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Top 20 Philippine Festivals to Attend in 2025: A Monthly Guide

Traveloka PH

13 Dec 2024 - 9 min read

The Philippines is a country that truly knows how to celebrate. Whether it’s honoring religious traditions, celebrating harvests, or just having fun with music, food, and vibrant street dances, Filipinos love a good festival. With hundreds of festivals held throughout the year, there’s always something to look forward to.

Here’s your ultimate guide to Philippine festivals, month by month, for 2025.

1. Feast of the Black Nazarene (January 9)

Location: Manila

January begins with one of the most important religious events in the country, the Traslación. This event marks the transfer of the statue of the Black Nazarene (a dark-coloured statue of Jesus) from its original home in Intramuros to Quiapo Church. It is not only a religious event, but also a festive gathering of millions of devotees seeking blessings and miracles.

Festival Details

The statue of the Black Nazarene was first brought to the Philippines from Mexico in 1606.

Devotees pull the rope attached to the statue's carriage, hoping for good luck.

The procession often lasts for hours, with participants walking long distances barefoot.

How to get there

By aeroplane: Fly to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and take a taxi or jeepney to Quiapo.

By road: You'll face heavy traffic around the route, so it's best to use public transport such as jeepneys or LRT.

2. Ati-Atihan Festival (January 10 - 19)

Location: Kalibo, Aklan

The Ati-Atihan Festival is considered the ‘mother of all Philippine festivals,’ and is a must-visit if you're in the Visayas in January. Originally a pagan ritual, it now celebrates Santo Nino, but retains the spirit of the original tradition.

Festival Details

Participants paint their faces black to emulate the Ati or Aeta tribe, the indigenous people of Aklan.

The festival includes street dancing, music, and feasting.

It has influenced other festivals, including Sinulog in Cebu and Dinagyang in Iloilo.

How to get there

By plane: Fly directly to Kalibo International Airport or to Caticlan, then take a bus to Kalibo.

By road: If travelling from Caticlan, it's about 1.5 hours by bus or van.

3. Sinulog Festival (January 19)

Location: Cebu City

One of the biggest festivals in the Philippines, the Sinulog Festival is Cebu's celebration of devotion to Santo Niño. The festival is famous for its grand parade, with dancers in traditional costumes performing the Sinulog dance, a back-and-forth step symbolising the flow of a river.

Festival Details

The Sinulog Grand Parade attracts millions of people, making it one of the largest annual gatherings in the country.

The festival includes street dances, beauty pageants, and religious processions.

Cebu also hosts a fluvial parade, where a procession of boats sail along the river.

How to get there

By plane: Cebu is easily accessible from Manila and other parts of the country. Book your flight tickets early as hotels are usually booked out during the festival.

By ferry: There are also ferry services from Manila to Cebu for travellers on a budget.

4. Dinagyang Festival (January 24 - 27)

Location: Iloilo City

Another tribute to Santo Niño, the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City is a colourful and lively celebration marked by the appearance of ‘Ati’ warriors with painted faces and elaborate costumes. The festival blends cultural and religious elements, with participants dancing in the streets and competing for the title of best tribe.

Festival Details

The festival is famous for its drum competition, which creates an electrifying atmosphere.

It has been recognised as one of the best festivals in the Philippines by the Department of Tourism.

How to Get There

By plane: Flights to Iloilo International Airport are available from Manila and other major cities.

By land: Buses are available from Manila to Iloilo, which takes about 17-18 hours.

5. Panagbenga Festival (1 February - 8 March)

Location: Baguio City

If you love flowers, the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City is a feast for the eyes. Held every February, this ‘Flower Festival’ features floats decorated with blossoms, as well as street dances and trade shows.

Festival Details

The festival was born out of the devastation caused by the 1990 Luzon earthquake to give hope and renewal to the community.

The Grand Float Parade is the main event of the festival, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

How to Get There

By land: Buses such as Victory Liner and Genesis offer services from Manila to Baguio, taking between 5-7 hours.

6. Bamboo Organ Festival (February 1 - 2)

Location: Las Piñas City

For a different kind of celebration, the Bamboo Organ Festival in Las Piñas is a must-attend event for music lovers. This festival honors the unique bamboo organ at St. Joseph Parish Church, the only one of its kind in the world.

Festival Details

The festival features performances from renowned organists, both local and international.

It highlights the beautiful sound of the bamboo organ, which is played in concerts throughout the festival.

How to Get There

By land: From Manila, the church is easily accessible by jeepney or bus.

7. Moriones Festival (April 4 - 12)

Location: Marinduque

Experience the unique Moriones Festival, a colorful Holy Week tradition held in Marinduque. Festival-goers wear Morion masks to portray Roman soldiers, re-enacting the story of Longinus, the Roman soldier who converted to Christianity after witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus.

Festival Details

The Moriones Parade features participants dressed as Roman soldiers and is one of the highlights of Holy Week.

Expect a lot of street performances and processions.

How to Get There

By boat: Ferries from Manila to Marinduque operate during this time. The trip usually takes around 4-6 hours.

8. Kadayawan Festival (August 11 - 17)

Location: Davao City

A festival celebrating Davao’s bountiful harvest, the Kadayawan Festival is a week-long celebration of Mindanao’s indigenous culture. It honors the different tribes of Davao, featuring colorful street dancing, parades, and thanksgiving rites.

Festival Details

The festival also includes the Davao River Parade, with boats decorated in vibrant colors.

Sayaw Mindanaw, a dance competition, showcases the traditional dances of Davao’s indigenous tribes.

How to Get There

By plane: Davao City is well-connected by air, with daily flights from Manila.

9. MassKara Festival (October 1 - 26)

Location: Bacolod City

Known as the “Festival of Smiles,” the MassKara Festival is a lively celebration of Bacolod City’s resilience. Participants wear colorful masks adorned with happy faces and perform street dances to the rhythm of lively music.

Festival Details

The MassKara Street Dance is the heart of the festival, with participants in elaborately decorated costumes and masks.

There are also carnival rides, food stalls, and beauty pageants throughout the celebration.

How to Get There

By plane: Bacolod-Silay Airport is the nearest airport, just 30 minutes from the city center.

10. Pasko sa San Fernando (December)

Location: San Fernando, Pampanga

End the year with the Pasko sa San Fernando festival, a dazzling display of Christmas lights in the City of San Fernando, often referred to as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines." This festival features the giant lanterns made by the locals, lighting up the nights and filling the streets with holiday cheer.

Festival Details

The festival began in the 1900s and has grown into an internationally recognized event.

Local artisans craft intricate parols (Christmas lanterns) that light up the city in an unforgettable way.

How to Get There

By land: San Fernando is about 1.5-2 hours by bus or car from Manila.

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11. Pahiyas Festival (May 15)

Location: Lucban, Quezon

A colorful celebration of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest, Pahiyas is known for its vibrant decorations made of agricultural products like rice, vegetables, and kiping (colored rice wafers).

Festival Details

The streets of Lucban are transformed into a beautiful display of local craftsmanship.

Visitors can enjoy street dancing, exhibitions of local arts and crafts, and delicious food. The highlight is the "Kiping" decoration hanging on every house.

How to Get There

By bus: From Cubao or Buendia terminals, take a bus bound for Lucena. Alight at the Lucena Grand Terminal, then take a jeepney or van to Lucban (about 1 hour).

By car: Drive via the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), exiting at the Calamba or Sto. Tomas toll plaza, then take the scenic route through Majayjay and Tayabas.

12. Flores de Mayo (May 1-31)

Location: Nationwide

A month-long Filipino tradition honoring the Virgin Mary through floral offerings and processions, held across various regions of the Philippines.

Festival Details

Participating towns and cities across the country hold processions where young girls in white dresses, known as “Santo Niño,” carry flowers and offer them at altars dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The Santacruzan, a traditional procession at the end of the month, is the festival’s grand finale.

How to Get There

By bus: Many provinces like Pampanga, Batangas, and Bulacan host large Flores de Mayo celebrations, all accessible by bus from Metro Manila’s major terminals.

By car: Depending on your destination, simply drive towards the provinces mentioned, following your desired route to the local church or designated area for the festival.

13. Sambali Festival (May 27-30)

Location: Zambales

Celebrating the rich culture of the Sambal people, this festival features street dancing, indigenous rituals, and performances that honor the local heritage.

Festival Details

Sambali Festival includes dance performances, the coronation of the festival queen, and exhibitions of Zambales’ indigenous crafts.

The Sambali ritual, a dance representing the people's unity and strength, is a central highlight.

How to Get There

By bus: From the Victory Liner or Philtranco terminal in Pasay or Cubao, take a bus to Iba, Zambales (approx. 3-4 hours).

By car: Drive north via NLEX and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) to reach Zambales in about 3 hours.

14. Taong Puti Festival (December 31)

Location: Betis, Guagua, Pampanga
A unique New Year’s celebration where locals wear white robes and masks to symbolize purification and renewal for the coming year.

Festival Details

The highlight of the Taong Puti Festival is a procession of devotees in white, representing the purification of the soul.

Participants walk barefoot through the town, performing religious chants and rituals.

How to Get There

By bus: From Pasay or Cubao terminals, take a bus heading to San Fernando, Pampanga. Once in San Fernando, ride a jeepney to Guagua (about 45 minutes).

By car: Drive north via NLEX and exit at San Fernando. From there, take the road to Guagua.

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15. Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival (June 29 - July 2)

Location: Tacloban City, Leyte

This cultural and religious festival showcases Tacloban’s rich history, combining vibrant street dancing, painted body performances, and the region's folk traditions.

Festival Details

The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival is a celebration of Tacloban’s history, with colorful body paintings symbolizing the region’s Pintados warriors.

It includes street dancing, parades, and exhibitions of local arts and crafts.

How to Get There

By plane: Fly from Manila to Tacloban City (1 hour).

By bus: Take a bus from Cubao to Tacloban (18 hours, with transfers).

By car: Travel by car through the Maharlika Highway (approx. 18-20 hours).

16. Panay Bukidnon Festival (March)

Location: Antique

A celebration of the Panay Bukidnon indigenous people's culture, with music, traditional dances, and a showcase of their famous woven fabrics.

Festival Details:

The festival highlights the Panay Bukidnon’s traditions, including performances of their ritual dances, live music, and the exhibition of T’nalak fabric.

The community also celebrates their agricultural practices.

How to Get There

By plane: Fly to Iloilo International Airport (1 hour), then take a bus or van to Antique (3 hours).

By bus: From Cubao, take a bus to Iloilo (16 hours), then continue to Antique by van.

17. Lubi-Lubi Festival (August 22)

Location: Caluya, Antique

Celebrating the importance of the coconut tree, this festival is marked by street dancing and the display of coconut-based products.

Festival Details:

The Lubi-Lubi Festival is an agricultural celebration where locals perform street dances while showcasing coconut-based crafts and foods.

It honors the significance of coconuts to the local economy and lifestyle.

How to Get There

By plane: Fly to Caticlan (via Manila to Boracay), then take a boat to Caluya (approximately 2 hours).

By bus: Take a bus to Kalibo (14 hours), then take a van or bus to Antique (2 hours).

18. Ibalong Festival (August 1-7)

Location: Legazpi City, Albay

A cultural festival that retells the ancient Ibalong epic, showcasing the rich heritage of Bicol’s people through grand parades and performances.

Festival Details

The Ibalong Festival is a cultural extravaganza where the epic of Ibalong is dramatized through performances, dances, and parades.

It’s a mix of history, folklore, and modern arts celebrating the region’s heroism and spirit.

How to Get There

By plane: Fly to Legazpi City (1 hour).

By bus: Take a Bicol-bound bus from Cubao or Pasay (8-10 hours).

19. Salakot Festival (July 16-19)

Location: San Fernando, Pampanga

This festival celebrates the salakot, a traditional Filipino hat, symbolizing ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Festival Details

The festival features street dancing, historical reenactments, and exhibitions of local crafts. It also honors the traditional salakot hat, once worn by Filipino farmers and workers.

How to Get There

By bus: Take a bus from Pasay or Cubao to San Fernando, Pampanga (1.5-2 hours).

By car: Drive via NLEX (about 1.5 hours).

20. T’nalak Festival (July 16-18)

Location: Koronadal City, South Cotabato

A celebration of the rich culture of the T’boli people, the festival is centered around their famed T’nalak woven fabric.

Festival Details

This festival is an opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of the T’boli people, with exhibits showcasing the intricate T’nalak weaving and traditional dances.

How to Get There

By plane: Fly from Manila to General Santos City (1.5 hours), then take a 45-minute drive to Koronadal.

By bus: Take a long-distance bus to General Santos (approx. 24 hours), then take a van to Koronadal.

Conclusion

The Philippines' festivals are more than just events; they are a celebration of culture, religion, and community spirit. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, attending these festivals will give you a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. Mark your calendars and prepare to immerse yourself in the festive spirit of the nation!

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