PHILIPPINE FESTIVALS AND LOCAL CELEBRATIONS IN MARCH 2014
PARADE OF FESTIVALS
Muntinlupa City
March 1 | One of the highlights of Muntinlupa City’s Cityhood Anniversary.
DINAGSA FESTIVAL
Sto. Niño Plaza, Poblacion, Muntinlupa City
March 1 - 5 | A celebration in honor of the city’s patron saint Sto. Niño de Muntinlupa highlighted by a streetdancing participated in by representatives from different barangays, schools, youth sectors and groups from other cities in Metro Manila. A variety show will also be held in the evening after the streetdancing.
ARAW NG ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL (IGACOS)
Island Garden City of Samal
March 1- March 7 | Festival to showcase the natural bounty of the Island Garden City of Samal, includes water sports competition, horse fight, sand castle contest, cultural shows, etc.
SUGBAHAN
Davao City
March 2- March 14 | A culinary festival that features Davao''s grilled specialties such as tuna.
MALASIMBO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL – THE MANGYAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
March 2-4 | The festival is held at the foot of Mount Malasimbo, overlooking the Puerto Galera Bay. Blending traditional arts and performing styles with contemporary expressions in the arts, it also showcases the culture of the Mangyan tribal community while promoting the protection of Puerto Galera’s environment. Website: www.malasimbofestival.com
PACTO DE SANGRE OR BLOOD COMPACT
New Washington, Aklan
March 3 | Katipuneros respectively wounded their wrists and used their blood to sign a document that formally expressed their grievances symbolizing their revolt against the Spanish authorities, which happened at Sitio Kuntang, Ochando, New Washington. From then on it is remembered as one of the historical places in the country.
PUERTO PRINCESA FOUNDATION DAY
Puerto Princesa City
March 4 | A celebration of the founding anniversary of the City highlighted by the crowning of Ms. Puerto Princesa.
COUNCIL OF BALABAGO REENACTMENT
Culasi, Antique
March 4- March 5 | It is a reenactment of the gathering of the Malayan Datus headed by Sumakwel after their settlement in Malandog for thanksgiving and renewal. The site of the reenactment overlooks the island of Mararison and the Majestic Mt. Madia-as home of Bulalakaw, their acclaimed God.
MANCHATCHATONG FESTIVAL
Balbalan, Kalinga
March 4-6 | A cultural festival that gathers all the sub-tribes of Balbalan. It features street dance, cultural games and rituals.
AYYOWENG DE LAMBAK ED TADIAN
Tadian, Mt. Province
March 5 | A celebration and thanksgiving showcasing various indigenous songs, chants, dances, sports and games of the town.
TILABUS FESTIVAL
Braulio E. Dujali, Davao del Norte
March 5 | Festival for the bountiful harvest of tilapia in the province.
SES'LONG FESTIVAL
T’boli, South Cotabato
March 5-16 | The celebration portrays the old practices of the indigenous people to gather and barter goods. T’boli and B’laan native songs and dances are the main attractions of the festival.
BOLING-BOLING FESTIVAL
Catanauan, Quezon
March 6-8 | It is an age-old practice particular to Catanauanins, which is celebrated annually. Participants roam around the town garbed in any costume they may fancy. Most of them wear colorful clown-like clothes while others imitate anybody whom they want, be it somebody they idolize or somebody they despise, and make fun of them. Boling-Boling comes from the Visayan word “ Boling “ which means dirt. The festival reminds us of the vulnerability of a man and serves as symbolic spiritual cleansing and signals the start of the Lenten season.
BULAWAN FESTIVAL
Compostela Valley
March 6-8 | Festival of Gold is a celebration of thanksgiving, a unified government, sustained good harvests, abundant resources and a promise of a golden future. It is symbolized by the gold Solidarity Ring, the biggest ring in the country.
ABRENIAN KAWAYAN FESTIVAL (Abra Foundation Day)
Bangued, Abra
March 6-9 | Bamboo is a major product in Abra, thus, the festival was name “Abrenian Kawayan”. It is a traditional celebration featuring a grand cultural parade, trade fairs, cultural presentations, Balikbayan night, and fashion show.
KAMAYADAD FESTIVAL
Norala, South Cotabato
March 6-10 | Kamayadan was coined from an Ilongo term “Mayad” which means good. The celebration is a thanksgiving for good harvest.
PANAGTAGBO FESTIVAL
Tagum City
March 7 | Coincides with the city of Tagum’s founding anniversary. It aptly describes a celebration in the city where Tagumeños met Tagumeños from all walks of life in one occasion and setting since the city of Tagum is a crossroad business center in the northern part of Southern Mindanao.
AL-LAW NG KALUMUNAN
Capitol Nabunturan, ComVal
March 7 | It is gathering of the six (6) tribes of Compostela Valley during Bulawan Festival to celebrate unity amidst diversity showcasing tribal games, tribal music and dances.
VIS-MIN TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE SHOW
SM Cebu Trade Hall
March 7-9 | This 4th International Visayas Mindanao Travel, Tours, Leisure and Lifestyle Exposition and Conference, is a festive capsulized presentation of the different tourism attractions, destination and facilities, tour activities, mode of transportation and information in the Visayas and Mindanao clusters, showcasing its respective unique historical and cultural assets as well as in helping create awareness and promoting various tourist destinations found the VIS-MIN region.
ARYA! ABRA FESTIVAL (Bamboo rafting)
Bangued, Abra
March 07 - 11 | Abra's biggest festival highlights of which are "Karerakit" bamboo rafting along Calaba River and Tinguan Festival of the tribal natives of Abra.
ANILAG FESTIVAL
Provincial Capitol Compound, Sta. Cruz, Laguna
March 8-15 | Spearheaded by the office of the Provincial Governor and in cooperation with the Municipal and City Mayors of the entire province, the weeklong festival promises not only a glimpse of Laguna’s wonders, but an experience of the unique blend of cultural, historical and religious celebrations of each of its 27 municipalities and 3 cities, as well. Dubbed as the Mother of all Festivals, ANILAG (derived from Ani ng Laguna) showcases an array of activities relating to the arts, culture and industries distinctive of Laguna and its people. It is both a celebration and thanksgiving which highlights 26 festivals rolled into one. It boasts of the varied local sights and sounds and loads of gastronomical sensations that make Laguna one of the most popular tourism destinations in the country.
HOLISTIC FESTIVAL
Villa Jireh, Labrador, Pangasinan
March 9- March 11 | Projects Pangasinan as a health tourism destination with focus on wellness & lifestyle change from the holistic approach. Converging multi-sectoral groups: Eco-Defense Movement, Fishermen/Farmers Association, Tourism.
BANTAYAN FESTIVAL
Guimbal, Iloilo
March 9-15 | A celebration of the birth of a new history and culture of the people of Guimbal as a tribute and reverence to the triumphant struggle of its ancestors for meaningful existence.The magic of the Gimba (drum) and the Bantayan (watchtower) are the major features of the festival. The festival also features dance drama, drum, float & street dancing competition, cultural shows, beauty pageant, paraw & boat racing, fluvial parade, musical concerts and many other presentations.
PENETENSIYAHAN
Rosario, Batangas
March 9 | It is a Lenten celebration of commemorating the life and passion of Jesus Christ starting on Ash Wednesday.
BANGKERO FESTIVAL
Pagsanjan, Laguna
March 10-March 14 | Pagsanjan, the tourist capital of Laguna will hold its “Bangkero Festival” on March 10 until March 14 with the theme: “Mamamayan Makilahok! Bayan Ko, Tutulungan Ko!”
PINTADOS DE PASI FESTIVAL
Passi City, Iloilo
March 11-18 | A festival depicting the history of Passi through “pintados” as a colorful celebration of how Passi got its name, as influenced by the Spanish regime. It also coincides with their Foundation Day commemorating the conversion of Passi as a component city. The festival’s main features include the parade and competition of Tribes, Carosa Parada, Pinta Carabao, Search for Bb. Pintados de Pasi, Laro ng Lahi, Binayle sa Kalye, Drum & Lyre Competition, Food Festival
SIKARAN FESTIVAL
Baras, Rizal
March 15 | In Sikaran, the players move around like boxers. Each one aims to knock his opponent down by kicking at the latter’s legs. The kicks are delivered with considerable force and agility and sudden upward and backward movements of the foot. The use of the feet is necessary in winning over the opponent thus, the name “Sikaran” which means to kick.
ARAW NG DABAW CELEBRATION
Davao City
March 16 | Davao celebrates its birthday in a grand gala fashion befitting the largest city in Mindanao. The Araw ng Dabaw festivities come complete with a jam-packed, seven-day schedule of trade fairs and cultural presentations. There''s also a colorful civic-military parade and a citywide beauty pageant, featuring the smartest, most charming ladies this side of the islands.
HOMONHON LANDING
Homonhon, Eastern Samar
March 16 | Commemoration of the discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan.
LUGAHAIT FESTIVAL
Lugait, Misamis Oriental
March 16 | A local festival celebrating the rich history and the founding of the municipality of Lugait through native street dancing, showcase of agricultural products, and other colorful cultural performances
BACAO FESTIVAL
Echague, Isabela
March 16-20 | A thanksgiving celebration in honor of St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers, in Echague where corn or Bacao in Yogad term is the major crop. Streetdancing and showdown highlight the use of corn in costumes and props.
MAGALLANES FESTIVAL
Guiuan, Eastern Samar
March 16 | Depicts how the early Guiuan townfolk enjoyed the bounties of nature, rich marine life, fertile land and verdant forest. A thanksgiving to the Blessed Mother.
PASAYAW FESTIVAL
Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
March 17 | A combined word of “Pasalamat Pinaagi sa Sayaw” (a thanksgiving through dance). This Pasayaw expresses the joys and jubilations in praise and thanksgiving to the Almighty God through the intercession of St. Joseph. The “Pasayaw Street Dancing & Parade” is participated in by 12 contingents from the 12 barangays.
BUTUAN-CHINA TRADE MISSION
Butuan City
March 17 | Commemoration of the first Butuan-China Trade Mission
ANITAP FESTIVAL
Kapangan, Benguet
March 17 |
This festival features the School of Living Tradition. Activities include cultural performances, the traditional “canao with wat-wat” and highlighted by an agri-industrial trade fair.
SOLI-SOLI FESTIVAL
San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu
March 18 | Named after the Soli-Soli plant which abounds around Lake Danao, used for mat weaving, bags, hats and other handicrafts. Soli-Soli features freestyle street dancing competition using soli-soli plant as its dominant material. The festival adds color to the feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
BANANA FESTIVAL
Baco, Mindoro Oriental
March 18- March 19 | A celebration of its abundance of banana. It features banana cook fest and a banana (saba) inspired street dancing competition and beauty pageant. this coincides with the town fiestain honor of St. Joseph.
MAYON CONQUEST
Albay
March 18- March 20 | A mountain expedition to the country’s most popular volcano, MT. MAYON to be participated in by mountain-climbing enthusiast aimed to develop mountain climbing as a safe, enjoyable and environment-friendly activity.
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
La Trinidad, Benguet
March 18 - April 9 | A grand festivity showcasing the Strawberry fruit. The Guinness Book of World Records has listed in the festivity the “Biggest Strawberry Short Cake”. It also has a contest for the most unique product with a touch of strawberry. Agro Trade Fair, sports competition and marathon are included as activities.
Contact:Office of the Municipal Mayor, La Trinidad, BenguetTel No.: 074-422-2601
SINIGAYAN FESTIVAL
Sagay City
March 19 | An annual celebration & thanksgiving in honor of their patron, St. Joseph, showcasing the best of Sagay - - the arts, culture, products, and its people. Sinigayan concocted from the spherical shell “sigay” which abounds many islets and shores of the city.
SULYOG FESTIVAL
Bongabong, Mindoro Oriental
March 19 | A religious festival in honor of St. Joseph celebrated by way of a Sulyog (Suli and Niyog) Festival done through dances, flats and cultural shows.
BAROTORERA FESTIVAL
Brgy. Odiongan, Gingoog City
March 19 | Baroto race/festival
TABAK FESTIVAL
Tabaco City, Albay
March 19- March 22 | Held in conjunction with the celebration of the City’s 1st Foundation Anniversary. The festival derived its name from a local word “tabak”, meaning bolo, where the name of the City (Tabaco) was taken from. It’s highlight is a street presentation where participants showcase the legend of the City. Numerous other activities are lined up to drum beat the affair.
BAYKAT FESTIVAL
Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya
March 19-22 | A typical town fiesta with parades, playground demonstrations participated in by elementary and high schools of the town; exhibit on agriculture featuring the town’s best products and socialization night during the last day. Highlight of the fiesta is the cook fest of exotic and local dishes.
SEMANA SANTA AT BALINTOKATOK LA SALETTE SHRINE
Santiago City
March 20- March 27 | Traditional presentation of the passion and death of Christ on a hill and ends at the top where a chapel stands.
PINDANGAN FESTIVAL
San Fernando City, La Union
March 20 | Commemorates the Cityhood Anniversary. Activities include Grand Street Dancing Competition & awards night for outstanding residents. San Fernando was formerly named “Pindangan” derived from the word “pindang”, a traditional method of drying fish.
KALAP FESTIVAL
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
March 21 | As historians say, Calapan comes from the word “kalap” which is believed to be a kind of tree. Others say “kalap” means the process of gathering woods’. From this research, it developed into a deeper analysis and interpretation of the word “kalap” which became the basis of the festival celebration to gather series of historical facts about Calapan anchored on values of discipline, unity and God loving citizenry.
SABUTAN FESTIVAL
Palanan, Isabela
March 21-23 | Marks the establishment of the civil government of Palanan, the commemoration of the capture of the First President of the Republic, Emilio Aguinaldo and the promotion of the Sabutan products like mats, fans and bags made of grass grown in the coastal areas of Palanan.
ALIMANGO FESTIVAL
Lala, Lanao del Norte
March 22 | A festival to celebrate "Araw ng Lala" featuring displays of different sizes of alimango (crab). Also features native costumes, dances and cotests depicting and promoting local culture and tradition and fluvial parade passing through unspoiled mangroves.
TORUGPO
Carigara, Leyte
March 22 | Carabao and horse fights.
19 MARTYRS OF AKLAN
Kalibo, Aklan
March 23 | Celebration dedicated to the 19 martyrs of Aklan who consecrated their lives in the cause of freedom against the colonizers.
KABANHAWAN FESTIVAL
Minglanilla, Cebu
March 23 | Showcases the "SUGAT" in which the town is known for many years since. This year, the celebration will be more grand followed by a day long games and entertainment tht highlights the endowment of Minglanilla in history, trade and arts.
TABACCO FESTIVAL
Candon City, Ilocos Sur
March 23 - 29 | An Annual festival to promote the major industry of the city, “tobacco” and is celebrated during the cityhood anniversary. Activities include open street dancing competition, marching band competition, selection of Miss Virginia Tobacco and Ms. Gay Fort Ilocandia, tobacco rolling, cultural presentations, basketball w/ movie stars, boxing and mountain bike competition, and others.
ANI FESTIVAL
Dingras, Ilocos Norte
March 23-30 | Dingras is the rice granary of Ilocos Norte, thus, they celebrate harvest in a festive way. Activities include Thanksgiving mass, Agro-industrial fair, Dance parade featuring ethnic dances of Dingras, Komedya Ilokana, Choir competition, Dance competition and Food fest.
MANOK NI SAN PEDRO FESTIVAL
San Pedro, Laguna
March 27 | Grand parade of various and colorful floats participated in by both government and private sectors while the tribal groups aggressively partakes on street dancing with numerous tribal participants lined-up alternately with floats.
MARCOS TOWN FIESTA/MANNALON FESTIVAL
Marcos, Ilocos Norte
March 27 | As part of their town fiesta, the MANNALON FESTIVAL is celebrated. This town is a purely agricultural area and farming is the main occupation. Expect agri-trade fair and other related activities.
KISI-KISI FESTIVAL
Negros Occidental
March 27- March 31 | Kisi Kisi Dance Parade is a dance parade which stands for the way fishes flip-flops and twitches as they are hauled during the bountiful harvest. It starts at 1:00 in the afternoon where participating groups wear costumes and headdresses adorned with multi-colored shells & fish nets while props include bamboo poles and baskets used for fishing. Before the dance parade a re-enactment of the Sinulod is being shown wherein the town’s patron Sr. Sto. Niño saved the village from the moro raids.
PAGSANJAN BANGKERO FESTIVAL
Pagsanjan, Laguna
March 27 - 31 | A flotilla of boats decorated with the colors of the vintas and the bright hues of summer with gorge that are paraded downstream of the Pagsanjan River. A competition of the skills among the boatmen is held, among others as part of the annual event organized by the Municipality and the Resort Industry of Pagsanjan, Cavinti and Lumban.
SENAKULO / HOLY WEEK RITUALS & PROCESSIONS
Nationwide
March 28 - April 4 | A nationwide celebration of Lenten Season
CUARESMA
San Jose, Antique
March 28 - April 4 | The center celebration is replete with theater practice: from Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) to Paskwa kang Pagkabanhaw (Easter Sunday). It is a one week theatrical events where there is a street pageantry where the dramatic persons are composed of antiquated life-sized images of saints on pasos decorated with flower.
KATKAT SA DIPOLOG
Dipolog City
March 28- April 3 | An annual activity at the mountain ranges of Dipolog City’s Linabo Peak and the Sungkilaw Falls area. This is participated in by mountaineers and nature trekkers, which is to be held every summer season in Dipolog City.
MALIBAY CENACULO
Tanghalang Malibay, Malibay Plaza, Pasay City
March 30-April 8 | A 10-day activity commencing with daily performances of particular scenes from the Bible stories. Different scenes are to be performed by Cenaculistas of Pasay.
GAWAGAWAY-YAN KAWAYAN FESTIVAL
Cauayan City
March 30-April 15 | Gawagaway-yan, meaning good harvest and joyous gathering, is a celebration of Cauyan’s cityhood. The 2-week celebration includes cultural shows, float parade, streetdancing competition, sportsfest and agri-trade fairs featuring mushroom delicacies.
BANGUS FESTIVAL
Coastal Road, Panabo City
March 30 | Forming part of the annual anniversary celebration of the Mariculture Park, it celebrates the bounty of the sea to be freely enjoyed by Panaboans and visitors during this whole-day event. Games are featured to promote the city’s second One Town One Product, the Panabo Bangus.
SINUGDAN/COMMEMORATION OF THE FIRST CHRISTIAN MASS
Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte
March 31 | The event marks the celebration of the first recorded Catholic Mass in the Orient after Ferdinand Magellan’s discovery of the Philippines. Southern Leyte commemorates this historic event with anniversary program and the Sinugdan festival dances and songs.
FIRST EASTER MASS CELEBRATION
Butuan City
March 31 | A re-enactment of Magellan's landing and planting of the cross on March 21, 1521 at Mazaua, Butuan City.
ZP SUMMER
Zamboanga City
March 1- March 31 | This event, which cover the Zamboanga City, and the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, del Norte and del Sur, promotes domestic tourism in the Peninsula.
PAYVANUVANUAN FESTIVAL
Sitio Jura, Racujaide, Mahatao
March-April (movable) | The festival marks the start of the fishing season in Batanes where the fisherfolks perform a ritual to pray for good fishing season and safety while at the see.
SUMBRERO FESTIVAL
Barangay Platero, Biñan, Laguna
March (no definite date) | It is a one-day celebration that features the skills and creativity of Brgy. Platero, Biñan cap makers. The festival also features different floats with different cap designs. Every float has its own street dancers from public and private schools and from the Sangguniang Kabataan. It also offers old palaro and contest like the “Fastest Sewer of Cap”.
SUMBRERO FESTIVAL
Barangay Platero, Biñan, Laguna
March (no definite date) | It is a one-day celebration that features the skills and creativity of Brgy. Platero, Biñan cap makers. The festival also features different floats with different cap designs. Every float has its own street dancers from public and private schools and from the Sangguniang Kabataan. It also offers old palaro and contest like the “Fastest Sewer of Cap”.
SAY-AM FESTIVAL
Calanasan, Apayao
March (no definite date) | Isnag’s grandest celebration. A feast and a religious ceremony - Isnag’s way of offering thanksgiving for honors and victories received and for bountiful harvests.
MT. PULAG CLIMB
Kabayan, Benguet
March (no definite date) | Adventure climb where participants can view beautiful sunrise and sunset and where they can feel a sea of clouds beneath their feet. Mt. Pulag, the “Home of the Gods” like Elysium, is a popular Philippine mountain summit expedition trekking and hiking destination in our country. It is 2,922 meters above sea level.
TIMBAC-TABAYOK QUEST
Kabayan, Benguetmystic
March (no definite date) | Adventure to the mummy caves and the mystic lakes which will conclude with a climb to Mt. Tabayok, the 5th highest mountain in the Philippines.
HINATDAN FESTIVAL
Ginatilan, Cebu City
March (2nd week) | Hinatdan Festival got its name from the former name of the town of Ginatilan. It is a celebration of life and of the town’s bountiful harvest under the graces of their patron saint, San Gregorio Magno.
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