Festivals

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Festivals of Iloilo City and of Western Visayas

JANUARY

• Binanog – Municipality of Lambunao

BINANOG FESTIVAL
January 10- January 16 | Lambunao, Iloilo
Binanog is a yearly festivities celebrated by the Lambunaonos every January in honor of infant Jesus. Binanog means a pool of dance by the people in hinterland of Lambunao. Binanugan is a dance depicting the movement of the birds, the Inagong sayaw-sayaw, a celebration dances and the Dinagmay, the courtship dance. The dance movement is accompanied by lively drum beatings.

• Fireworks Display - District of Arevalo, Iloilo City

FIRE WORKS DISPLAY & CONTEST
3rd Sunday of January | Arevalo, Iloilo City
Highlights of this District Fiesta of Arevalo are the multicolor fireworks. The skyline becomes a celebration with the dazzling display of sparkles and blazing lights.

• Bayluhay and Pasungay – Municipality of San Joaquin

BAYLUHAY AND PASUNGAY FESTIVALS
2nd-3rd Saturday of January | San Joaquin, Iloilo
The BAYLUHAY Festival reflects the town’s unique mixture of races and cultures. Historical and religious themes, mostly anchored from the Barter of Panay, such as efforts with the preservation of rituals are reflected mostly through their dances.

The PASUNGAY find its origin on a hillside in one of the inland barangays of the municipality when resting farmers witness for the first time the fight between the two raging bulls, set loose by their herdsmen. It caught the fancy of the barangay folks and soon it became a popular entertainment in most barangay fiestas. During the municipal fiesta, the best bulls from different barangays are pitted against each other by weight category in a “Bull Derby”.

• Lanot - Municipality of Janiuay

LANOT
3rd week of January  | Janiuay, Iloilo
LANOT is a dynamic mass presentation expressing the beliefs, views, visions and aspirations of the Janiuaynons based upon tradition, historical experiences, and culture of the people of Janiuay. It is a street-dancing affair buoyed by the kaleidoscopic prism of cultured grace and fineness that reflects the embodiment of all that are beautiful in man’s body and soul. LANOT Festival  aims to bring public awareness on its multi-level relevance to all aspects of human endeavor to generate a continuous livelihood development in conjunction with the implementation and sustenance of Abaca resource management program for an economically stable Janiuaynons

• Sinadya Sang Mga Banwa- Iloilo Prov. Capitol
• Dinagyang – Iloilo City

DINAGYANG FESTIVAL
3rd weekend of January | Iloilo City
A spectacular street merrymaking in honor of the Holy Child Jesus.

• Saug – Municipality of Lemery

SAUG FESTIVAL
2nd-3rd week of January| Lemery, Iloilo
SAUG is an annual festival celebrating Lemery’s devotion to the Child Jesus, Sr. Sto. Niño. It’s main event and activities consist of street dancing, search for Miss Saug, food festival among others.

• Hinirugyaw-Suguidanonay – Municipality of Calinog

HINIRUGYAW-SUGUIDANONAY FESTIVAL
last week of January | Calinog, Iloilo
An annual festivity of Calinog’s devotion to Sr. Sto. Niño. It is a nine day event and its activities consist of an opening salvo, food fest, live Sto. Niño contest among young boys not older than seven years old, Search for Lin-ay Kang Hinirugyaw and the contest proper for all participating tribes in three judging areas.

FEBRUARY

• Candelaria – District of Jaro, Iloilo City

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF CANDLES
February 2 | Jaro, Iloilo City
The biggest and most opulent religious pageantry in Western Visayas with the blessing of candles and a procession of the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria and the Fiesta Queen and her court.

• Salakayan – Municipality of Miag-ao

SALAKAYAN FESTIVAL
1st week of February | Miag-ao, Iloilo
The festival is a week-long cultural presentation of Miag-ao shown through various activities like food fair, agro-industrial, and trade fair, photo exhibit literary and musical program, beauty pageant, street and ballroom dancing, sports events and many others.

• Chinese New Year - Iloilo City/Nationwide

CHINESE NEW YEAR
1st-2nd week of February | Iloilo City
The Chinese community celebrates the Chinese New Year with pomp & color through a dragon dance.

• Paraw Regatta – Iloilo City and Neighboring Coastal Areas

ILOILO PARAW REGATTA
February 19- February 20 | Iloilo City
An exciting race among outriggers in the strait between Guimaras and Iloilo City.

MARCH

• Pintados De Passi – Municipality of Passi City

PINTADOS DE PASI FESTIVAL
March 16-22 | Passi City, Iloilo
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.

• Bantayan Festival – Municipality of Guimbal

BANTAYAN FESTIVAL
March 9-15 | Guimbal, Iloilo
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.

APRIL

• Cuaresma/Observance of Holy Week – All Municipalities and Cities

CUARESMA/HOLY WEEK RITUALS & PROCESSIONS
April 6 12 | Nationwide
A nationwide observance of Lenten Season

• Pagtaltal- Municipality of Barotac Viejo

PAGTALTAL IN BAROTAC VIEJO
April 10 | Barotac Viejo, Iloilo
A yearly depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ

• Paghukom- Municipality of Calinog

PAGHUKOM
April 10 | Calinog, Iloilo
Lenten presentation depicting the judgment, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

• Kapiya and Pasyon Singing Contest- Municipality of Sta. Barbara

KAPIYA DISPLAY AND PASYON SINGING CONTEST
April 10 | Sta. Barbara, Iloilo
A Kapiya or tableau of the 14 Stations of the Cross is set-up in strategic places all over the town where the procession would pass through. This tableau would either be composed of human characters or art works. On Good Friday, people would go around the town to witness the judging of the most unique and beautiful Kapiya along with the most authentic Pasyon (Passions of Christ) Singing.

• Salubong /Easter Dawn Procession - All Municipalities and Cities

SALUBONG/EASTER DAWN RITUALS & PROCESSIONS
Variable date usually April | Nationwide
“At the dawn of Easter day celebration, a semblance of angels will appear in most Catholic churches all over the Philippines. These “angels” are the little girls who remove the lambong or veil of mourning of the image of the Blessed Mother shortly after processions at Easter dawn, signifying the resurrection of Jesus.”

“This ritual is popularly known as salubong because this is done in a procession where the men and women are separated and coming from different directions. But they eventually meet in front of the church,”

• SAAD – Municipality of Leganes
• Semana Sang Iloilo – Iloilo Capitol Grounds, Iloilo City
• Lanot – Municipality of Janiuay
• Tampisaw – Municipality of Concepcion

TAMPISAW FESTIVAL (EARTH DAY CELEBRATION)
April 16- April 18 | Concepcion, Iloilo
A 3-day annual festivity to commemorate the Earth Day Celebration which features fluvial parade, tree-planting and other environment educational activities

• Panagat ‘Fish’Tival – Municipality of Estancia

PANAGAT “FISH” TIVAL
April 25 | Estancia, Iloilo
This is a tribute to fishermen of Estancia. It is a celebration that calls for ultimate cooperation and soul of “Bayanihan” among their neighboring town.

MAY

• Flores de Mayo/Santacruzan - All Municipalities and Cities

FLORES DE MAYO / SANTACRUZAN
May | Nationwide
A parade of the town’s loveliest ladies depicting the search and discovery of Christ’s Cross by Queen Helena and Constantine

• Heritage Month – Iloilo City
• Santa Cruzan – Iloilo City and Iloilo Province
• Tubong-Tubong – Municipality of Tubongan
• Carabao-Carroza – Municipality of Pavia

CARABAO-CARROZA FESTIVAL
May 3 | Pavia, Iloilo
Established since 1973 and considered as one of Iloilo’s oldest festival, visitors are treated with an extensive showcase of 18 gaily-decorated carrozas with painted carabaos and their muses

• Katagman – Municipality of Oton
• Pahaw-as – Municipality of Dumangas
• Tangyan- Municipality of Igbaras

TANGYAN FESTIVAL
2nd week of May | Igbaras, Iloilo
A popular family festival, Tangyan is celebrated every 2nd week in May where the town unites in recognizing the role of the river in their lives’ past, present and in the future.

• May Flower Festival – Municipality of Balasan

JUNE

• Independence Day - All Historic Sites (nationwide)

INDEPENDENCE DAY
June 12 | All cities and Municipalities (nationwide)
Re-enactment of the historic events of the Philippine Independence is celebrated in every City and Municipality of Iloilo.

• Football (Soccer) Festival – Municipality of Barotac Nuevo
• Kasag – Municipality of Banate
• Sulay Basya – Municipality of Sara
• Pandayan – Municipality of Badiangan
• Baroto sa Lutac Race – Municipality of Barotac Viejo
• Biray-Paraw- Municipality of Leganes

JULY- (No Festival)

AUGUST

ABA: GUIMARAS – ILOILO CROSS CHANNEL SWIM
August - September | Iloilo City
A cross channel swim to create awareness to preserve the Iloilo river, promote tourism in Guimaras and Iloilo and encourage endurance swimming as a competitive sport.

SEPTEMBER

• Handuraw – Municipality of Leon

HANDURAW FESTIVAL
September 1 | Leon, Iloilo
Harvest and tribe competition.

• Tinu-om – Municipality of Cabatuan

HINIRUGYAW FESTIVAL
September 1- September 10 | Cabatuan, Iloilo
Hirinugyaw, a street dancing festivity participated by various agencies and non-governmental organizations in the Municipality of Cabatuan. This activity serves as the opening salvo of the 10-day celebration of the Feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 1-10 of every year.

• Tambobo – Municipality of Ajuy

TAMBOBO FESTIVAL
September 8- September 10 | Ajuy, Iloilo
Tribe competition.

• International Clean-up Day - Iloilo City and Coastal Municipalities

INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEAN-UP DAY
mid-September  | Regionwide
Coastal clean up activities in support the World Clean up Day

• Tumandok – Iloilo City
• Mountain Bike- Municipality of Alimodian
• Anihan – Municipality of Duenas

ANIHAN FESTIVAL
September 25- September 30 | Dueñas, Iloilo
The weeklong celebration is one way of thanksgiving for having a good harvest and surpassing the trials and crises during lean months.

OCTOBER

• Saludan – Municipality of Tigbuan
• Cry of Jilicuon – Municipality of New Lucena
• Tigkaralag – Municipality of Pavia
• Hinugyaw sa Anilao - Municipality of Anilao

HINUGYAW SA ANILAO
October 31 | Anilao, Iloilo
This is a celebration of the separation of Anilao from Banate, which also features various sports and cultural activities.

NOVEMBER

• Banaag – Municipality of Anilao

BANAAG FESTIVAL
November 1 | Anilao, Iloilo
A dance-drama competition using light and all its forms as a medium . This “dance of lights” is the first of its kind in the region.

• Kawayan market Week -Iloilo Province
• Hablon Moda  – Iloilo Province
• Kahilwayan – Municipality of Santa Barbara

KAHILWAYAN FESTIVAL/CRY OF STA. BARBARA
November 17 | Sta. Barbara, Iloilo
Anchored upon the Cry of Santa Barbara Celebration, Kahilwayan Festival is a cultural festival in a dance-drama form which is a reenactment of sort of the struggle for freedom by our very own local folks led by the heroic Gen. Martin G. Delgado. Aptly dubbed as Kahilwayan Festival, Kahilwayan being an Ilonggo/Hiligaynon word which means Freedom or Liberty, it highlights the quest of the Ilonggos to attain freedom through their fierce independent spirit.

DECEMBER

• Festival of Lights – Municipality of Janiuay

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
1st week of December | Janiuay, Iloilo
A month- long celebration which usually start is earlyDecember. It is a dazzling desplay of  multi-colored lights festoon like a million garlands the expanse of the town square lending the scene with an enchanted, fairy-land air.

• Kalamay – Municipality of San Enrique

KALAMAY FESTIVAL
December 2 | San Enrique, Iloilo
This festival revolves around the culture, tradition, lifestyle and livelihood of the which is the sugar industry and its eco-tourism potentials. The festival features a dance-drama depicting the flourishing sugar (kalamay) industry in San Enrique.

• Parayan Festival - Municipality of Pototan

PARAYAN FESTIVAL
December 12 | Pototan, Iloilo
Agro-industrial fair

• Pantat Festival- Municipality of Zarraga

PANTAT FESTIVAL
December 15-19 | Zarraga, Iloilo
The main purpose of this festival is to promote the town of Zarraga as one of the major producers and trading center of “pantat” in Panay Island. Among the festival activities are the ff: Grand Parade & Street Dancing, Pantat Cooking Contest, Search for Lin-ay sang Zarraga and many more.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTING
December 16 | Santa Barbara, Iloilo
Christmas for every Barbaranhon is a time for homecoming and family reunions. As a gesture of welcome, the Municipal Government launched a Christmas Lighting program

• Iwag Christmas Lights – Municipality of Pototan

IWAG CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FESTIVAL
December 16-31 | Pototan, Iloilo
The municipal plaza of Pototan is transformed into a fairyland of lights to usher in Christmas

• Palupok Bayong Festival - Municipality of Sta. Barbara

PALUPOK BAYONG FESTIVAL
December 18 | Bgy. Cabugao Norte, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo
A revival of an old tradition in celebrating the New Year by making loud sounds through bamboo cannons (bayong).

• Pasidungod kay Sr. San Miguel – Municipality of San Miguel
• Tultugan – Municipality of Maasin

TULTUGAN FESTIVAL
3rd week of December  | Maasin, Iloilo
Tultugan is the Hiligaynon and Kiniray-a word for the indigenous bamboo drum. It is the emerging festival of the province and the region.

• Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo - Nationwide

SIMBANG GABI AND MISA DE GALLO
December 16-24 | Nationwide
Misa de Gallo is a Filipino yuletide tradition that starts on the 16th of December and culminates in a midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Roman Catholics attend the daily mass at three or four in the morning. Upon exiting the church, the hungry is enticed by the sight and smell of puto bumbong and bibingka (native delicacies made of sticky and glutinous rice sold nearby).

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Festivals of places around Western Visayas

STO. NIÑO FESTIVAL
January | Nationwide
A grand procession of over two hundred well-dressed images of the Child Jesus.

ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL
January 3- January 16 | Kalibo, Aklan
Scene of a yearly celebration in honor of Sto. Nino held every third week of January, popularly known worldwide as Ati-Atihan. So called because Aklanons, domestic and foreign tourists, wipe soot on their faces and done ethnic paraphernalia and masquerade around town as Negritos and make merry and dance in the streets to the beat of ambulant ethnic troubadours.

KINARADTO FESTIVAL
January 16 | Buenavista, Guimaras
This cultural festival makes maximum use of the rich cultural tradition of the oldest municipality of the province. The presentation of songs, dances and musical tableau depicts the various influences Buenavista has been subjected to. Celebrated in honor of the town’s patron saint, Sr. Sto. Niño, Kinaradto promises the participant loads of unforgettable positive experiences.

BATAN ATI-ATI MALAKARA FESTIVAL
January 16 | Poblacion Batan, Aklan
The participants celebrating this festival wear masks made up of paper mache and prepared costumes. The festival is celebrated in honor of the Sto. Niño with merry making for a bountiful harvest, peace and prosperity, street dancing along the streets and plaza of the poblacion. A holy mass is celebrated before the start of the contest on Sunday morning proceeded with a parade of participating tribes.

PANDOT SA BACOLOD
January 20 | Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
A true to life dramatization depicting the life of Bacoleños during the Spanish times and the life of being a Catholic.

ALTAVAS STO. NIÑO FESTIVAL
January 21- January 22 | Poblacion Altavas, Aklan
This day marked the end of the Fil-American war in Altavas. Since then, January 22 is being celebrated as an Annual Thanksgiving and Armistice Day in Altavas. Later, the date was adopted as its municipal town fiesta. This is the continuation of the joyous celebration of peace when Fil-American war ended in this municipality.

IBAJAY ATI-ATI MUNICIPAL AND DEVOTIONAL FIESTA
January 24- January 25 | Ibajay, Aklan
A religious feast in honor of its patron saint Sto. Niño, held by transferring the holy image of the patron from Ibajay Cathedral Rectory and enthronement at St. Peter Parish Church, by way of amusing the image from where it was originally discovered and brought to the church.

SANA-AW FESTIVAL
January 28 | Jordan, Guimaras
Primarily a celebration of the economic endeavor that made Jordan what it is today. Sana-aw also pays tribute to the skillful artisans and the enduring workers in an endearing characterization through dance drama.

NATIONAL ARTS MONTH
February 1- February 28 | Nationwide
A tribute to the talent and creativity of the Filipino artists,
highlights world-renowned Filipino masters, as well as the new generations influencing the local arts scene.

SAMBAYAN FESTIVAL
February 28- March 31 | Tobias Fornier, Antique
A celebration of rites called samba/paned. This describe two kinds of rituals, one held on the hills (or mountains) and other held along the seacoast perform to ask for rain, to thank the ancestral spirit for good harvest.

COUNCIL OF BALABAGO REENACTMENT
March 4- March 5 | Culasi, Antique
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.

19 MARTYRS OF AKLAN
March 23 | Kalibo, Aklan
Celebration dedicated to the 19 martyrs of Aklan who consecrated their lives in the cause of freedom against the colonizers.

CUARESMA
March 29- April 12 | San Jose, Antique
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.

SENAKULO / HOLY WEEK RITUALS & PROCESSIONS
April 6-12 | Nationwide
A nationwide celebration of Lenten Season

PAGTALTAL SA GUIMARAS
April 10 | Jordan, Guimaras
Lenten Presentation on the hillside of Jordan with locals as actors. This ala-Oberrammergau Passion Play has been attracting locals and tourists whose visit usually culminates in the trek to “Balaan Bukid”.

MANGGAHAN SA GUIMARAS
April 16-20 |Province of Guimaras
A commemorative celebration of the anniversary of Guimaras as a province and to showcase the premier product of the province (mango) and the various local attractions.

PADAGYAW FESTIVAL_
August 1-5 | Dumarao, Capiz
A cultural and fiesta celebration in honor of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves.

KALUBIHAN FESTIVAL
August 21- August 28 | Jordan, Guimaras
A festivity in support of the National Coconut Week Celebration which recognizes the efforts of the coconut farmers and other stakeholders of the province.

MASSKARA FESTIVAL & BACOLOD CHARTER DAY CELEBRATION_
October 19 | Bacolod City
Their biggest annual event that reflect the Bacoleños love for fun & gaiety. Coinciding with the city’s Charter Day celebration, the festival features carnivals, fairs and a mardi-gras style by costumed and masked street dancers. This is also a celebration of the founding anniversary of Bacolod City. There are programs, float parade and Masskara Festival.

ASWANG FESTIVAL
October 29- October 30 | Roxas City
A festival organized by Dugo Capiznon, Inc. determined to change the negative notion of Capiz being an Aswang haven and turn it into an advantage. The festival intends to eclipse the aswang impression with the world-class quality of Capiz’ seafood products and warm captivating hospitality of the Capicenos.

URUKAY FESTIVAL
November 18- November 19 | Anini-y, Antique
It is inspired by a local custom whereby a wedding feast is observed no matter how poor or humble the bride and groom are in this celebration, there is much fun and good natured teasing.

INILUSAN
November 20- November 25 | Mambusao, Capiz
A cultural and fiesta celebration

NEGROS ANNUAL CULTURAL TOUR
December 1- December 31 | Silay/Bacolod City
A tour of Bacolod, Silay, Bago & neighboring areas showcasing Negros history & culture, arts and attractions.

SINADYA SA HALARAN
December 8 | Roxas City
Sinadya sa Halaran literally means “Joy in Sharing & Thanksgiving”, fused two major festivals of Capiz-Sinadya and Halaran which were previously celebrated separately

SINADYA SA HALARA FESTIVAL (THANKSGIVING)
December 3- December 8 | Roxas City, Capiz
It means “joy in sharing and thanksgiving” in the local dialect. Previously celebrated as two separate events, the Sinadya and the Halaran now take center stage on the first weekend of December. There’s a lot to share and be thankful for, say the Roxas cityfolk, and its all in this special occasion- there’s a “Diana” fireworks display, a sumptious foodfest and a grand dance festival.

LANTERN FESTIVAL
December 15- December 31 | Bacolod City
Annual Lantern Festival and participated in by 61 barangays in Bacolod City.

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sources: Province of Iloilo,  Philippine Tourism