Popular Philippine Festivals
A quick guide to well-known festivals across the Philippines. Dates shown are the typical / traditional schedule — many festivals are annual and follow either a fixed date or a rule (e.g., "third Sunday of January").
Luzon
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Panagbenga (Baguio Flower Festival)
A month-long flower and cultural festival featuring floats, street dancing, landscaping shows and markets celebrating Baguio’s blooms and arts.
Travel Tip: Arrive early in the morning to catch the parade. Book hotels weeks in advance. Wear layered clothing as Baguio can be chilly.
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Pahiyas Festival (Lucban, Quezon)
A colorful harvest festival honoring San Isidro Labrador — known for houses decorated with kiping (leaf-shaped rice wafers), produce, and crafts.
Travel Tip: Best to arrive the day before to avoid traffic. Stay in nearby Lucena City if Lucban inns are full. Carry cash and watch out for pickpockets in crowded streets.
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Moriones Festival (Marinduque)
A Lenten tradition featuring masked and costumed penitents reenacting the story of Longinus — vibrant processions during Holy Week.
Travel Tip: Arrive before Palm Sunday for full activities. Homestays are common; book early. Keep hydrated and respectful during religious events.
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Ibalong Festival (Legazpi, Albay)
A non-religious festival celebrating the Ibalong epic with parades and performances inspired by legendary heroes of Bicol.
Travel Tip: Stay near Legazpi Boulevard for easy access. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Carry an umbrella for unpredictable weather.
Visayas
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Sinulog (Cebu City)
One of the largest festivals in the Philippines honoring the Santo Niño — famous for its grand parade, street dancing and huge crowds.
Travel Tip: Book flights and hotels months ahead. Best to walk or use public transport during parade day. Keep belongings secure in crowded areas.
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Dinagyang (Iloilo City)
Festival honoring the Santo Niño and the pact between Malay settlers and Ati people — known for synchronized dance competitions.
Travel Tip: Stay near Iloilo City proper for easy access. Arrive a day before to join pre-festival activities. Wear light clothes and sunscreen.
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Ati-Atihan (Kalibo, Aklan)
Called “the mother of all festivals” — participants paint faces and wear indigenous-inspired costumes in praise of the Santo Niño.
Travel Tip: Arrive a few days early to join street dancing. Stay in Kalibo town or Boracay (2 hours away). Keep hydrated and wear comfy shoes.
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MassKara Festival (Bacolod City)
Known for smiling masks, lively street dances, parties and a strong sense of local resilience and festivity.
Travel Tip: Book hotels near Lacson Street for the street party. Best to arrive early evening to enjoy lights. Watch valuables as crowds can get dense.
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Lanzones Festival (Camiguin)
A week-long harvest festival celebrating the lanzones fruit with parades, street dancing, and fairs.
Travel Tip: Arrive by ferry/flight a day early. Stay in Mambajao for most events. Roads are small, so rent a motorbike or tricycle for easy travel.
Mindanao
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Kadayawan (Davao City)
A thanksgiving festival celebrating bountiful harvests, indigenous culture, and the diversity of Davao’s tribes.
Travel Tip: Stay in downtown Davao for easy access. Arrive early to catch parades. Davao is strict on smoking and littering — follow local rules.
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Kaamulan Festival (Bukidnon)
An ethnic cultural festival celebrating the traditions of Bukidnon’s indigenous tribes.
Travel Tip: Arrive early February to join tribal rituals. Stay in Malaybalay inns. Bring a jacket as the city can be cool at night.
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Hermosa / Fiesta Pilar (Zamboanga City)
A month-long festival with cultural events, regattas, parades and religious observances honoring Nuestra Señora del Pilar.
Travel Tip: Book hotels early as October is peak season. Arrive before Oct 12 to see the fluvial parade. Be mindful of local advisories for safety.