Itching to travel and explore the Philippines while immersing yourself in the rich Filipino culture? Make 2024 your best year yet by experiencing famous festivals in the Philippines! From breathtaking costumes to delicious food, festivals in the Philippines never fall short of becoming life-changing experiences that you’ll end up looking forward to every year! If you’re not well-versed in the famous festivals, worry not because you’ve come to the right place. Read on to discover five famous festivals in the Philippines that you need to experience at least once in your life! To make your experience even more seamless, we’ve listed down hotels that you can book too on Shopee Hotels.
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Celebrated on the third Sunday of January every year, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu is a religious and cultural festival in which people from all over the country go to Cebu to celebrate. Also known as the Santo Niño Festival, it celebrates the Santo Niño de Cebú – similar to the Ati Atihan Festival in Kalibo. Get ready to be in awe of the Grand Street Parade which is a prominent part of the celebration. You’ll get to witness stunning costumes and the Sinulog dance. From the Cebuano word “sulog” meaning “like water current movement”, the Sinulog dance is characterized by steps that mimic the movements of the river. Aside from this, you can also experience fun street parties, mouthwatering food, and spectacular fireworks displays to cap off the celebration.
Credit: Mandarin Plaza Hotel
Credit: Mabolo Royal Hotel
Credit: Alicia Residences
Headed up north? Make your trip to Baguio even more memorable and exciting by witnessing the stunning Panagbenga! Panagbanga is a flower festival in Baguio that’s celebrated every February. Be in awe of Baguio and the Cordilleras’ rich culture and history through this festival, a Kankananey term that translates to “season of blooming”. The focal event of this month-long festival is the Panagbenga Grand Opening Day Parade!
1. Villa Silvina Hotel and Restaurant
Credit: Villa Silvina Hotel and Restaurant
Credit: Baguio Holiday Villas
Credit: Paladin Hotel
If you’ve ever heard of the story of Longinus, you can see it in action during the Moriones Festival which is held in Marinduque during the Holy Week. Men and women dress up in costumes and helmets as biblical Imperial Roman soldiers. The story of Longinus is an inspiring one with his conversion to Christianity after experiencing the miraculous return of his vision in his blind eye after blood enters it from spearing Jesus’ side. Experience the reenactment during this famous festival in the Philippines this 2024!
Credit: Balar Hotel and Spa
Credit: Hotel Zenturia
3. Luxor Resort and Restaurant
Credit: Luxor Resort and Restaurant
A festival that celebrates the 16th-century Treaty of Friendship between a chieftain in Bohol named Datu Sikatuna and a Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi – Sandugo is a celebration that is deeply rooted in history. Sandugo, meaning “one blood”, is held every July with street dancing, shows, food fairs, concerts, and other activities to commemorate the celebration. So make your way over to Bohol this July and experience the history and excitement of the Sandugo Festival.
1. Ocean Suites Bohol Boutique Hotel
Credit: Ocean Suites Bohol Boutique Hotel
2. Bohol Ecotel
Credit: Bohol Ecotel
3. Belian Hotel
Credit: Belian Hotel
Dreaming of experiencing a festival like the Rio Carnival in Brazil? Look no further and head to Bacolod in October to celebrate the MassKara Festival. The festival is celebrated with a parade of people wearing smiling face masks which is why Bacolod City is known as The City of Smiles. You can watch their thrilling dance competitions and enjoyable street parties called Masskaraland.
1. Seda Capitol Central Business and Staycation Hotel
Credit: Seda Capitol Central Business and Staycation Hotel
Credit: Avenue Suites
Credit: L’Fisher Hotel
Join in on the excitement and make your plans so you can head on over to these famous festivals in the Philippines! Book your hotel through Shopee Hotels and enjoy exciting deals and discounts. Wherever you’re headed, whether locally or internationally, you can find a wide array of hotels to choose from on Shopee Hotels.
Kickstart your revenge travel and check out these local destinations so you can experience the beauty of the Philippines! Or visit these international destinations that Filipino tourists love. Make sure to shop from the best luggage brands in the market so that you have a travel companion that you can depend on.
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