KIAN LEI V.

ASUQUE
GRADE 7- ABIS

1. Ati-Atihan – Kalibo
Philippines – Ati-Atihan Sinulog
Dubbed as the Mother of All Festival in the Philippines, Kalibo's Ati-Atihan is the oldest festival in the country.
It's a two-week merriment that culminates on the 3rd Sunday of January.

As early as December, you will hear drumbeats as participants practice for the upcoming event. During the
celebration, people dressed in costumes made of indigenous materials gather in the street and dance to the beat
of the drums. Their skin is blackened to represent the early settlers known as "ati". Chants of "'Viva! Santo
Niño!" and "Hala Bira! Pwera Pasma!” can be heard along with the rhythmic cadence of tribal music. The first
phrase is a tribute to the baby Jesus and the second is a plea not to get sick under the sweltering heat of the sun.

In the last decades, different cities have come up with their own version but Ati-Atihan is unique for one major
reason: it is very interactive. Locals are not just mere spectators, they paint their skin black with soot and join
the groups in street dancing. Do not be put off if you get wet with some beer spray, after all it's the local
equivalent of Mardi Gras.
2. Masskara – Bacolod
Philippines – Massakara
Another renowned Visayas festival is Bacolod's Masskara, a 20-day street party replete with food, drinks,
dances, and a bevy of wild contests like chasing after a pig and downing coconut milk. Held on the weekend
closest to October 19, it was conceptualized to show the local's resiliency despite a hard life. Hence, participants
wear papier-mâché or clay masks depicting a huge smile.
3. Panagbenga, Baguio Flower Festival
Philippines – Panagbenga
The mainland Luzon is not one to take the backseat in terms of festivals too. Every year during the month of
February, thousands of tourists both domestic and foreign go up to the Summer Capital of the Philippines to
witness the city bloom, literally. Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival commemorates the rise of the city after
the tragic disaster when the earthquake hit it in 1990. During the feast, Burnham Park and Session Road is
awash with flamboyant floats decorated entirely with flowers, it's a breathtaking spectacle really.
4. Higantes Festival – Angono, Rizal
Philippines – Panagbenga
Every 23rd of November, head over to Angono, Rizal to be part of its larger than life celebration - the Higantes
Festival. In celebration of the Feast of San Clemente, people open their homes and dining table to visitors. It's
also quite a sight to see papier-mâché giants sashaying down the street, some measuring as tall as 12 ft.
5. Pahiyas Festival – Lucban, Quezon
Philippines – Pahiyas Festival
The town of Lucban, Quezon also buzzes with excitement each year on May 15 as they hold the Pahiyas
Festival to thank the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador, for a plentiful harvest. Each house is
creatively adorned with fruits, vegetables, and the brilliantly coloured rice paper called "kiping". Brace yourself
for an all out food extravaganza and a thrilling parade of locals in colourful costumes, papier-mâché giants,
carabaos, and lavishly designed floats.
Ati-Atihan Sinulog – Cebu City
Philippines – Sinulog
On the same day, Cebu City also pays tribute to the to Santo Niño through their Ati-Atihan Sinulog. What sets it
apart is the way they dance to the beat of the drums – two step forward and one step backward – a movement
that's meant to simulate the water current (sulog) of Pahina River. Besides the religious parade and street
parties, you can also enjoy trade fairs, musical events, and art exhibitions.

3. Dinagyang – Iloilo City

Philippines – Dinagyang Festival
Exactly a week later on the 4th Sunday of January, Iloilo City also holds the same cultural and religious
festivity in honour of the Child Jesus. Dinagyang consists of a fluvial procession, colourful parades, and a
competition for the most intricate costume and impressive choreography. There will be several stages around
the city and you need to buy tickets to better see the dramatic showcase.

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5. Kadayawan Festival – Davao City

Kadayawan Festival
Mindanao also has their own share of lavish fiestas led by Davao City's Kadayawan Festival held annually
every 3rd week of August. This time it's primarily to give thanks for a plentiful harvest so the streets are
decorated with freshly picked fruits and vegetables. During the celebration, colourful floats laden with fresh
produce and flowers are paraded down the street. Besides the usual street dances, the city hosts horse fights,
beauty pageants, and boat races.

6. Moriones Festival – Marinduque

Philippines – Moriones Festival
During Holy Week each year, a biblical re-enactment is seen on the roads of Marinduque when villagers don
their interpretation of a Roman soldiers' helmet, dress, and armour. Performed as a form of penitence, Moriones
Festival is meant to portray the search for Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus' side with a lance
during the Crucifixion. Christian or not, this religious pageantry is interesting to say the least.

7. Pintados Festival – Tacloban

Philippines – Pintados Festival
If you're into tattoos and body arts then you might flip over the yearly celebration of Pintados festival in
Tacloban when locals dance around the streets with inked bodies to symbolize the brave warriors of the past.
Portraying the natives’ practice of idolatry along with their penchant for music and dance, this June 29th festival
provides a glimpse of how the native people lived prior to the Spaniard's arrival.
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11. Obando Fertility Rites – Obando, Bulacan

Obando Fertility Rites
We'll wrap this list with a special kind of festival – the Obando Fertility Rites – held for 3 days from May 17 to
19. On these days in Obando, Bulacan, devotees do the fertility street dance to beseech the three saints, San
Pascua, Nuestra Señora de Salambáo, and Santa Clara for good fortune, a spouse, or most especially, a child.

This list barely even scratch the surface but is a good start for a more in-depth experience of Philippine Culture
and Tradition.