National Zero Waste Month
January
Proclmation No. 760 s 2014 declares every month of Janaury as Zero Waste Month.
Sto. Niño Month
January
The Sto. Niño month celebrates the oldest religious image in the Philippines.
Feast of the Black Nazarene
January 09
This feast is celebrated at the heart of Manila- Quiapo. Devotees come from all over the metropolis to participate in this annual event honoring the hundred-year-old statue of the Black Nazarene.
Sinulog Festival
January 15
This is an annual festival held in Cebu, which commences nine days before the third Sunday of January.
Ati-Atihan Festival
3rd Sunday of January
This is a celebration in honor of the Infant Jesus, the town’s patron. Ati-Atihan, observed in honor of the Child Jesus. Ati-atihan means ‘making like Atis,’ that is, pretending to be like the aboriginal natives that once inhabited Aklan. This involves smearing oneself with soot to darken the skin and dressing up in tribal finery. The start of the procession is signaled by drums and whistles, and later punctuated by shouts of “Hala Bira!”
The Dinagyang Festival
4th Sunday of February
Dinagyang is a Hiligaynon word extrapolated from dagyang meaning “merrymaking” It celebrates the feast of the Infant Jesus and the pact between the Datus and the locals.
National Arts Month
February
The National Arts Month is spearheaded by the Office of the President and the National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA) enjoining the public for festivities celebrating the culture and talent of the Philippines. Throughout the country, the NCCA, art and culture groups, along with local government units, will be running several Philippine culture-related projects, the biggest of which being the Philippine International Arts Festival (PIAF), now on its third year, and which brings together the best the Filipino has to offer in a proud showcase to the world.
World Wetlands Day
Worldwide - February 02
February 2 of each year is WWD, marking the date of adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971.
Paraw Regatta
3rd Sunday of February
This festivity features racing events between local outriggers in the strait between Iloilo City and Guimaras Island.
Taytay Hamaka Festival
February 10 to 16
This is a seven-day event showcasing the artistry, craftsmanship and various talents of the people of Taytay.
The Tinagba Festival
February 11
This is a harvest-offering affair for Our Lady of Lourdes. Farmers parade in carabao-drawn carts filled with the best of local produce while Agtas come down from the mountain to dance.
International Bamboo Organ Festival
February
This is a ten-day series of cultural events with a focus on the unique bamboo-made organ, made by Fray Diego de la Cera, and found only in Las Piñas.
Baguio Flower Festival
February
This is a relatively “new” event in the country’s summer capital. Similar to the Rose Bowl Parade of the U.S., this festival is highlighted by a parade of floats made entirely of fresh blossoms from local horticulturists.
Ollalion Festival
February 14
The festival celebrates the Kalinga culture through its sports, crafts, and indigenous food.
Babaylanes Festival
February 19
This highlights the culture of the first settlers of Bago City before the Spanish colonizers arrived. As defined by Negros historians, the babaylan is a doctor, herbalist, artist, adviser, herbalist, seer, diviner and agriculturist.
Kalilangan Festival
February 20 to 27
This features cultural shows, a civic/military, agro-industrial fair, sports competition, and a beauty pageant.
Kaamulan Festival
2nd week of February to March 10
This is a three-day gathering of Bukidnon’s various ethnolinguistic groups in Pines View Park. It includes a performance of traditional rituals.
Lenten Season
March
Lent is a penitential period, involving the dual disciplines of abstinence and fasting.
National Women's Month
March
The National Women's Month Celebration eveyr March is part of the worldwide observance of the International Women's Day (IWD). Proclamation No. 227 s. 1988 provides for the observance of the Month of March as Women's Role in History Month.
World Wildlife Day
Worldwide - March 03
National Women's Day
March 08
RA 6949 declares the eighth day of March of every year is hereby declared as a working special holiday to be known as National Women's Day
Malasimbo Festival
March 10 to 12
Malasimbo Festival has four pillars: music, arts, indigenous people, and environment. The festival is well known for bringing some of the most versatile musicians. In the event, the Malasimbo grounds is decorated with world-class artwork by various talented Filipino and visual artists, also showcasing indigenous peoples’ work.
International Day of Forests
Worldwide - March 21
UNESCO-ITI World Theater Week
Worldwide - March 21 to 27
World Theatre Week is an occasion for theatre artists of varied disciplines in performance and media arts to celebrate the power of Theatre to bring people together and an opportunity to share with audiences the wealth of each country’s heritage, history, habitat, theatrical traditions and expertise modeling cultural caregiving for marginalized sectors and disadvantaged youth exemplified in the Philippine program of the Earthsavers Dreams Ensemble honored as UNESCO Artists for Peace;
World Water Day
Worldwide - March 22
Philippine Water Week
4th week of March
Island Garden City of Samal Festival
1st week of March
This is a week-long celebration of Samal’s founding anniversary held every first week of March.
Anibina Bulawanun Festival
March 8
This is an eight-day multi-themed annual festival that culminates on the province’s foundation day, March 8. It is a colorful and joyful celebration of the province’s rich agricultural harvests, abundant mineral resources, governance’s feats, trade and tourism fair, and a showcasing of the people’s culture and traditions. The Al-law Ng Kalomonan (Tribal Day) falls on the 7th day of Anibina.
Holy Week
March to April
This is a week-long event honoring Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross. The Palm Sunday is held on the fifth Sunday of Lent where churchgoers bring palm and leaves to re-enact the arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. Holy Thursday is held with a Visitaa Iglesia where Catholics visit at least 7 churches. A “Pasyon” or narration of Christ’s life through singing is held; On Good Friday, believers re-enact the sufferings and death of Christ on the Cross. Easter Sunday is highlighted by “Salubong” or dawn processions held in various parts of the country.*
Moriones Festival
Holy Week
This is a week-long celebration participated in by male penitents in costumes who parade around town. On Good Friday, they reenact the story of Longinus, a centurion, blind in one eye, who speared Jesus’ side. Christ’s blood fell on his blind eye, miraculously restoring it, leading to his conversion.
Centurion Festival
Holy Week
This is believed to be the origin of Marinduque’s Moriones Festival and is as colorful.
Ang Pagtaltal
Good Friday
This is a procession of flagellants and devotees in biblical attire that ends in the Balaan Bukid Shrine.
Pista y Dayat Festival
May 1
This is a seaside festival and a thanksgiving day by local fishermen for a bountiful year.
Pangalap Ritual
Good Friday
This is a ritual where believers crawl through the Catilaran cave chanting prayers in the hope of gaining supernatural powers to ward off evil spirits.
Witches Festival
Holy Week
Siquijor is popularly known throughout the country for “witchcraft”. A “Witches Festival” is held at Crocodile Hill overlooking the Bay of Lazi and the Mindanao Sea. When the moon is full, the sorcerers, called magbabarang gather herbs, roots and live insects, throw these into a giant cauldron filled with boiling water, then sit in a circle around it while mumbling incantations. This is followed by dancing and ends in an exclusive ritual in a secluded cave at dawn.
Harvest Month
April
Harvest Festival is a celebration of the food grown on the land. Thanksgiving ceremonies and festivities are conducted to give thanks for successful harvests.
Month of Planet Earth
Worldwide - April
The observance of this event support activities that would highlight the promotion of earth sciences towards a better society
Moriones Festival
April
This is marked by the presence of men wearing masks (“moriones”) and garbed in what passes off for Roman centurion costumes to dramatize the story of Longinus, the blind centurion whose sight was restored by the blood that spurted from the side where Longinus speared Christ. This is held during the Holy Week in Marinduque.
Centurion Festival
April
It recounts the Passion play and is performed on the city’s streets.
Turumba
April
This is a seven-day feast in honor of our lady of sorrows highlighted by a procession and a dance (to the beat of a turumba song).
Lami-Lamihan Festival
April 14 to 16
Began in 1983 by former mayor Wilfrido Furigay, the festival showcases the rich Yakan traditions. This is highlighted by a parade and a horse race.
International Earth Day
Worldwide - April 22
Kadaugan sa Mactan
April 27
This is mainly the re-enactment of the Battle of Mactan along the islands’ beach.
Flores De Mayo / Santacruzan
May
Santacruzan is held annually in the warm month of May and is considered to be the "Queen of Filipino Festivals". Beautiful town belles are selected to participate in this colorful pageant parade. The stars are selected not for their looks alone, but for their embodiment of traditional feminine qualities. It is a week-long street pageant in almost every town; from the dirt road barrio to the metropolis honoring beautiful Philippine maidens and their handsome escorts under the hand-carried bamboo arc’s decorated by fragrant native flowers.
Month of the Ocean
Worldwide - May
Month of Ocean promotes sustainable development of coastal and marine resources and ensure that the marine environment is protected from all forms of degradation
Flores de Mayo
May
Literally translated, it means “Flowers of May”and highlights a procession honoring Virgin Mary. Coinciding with it is the Santacruzan, re-enacting the search of Queen Elena for the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified. The town or city’s loveliest ladies grace the occasion.
Pasalamat Festival
May 1
This is a labor and thanksgiving festival marked by street dancing and a parade of farm products.
Magayon Festival
May 1
This is a showcase of Albay’s culture and arts marked by exhibits, parades, shows, and sports.
Boa-Boahan
May 2
This is a re-enactment of the 13th-century rite of offering chains of coconut embryos called boa to deities. They believe that doing so would mean a prosperous year.
Carabao-Carozza Race Festival
May 3
This is an event where carabaos (water buffaloes) pull decorated bamboo carts in a 400-meter course race.
Lanahan Ritual
May 1 to 3
This the ritual performed by the Bagobos involving the making of medicinal oil (lana) after their pilgrimage to Mount Apo.
Palu-Palo Festival
August 4 to 5
This is highlighted by a cultural presentation showing the life and times of the Ivatans.
Balanghai Festival
May
This commemorates the coming of the early migrants from Borneo and Celebes. It is said that they came to Agusan in balanghai or wooden boats.
Tapusan Festival
May
This is a month-long celebration honoring the Holy Cross.
Barangay Boat Festival
May 11
This is a fluvial festival held annually in honor of Saint Peter Thelmo, the town’s patron saint.
Carabao Festival
May 15
This is an event honoring. San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. Carabaos are paraded and blessed by the town priest.
Pahiyas Festival
May
This is a thanksgiving festival to San Isidro Labrador for the past year’s bountiful harvest. The event is popular for the elaborate edible decorations that cover entire houses like fruits and vegetables, most prominent of which are the brightly colored rice wafers known as; The image of the patron saint is also paraded around town assuring the farmers of a bountiful harvest in the years to come.
Obando Festival
May 17 to 19
This festival involves the different dance rituals held for three consecutive days honoring three patron saints: May 17 for St. Paschal (for couples who want a male child), May 18 for St. Claire (for couples who want a female child) and May 19 for the Our Lady of Salambaw (patroness of fishermen).
Pahoy-Pahoy Festival
May 19 to 25
Every May, the quaint little town of Calbiga abounds with giant pahoy-pahoy (scarecrows) made of indigenous materials dancing about its streets. Musical instruments made up of bamboos, cans and stones create the sounds that scare the local maya birds.
International Day for Biological Diversity
May 22
This is to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.
Heritage Month
June
The heritage month is a celebration of the culture of the Philippines in festivities and events impressing the mixed amalgamation of culture of other countries in its colonization in the Philippines in the past.
National ICT Month
June
Proclamation No. 1528, series of 2008 declares the month of June as National Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Month in the Philippines.
Philippine Environment Month
June
The month of June of each year is declared as the Philippine Environment Month by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 237 signed in 1998 by then President Corazon C. Aquino.
World Environment Day
Worldwide - June 5
World Environment Day, which occurs on the 5th of June every year, and first celebrated in 1974, is the United Nation's principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment
Philippine Eagle Week
June 4 to 10
This is to raise awareness and ensure the protection and perpetuation of Philippine Eagle.
Naligayan Festival
2nd week of June
This week-long festival in Agusan del Norte features socio-cultural shows and fairs involving indigenous groups. The highlight of the festival is the climb to the top of the waterfalls of Agusan del Sur.
Pagdayao Festival
June 11 to 12
This is a two-day affair, which serves as a thanksgiving feast in honor of the Lord.
Araw ng Cotabato
June 12 to 20
The city of Cotabato in Mindanao celebrates its founding with special events as the layang-layang or giant kite festival, fluvial parades, banca race and sports competition.
World Day to Combat Desertification
Worldwide - June 17
This day should remind everyone of land’s important role in producing food and generating local employment, as well as its ability to add to the sustainability, stability and security of desertification-affected places.
Parada ng mga Lechon (Parade of Roast Pigs)
June 24
Crisp, golden-brown roast pigs are paraded through the streets. As soon as the best decorated roasted pig is announced, the eating commences.
Hibok-Hibok Festival
June 24
The event is held in honor of St. John the Baptist and is marked with fluvial processions, parades and water sports.
National Arbor Day
June 25
Arbor Day in the Philippines has been institutionalized to be observed every June 25 throughout the nation by planting trees and ornamental plants and other forms of relevant activities.
Daet Pineapple Festival
3rd week of June
This is a festival showcasing the famous and sweetest of all pineapples- the Formosa variety- abundantly growing in Daet. The week-long celebration features sports events, talent and skills competition, an investment forum, cultural shows and concerts, a food fair, an agro-industrial and trade fair, search for Bicolandia Queen, and street dancing contests.
Tacloban Festival
Last week of June
The festival consists of three major activities: (1) Subiran Regatta – a sailboat race held at the eastern entrance of San Juanico Strait, (2) Balyuan – a pageant reenacting the historic exchange of images between Basey, Samar and Tacloban City, and (3) Pintados Festival where participants paint their bodies and dance to the rhythm of bamboo sticks.
Piat Sambali Festival
Last week of June
In Piat, Cagayan, the colorful celebration is highlighted by street dancing, cultural shows and a beauty pageant. This festival commemorates the Christianization of the Ytawes region of Cagayan.
National Disaster Consciousness Month
July
This is to promote public awareness on natural hazards and disseminate information on the steps to be undertaken to mitigate the adverse effects of such hazards.
Shopping Festival
July
The Shopping Festival is one of the festivals that celebrate the wide range of low offers and deals in Malls. Malls and outlets are enjoined to participate in this festival to also increase tourist arrivals.
Sagayan Festival Tubod
1st week of July
This is a festival with a Maranao war dance as a main event. The dance is performed during the Araw ng Lanao del Norte and is participated by all the municipalities in the province. The war dance is complemented by a fan dance performed by Maranao maidens wearing colorful dresses.
Pagoda Festival
July 4 to 7
In Bocaue, Bulacan, a feast is held in honor of the Holy Cross of Wawa found in the Bocaue River. The main attraction of the affair is the fluvial parade of the pagoda or decorated barge and colorful small boats.
Sublian sa Batangas
July 23
This coincides with the Foundation Day of Batangas City. It revives the tradition of dancing the subli, which is indigenous to the province.
Sinulog and Kinabayo Festival
July 24 to 25
The event honors Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte’s patron saint St. James.
Sinulog de Tanjay Festival
Last week of July
The celebration of the residents of Tanjay, Negros Oriental of this 10-day fiesta features the origin of the old sinulog culture. A parade is held showcasing the clothes locals wear, while the horsefighting presentation re-enacts the battle between the Spaniards and the Muslims.
Kahimoan Abayan Festival
Last week of July
In Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, the feast is held in honor of Santa Ana (St. Anne), known to protect the residents along the Agusan River from man-eating crocodiles. The celebration includes the holding of a prayer on boats for safe passage and prosperity.
Sandugo Festival
Last week of July
Celebrated in Bohol, this festival commemorates the blood compact between Spaniard Legaspi and Filipino Sikatuna. It includes an agro-industrial exhibit, a trade fair, a beauty contest, street dancing and a re-enactment of the blood compact.
Fruit Festival
August
The Shopping Festival is one of the festivals that celebrate the wide range of low offers and deals in Malls. Malls and outlets are enjoined to participate in this festival to also increase tourist arrivals.
Pangapog Festival
August 1 to 7
This is a thanksgiving festival for a bountiful harvest highlighting the culture of the Sama, the indigenous people of Samal, as shown in the indigenous sports, and other culture-based competitions.
Pangasinan Bamboo Festival
August 14
Pangasinan Bamboo Festival August 12 This is a festival showcasing bamboo products and includes bamboo planting and film exhibitions. Venue: Calasiao and Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan
Mercedes FISHtival
August 6 to 11
This is a thanksgiving festival by local fisherfolk for blessings received during seafaring, and fish-farming.
Marang Festival
August 5
Locals celebrate the bountiful harvest of the fruit Marang.
Pasaka Festival
August 14
“Pasaka,” the native word for Assumption, is a street spectacle in honor of Our Lady of Assumption.
Lubi-Lubi Festival
August 15
This is a dance festival extolling the many uses of the coconut in homage to Our Lady of Fatima and St. Roque.
Kalibongan Festival
August 17 to 18
This is a gathering of Mindanao ethnolinguistic groups like the Bagobos and Manobos. This is highlighted by a horse fight and a Manobo wedding.
Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival
3rd week of August
Dabaweños celebrate the annual Kadayawan – a colorful occassion that lasts for five days – as a thanksgiving festival and a tribute to its indigenous peoples. Kadayawan is a native expression in Dabawnon tongue, which means “anything excellent that brings great fortune” from “dayaw” (good), describing a thing that is valuable and superior.
Gigantes
August 19
On August 19, in the town of Lucban, Quezon, townsfolk trot out their beloved gigantes or giants. Measuring about 14 feet tall, the giants come in pairs, the mag-asawa or couple, a giant man dressed in the peasant’s camisa chino or undershirt, and his wife clad in the native patadyong and kimona, a loose skirt topped with a flimsy blouse. Made from papier mache, the giants are borne on shoulders by those who have made a panata (oath) made in return for a favor received. This festivity is shared by Lucban with the town of Angono, Rizal, which holds it in November.
Buyogan Festival
August 19
Buyogan focuses on the bee locally known as “buyog” from which the town’s name originated.
Bankaton
August 20
This is an annual boat racing contest celebrating the feast of Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, the town’s Patroness.
Kagayhaan Festival
August 26 to 28
This festival is highlighted by streetdancing participated in by contingents from schools and civic organizations.
