Festivals in the Philippines to Visit in 2025

Dreaming of an unforgettable cultural immersion? The Philippines awaits with a vibrant tapestry of festivals year-round! From Cebu City’s electrifying Sinulog to Baguio’s blooming Panagbenga and Davao’s Kadayawan harvest celebration, experience the heart of Filipino culture. Discover unique traditions like the Ati-Atihan’s vibrant costumes and the Pahiyas’s colorful house decorations. Explore the full spectrum of Filipino festivities in our 2025 festival guide, and start planning your Philippine adventure today!

Important information

• The Sinulog Festival in Cebu City (January) is a Christian festival honoring Santo Niño with parades and traditional dances.
• The Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon (May) features houses decorated with colorful kiping (rice wafers) and produce to honor San Isidro Labrador.
• The Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City (February) is a month-long celebration of flowers with spectacular floats.
• The Kadayawan Festival in Davao City (August) celebrates harvests and diverse traditions with street dances and floral floats.
• The MassKara Festival in Bacolod City (October) features masked revelers and street dancing, symbolizing resilience and joy.

Festivals in the Philippines to Visit in 2025

The Philippines boasts a vibrant array of festivals, each reflecting the unique culture and traditions of its diverse regions. From the electrifying Sinulog Festival in Cebu City every January to the blossoming Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City in February, and the vibrant Kadayawan Festival in Davao City in August, there’s a celebration for every season. Experience the energy of the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan, also in January, or witness the transformative beauty of the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon, each May. These unique celebrations offer an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of Filipino culture.

January Festivals

The Philippines comes alive with vibrant festivals throughout January. One of the most prominent is Cebu City’s Sinulog Festival, held on the third Sunday of the month. It’s a captivating display of lively parades, traditional dances, and rich cultural presentations. Kalibo, Aklan also hosts the unique Ati-Atihan festival in January, honoring the Santo Niño. Participants, with painted faces and vibrant costumes, create a truly unforgettable spectacle.

Feast of the Black Nazarene

Manila bursts into vibrant life every January 9th as millions converge on Quiapo to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene. This intensely spiritual festival features a massive procession centered around the revered image of the Black Nazarene. The sheer number of devoted participants and the depth of their faith is truly awe-inspiring.

Ati-Atihan Festival

Every January, Kalibo, Aklan, comes alive with the vibrant Ati-Atihan Festival, a powerful celebration honoring the Santo Niño. Participants with faces painted black and adorned in vibrant traditional garb fill the streets with energy. Rhythmic drums and lively dancing create an unforgettable spectacle.

Sinulog Festival

Cebu City comes alive every year on the third Sunday of January with the vibrant Sinulog Festival. This spectacular celebration features colorful costumes and street dancing, culminating in a lively parade that winds through the city. Rooted in history, the festival commemorates the Filipino people’s conversion to Christianity and honors the Santo Niño (the Christ Child). Thousands of visitors flock to Cebu for this unforgettable display of faith and culture.

February Festivals

Experience the vibrant culture of the Philippines in February with the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City. This spectacular celebration features stunning flower floats and lively street dancing. Another unique cultural experience is the Bamboo Organ Festival in Las Piñas City. This festival showcases a historic instrument crafted almost entirely of bamboo, a remarkable piece of musical history renowned for its beautiful sounds.

Panagbenga Festival

Every February, Baguio City hosts the Panagbenga Festival, a month-long celebration of flowers. Grand parades showcase spectacular floats decorated with blossoms, a truly breathtaking sight. This festival is a tribute to the beauty of nature’s floral artistry.

Bamboo Organ Festival

The Bamboo Organ Festival, held annually in Las Piñas City, Philippines, celebrates the historic bamboo organ housed within St. Joseph Parish Church. This unique instrument takes center stage in diverse musical performances, showcasing its distinctive sound, often accompanied by other instruments. The festival also provides a rich cultural experience.

March Festivals

The vibrant Panay Bukidnon Festival honors the indigenous people of the same name, bringing their rich culture to life through music, dance, and traditional rituals. In March, the historic city of Vigan in Ilocos Sur holds its own vibrant celebration, the Vigan Fiesta.

Panay Bukidnon Festival

The vibrant Panay Bukidnon Festival, held each March, celebrates the unique culture of the Panay Bukidnon people. It showcases their traditional music, captivating dances, and rich agricultural heritage.

Vigan Fiesta

Experience the vibrant Vigan Fiesta held every March in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage through colorful street dances, delicious local cuisine, and unique crafts. It’s a celebration you won’t forget.

April Festivals

This April, experience two unique Filipino festivals. Explore the Moriones Festival on Marinduque Island, a dramatic re-enactment of the biblical story of Longinus. Participants wear Roman soldier costumes and masks. For a different experience, visit the week-long Panaad sa Negros Festival in Bacolod City. “Panaad” means “vow” or “promise” in Hiligaynon. This festival showcases the diverse offerings of Negros Occidental, a province with 13 cities and 19 municipalities. Each contributes to this vibrant celebration.

Moriones Festival

The Philippine island of Marinduque hosts the vibrant Moriones Festival each Holy Week. Participants, known as Moriones, don elaborate costumes depicting Roman soldiers. They dramatically reenact the story of Longinus, the centurion who pierced Christ’s side. His spear became a powerful symbol.

Panaad Festival

Every April, Bacolod City in the Philippines hosts the vibrant Panaad sa Negros Festival, a showcase of Negros Occidental’s rich heritage and potential. Representing the province’s 13 cities and 19 municipalities, the festival offers a captivating blend of stunning agricultural exhibits and cultural performances. It’s a powerful driver of tourism, providing visitors with a diverse and enriching experience.

May Festivals

Experience the vibrant festivals of the Philippines this May. Witness the unique Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon, where houses are decorated with colorful kiping (rice wafers) and fresh produce to honor San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. Throughout May, Flores de Mayo, a month-long festival, celebrates the Virgin Mary with beautiful flower offerings. In Tanza, Cavite, the Sambali Festival rejoices in a bountiful harvest with lively street dancing and a carabao parade.

Pahiyas Festival

Lucban, Quezon, erupts in color every May 15th for the Pahiyas Festival. Houses are festooned with kiping, intricate rice flour decorations, and overflowing with nature’s bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. This vibrant celebration honors San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers, offering a joyful thanks for the harvest.

Flores de Mayo

Each May, Filipinos honor the Virgin Mary with Flores de Mayo, a month-long Catholic festival culminating in a grand procession.

Sambali Festival

Experience the vibrant Sambali Festival in Zambales, Philippines, a captivating celebration of Aeta culture. Witness traditional dances and hear mesmerizing music for a truly immersive cultural experience.

June Festivals

Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival

Tacloban City’s Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival is a vibrant celebration of the region’s rich cultural heritage. This captivating festival features lively street dancing and incorporates traditional rituals, showcasing a fascinating blend of history and tradition.

Lechon Festival

Every June 24th, Balayan, Batangas, comes alive with the vibrant Lechon Festival. This exciting Philippine celebration showcases the star of the show: roasted suckling pig, a true Filipino delicacy. Attendees savor the delicious lechon, lively music, and festive atmosphere—a true feast for the senses.

July Festivals

Bulacan, Philippines, vibrates with the energy of the Salakot Festival, a celebration honoring the iconic wide-brimmed salakot hat. South Cotabato, on the other hand, displays the artistry of T’nalak weaving with its T’nalak Festival, a tribute to the traditional textile made by the T’boli people.

Salakot Festival

The vibrant Salakot Festival, held in San Fernando, Pampanga, celebrates the salakot, a traditional Filipino hat and a cherished symbol of Filipino culture. The festival features exciting cultural performances showcasing local traditions and emphasizes the importance of preserving this rich heritage.

T’nalak Festival

The T’nalak Festival, held in South Cotabato, Philippines, is a vibrant celebration of the T’boli people’s unique weaving traditions, especially their remarkable T’nalak cloth. Visitors can admire the intricate craftsmanship and enjoy energetic dances, experiencing a true immersion in T’boli artistry and heritage.

August Festivals

Davao City bursts with life every August during the Kadayawan Festival, a vibrant celebration of abundant harvests and diverse cultural traditions. A key attraction is the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan, a captivating street dance competition. The Pamulak sa Kadayawan, a breathtaking parade of floral floats, is another must-see spectacle. The festival also provides a week-long immersion into indigenous culture, offering a unique opportunity to connect with local heritage. Other noteworthy August festivals include the Lubi-Lubi and Ibalong Festivals, each offering its own distinct cultural experiences.

Kadayawan Festival

Davao’s Kadayawan Festival transforms the city into a vibrant spectacle every August. This celebration of bountiful harvests features mesmerizing street dances and breathtaking floral floats known as Pamulak sa Kadayawan. The Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan dance competition showcases the region’s rich indigenous culture. The festival also incorporates thanksgiving rituals and displays of local produce and crafts, creating a unique and immersive cultural experience.

Lubi-Lubi Festival

The vibrant Lubi-Lubi Festival takes place every August in Antique, Philippines. It is a grand celebration of the coconut, or “lubi” as the locals call it. This vital crop shapes the region’s traditions and fuels its economy. Festival activities include a rich array of cultural presentations and events centered around this important fruit.

Ibalong Festival

Every August, Legazpi City in Albay, Philippines, comes alive with the Ibalong Festival, a vibrant celebration of Bicolano culture. Captivating street presentations tell tales of local folklore, showcasing vibrant costumes and energetic dances. These performances recount the stories of epic heroes and mythical beasts, offering a truly immersive cultural experience.

October Festivals

Every October, two vibrant festivals illuminate the Philippines. In Bacolod City, the MassKara Festival bursts with colorful masks and dynamic street dances. In Naga City, Camarines Sur, the Peñafrancia Festival provides a contrasting experience, a deeply religious event honoring Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

MassKara Festival

Each year, on the fourth Sunday in October, Bacolod City, Philippines, comes alive. The MassKara Festival transforms the city into a vibrant spectacle of smiles. This unique festival is famous for its masked revelers, street dancing, and colorful costumes. It’s a celebration of resilience and joy, born from a time of hardship. The sugar industry, a cornerstone of Bacolod’s economy, faced a crisis in the 1980s. To lift the spirits of the community, the MassKara Festival was created. “MassKara” is a portmanteau of “mass” (many) and “cara” (face), signifying the many smiling faces that fill the streets. The festival is more than just a party; it’s a symbol of the city’s spirit. It’s a reminder that even in difficult times, joy can be found, and smiles can be powerful.

Peñafrancia Festival

The vibrant Peñafrancia Festival, a religious celebration honoring Our Lady of Peñafrancia, takes place every October in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines. A spectacular fluvial procession along the Naga River is the centerpiece of this vibrant festival.

December Festivals

Pasko sa San Fernando

San Fernando, Pampanga, is famous for its lively Christmas festivities, especially the Giant Lantern Festival. This dazzling event features a competition of huge, elaborately crafted lanterns.

Taong Puti Festival

Every New Year’s Day, the Taong Puti Festival bursts with tradition, as participants wear white clothing to symbolize new beginnings and fresh starts.

Christmas Symbols Festival

Tangub City’s Christmas Symbols Festival transforms the city into a breathtaking spectacle. Dazzling lights and festive symbols illuminate every corner, creating a vibrant experience for both locals and tourists.