lanterns, at around 40 feet in diameter and bearing thousands of light bulbs a piece. Watch them all in their twinkling, blinking, flashing glory in this grand Christmas exhibit.

3. FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPCION

Roxas City, Panay and Malabon, Manila
December 8

The Roxas Festival is a showcase of the culture of the province, while the Malabon celebration features a river procession.

4. OLONGAPO FESTIVAL

December 30

The city's festivities include a lantern parade.

5. GRAND MARIAN PROCESSION

lntramuros, Manila
December 2

Sixty images of the Virgin Mary are paraded on lavishly decorated carriages (carrozas).

6. CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS

Tangub, Misamis Occidental
Month long of December

A contest for Christmas displays that utilize indigenous materials.