Research study about

“The History and the Importance of the

festivals in the Philippines”

Name: John Elk B. Villarin

Subject/Section: P.E-Section-Tesla
“Sinulog festival”

This research is about Sinulog festival and its culture and history about the
research. Sinulog has been around for 32 years the Sinulog Festival is a traditional
celebration in Cebu City held every third Sunday of January to honor the Santo Niño
(Child Jesus). Basically, the festival is done by a dance ritual, in which it tells the story of
the Filipino people’s pagan past and their acceptance of Christianity. The word “Sinulog”
means “graceful dance”, wherein it all started in 1980 with a simple dance that
represents the “sulog” (or current) of a river in Cebu.

With the celebration’s evolution, the Sinulog Festival has become a month-long
tradition in Cebu. The most-awaited feature, nevertheless, is the Sinulog Grand Parade
which was held on the 15th day of January. “One Beat, One Dance, One Vision. Cebu –
City of Culture” was the theme adopted for the 2012 Sinulog Festival.

As the festival becomes more and more famous each year, tourists would never
want to miss the opportunity to watch it and became more and more commercialized.
The festival now, not only consists of costumes and dances, but also contests, such as
art exhibits, beauty pageants, photo contests, and singing and dancing contests.
Participants may also join the festival’s activities, such as concerts, cultural shows,
fireworks display, fun runs, and street fairs. For the past 18 years, it has made the
Filipinos residing in New Zealand celebrate their own version each year, a proof on how
big of an influence the festival is. It has also been recognized as the “City of Culture” by
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Millions of people participated in Cebu City last Sunday to celebrate the Sinulog
Festival, one of the most famous festivals in the Philippines. It was attended, not only by
Filipinos, but people coming from different parts of the globe also went to witness the
celebration. The magnificence of the festival made Filipinos, as well as our fellow
Asians, refer to it as the “Mother of all Festivals”. From the colorful and well-made
costumes of the dancers to the beautiful dances and to the music brought by the drums,
trumpets, and the native gongs, the Sinulog Festival never ceases to amaze its
audience.

The 2012 Sinulog festival embraced the perks of technology, as it was

broadcasted live in a major television and, for all the people in the world to see, it was
also streamed online.With the overwhelming amount of people who wish to witness the
traditional celebration and the beauty of the culture it depicts, this grand festival remains
as Cebu’s proudest attraction, along with the beautiful beaches and historical places.
 Where did the Sinulog festival come from and what year? When Ferdinand
Magellan landed in the Philippines, the first baptism took place in Cebu and we still have the
Magellan’s Cross as a marker for that event, (and it) has been there for centuries,” Tan
said.The first baptism in the Philippines happened on April 14, 1521, with Cebu chieftain
Rajah Humabon and his wife Hara Humamay being one of the first to be christened
alongside 800 natives.

One of the things that Magellan did after the baptism was to give the queen of
Cebu the gift of the Senior Santo Niño together with the image of the Blessed Virgin
Mary and another image of Jesus,” Tan added.

Through the years, the natives worshiped the image of the Child Jesus and
formed practices, including but not limited to dancing rituals and religious ceremonies,
that were later discovered by explorers and colonizers.When Ferdinand Magellan
landed in the Philippines, the first baptism took place in Cebu and we still have the
Magellan’s Cross as a marker for that event, (and it) has been there for centuries.The
first baptism in the Philippines happened on April 14, 1521, with Cebu chieftain Rajah
Humabon and his wife Hara Humamay being one of the first to be christened alongside
800 natives.

One of the things that Magellan did after the baptism was to give the queen of
Cebu the gift of the Senior Santo Niño together with the image of the Blessed Virgin
Mary and another image of Jesus.

Through the years, the natives worshiped the image of the Child Jesus and
formed practices, including but not limited to dancing rituals and religious ceremonies,
that were later discovered by explorers and colonizers.Some costumes at the Sinulog
festival launching parade on Friday, January 6, give a nod to the acceptance by Cebu’s
indigenous people of the Catholic faith introduced by Spanish colonizers. Jacqueline
Hernandez/Rappler.

In 1565, the formal evangelization of the Philippines through the Augustinian

missionaries began which explains why we’re now celebrating the Fiesta Señor in its
458th year.

(The first sinulog festival.)

By mycebu.ph.com
(MASSKARA FESTIVAL)

The festival is about masks or called as maskara in Filipino language or term,

masskara festival came from Bacolod City is one the biggest festivals in the Philippines.
Believe it or not, the festival has been giving local and international visitors the chance
to have fun, drink, and party on the streets of Bacolod for over 30 years now.

The festival only happens annually it has similarities with Brazil “Rio Carnival”
and the masskara translates to manface’s it is celebrated every 4 th Sunday on October
in the Philippines, A month-long celebration, it is known as one of the biggest festivals in
the country and for its Carnival-esque Street parades complete with performers in
colorful, ornamented masks and tribal wear. Masks are all wearing happy expression in
keeping with the fame of Bacolod as the city of smiles. It also remembers the
inauguration of Bacolod as a city.

And what does masskara mean in other languages? Masskara is two different words
combined, mass meaning face It also echoes the words maskara (Filipino) and
mascara (Spanish), both of which refer to mask, the central prop of the festival.
According to the website called (Festivalsacpe.com) The name of the festival is credited
to Ely Santiago, then president of the Arts Association of Bacolod.

The festival began in 1980. It was created in the context of a series of difficulties
and hardship in the island of Negros, and in particular the city of Bacolod, during the
administration of Ferdinand Marcos. The MassKara Festival was established to promote
culture and thus such a success that it has grown into one of the biggest festivals in the
country, attracting more than 1 million visitors each year.

And on April of 1980, the city was engulfed in deep sorrow upon the news that
the ship MV Don Juan sank to the depths of the sea in Tablas Strait minutes after it
collided with an oil tanker. Many of its passengers who were reported missing were
residents of Negros.

MassKara Festival was conceived to address the suffering of the people and as
an expression of hope, optimism, and resilience amidst challenging times. Over the
years, it has become the centerpiece of tourism industry of the city.

Conducted in the tone and spectacle of Mardi Gras, its schedule coincides with
the inauguration of the city of Bacolod which took place on October 19, 1938.
Meanwhile its Charter Day is every June 18 as stated in Republic Act No. 11146, a day
that commemorates the signing of Commonwealth Act 326 by Manuel L. Quezon on
June 18, 1938.

Novenario Masses what is Novernario Masses? It is held in San Sebastian

Cathedral. It is where novena prayers are said in nine consecutive days as well as
liturgical celebrations. It culminates in feast of the Holy Rosary in the middle of October.
Also, there is called Electric Masskara, one of the highlights of the festival. Held in the
evening it is a parade of lighted floats and costumes of street dancers that brings about
a vividly colorful, electrifying cityscape of Bacolod. Neon and LED lights illuminate the
lively night scene along the whole stretch of Lacson Street.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Facademic-accelerator.com%2Fencyclopedia
%2Fmasskara-
festival&psig=AOvVaw1zDKY_cSMRSQ2iJycazmMs&ust=1706812828853000&source=images&cd=vfe&
opi=89978449&ved=0CAUQjB1qFwoTCPjlyOOjiIQDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE
(Ati-Atihan Festival)
ati-atihan is about the festival to be like an According to the history books, Aetas
was an earlier resident of Panay Island in Aklan Province. It all started with one of the
Chiefs and his family struggling to survive from Malay Island to Panay Island. They then
bought the lowlands from the natives of Aetas and exchanged them for some cloth, gold
salakot, and brass basins. In other versions, this festival is held to celebrate the new
relationship between both parties. People will wear dark makeup as a form of
appreciation to the host.

What date was it found? A 13th century (c.1200 A.D.) event explains the origins
of the festival. A group of 10 Malay chieftains called Datus, fleeing from the island of
Borneo settled in the Philippines, and were granted settlement by the Ati people, the
tribes of Panay Island. Datu Puti, Makatunaw’s chief minister made a trade with the
natives and bought the plains for a golden salakot, brass basins and bales of cloth. For
the wife of the Ati chieftain, they gave a very long necklace. Feasting and festivities
followed soon after.

Sometime later, the Ati people were struggling with famine as the result of a bad
harvest. They were forced to descend from their mountain village into the settlement
below, to seek the generosity of the people who now lived there. The Datus obliged and
gave them food. In return, the Ati danced and sang for them, grateful for the gifts they
had been given.

The Ati-Atihan was originally a pagan festival from this tribe practicing Animism,
and their worshiping their anito God. Spanish the people attend masses for the Santo
Niño, and benefit dances sponsored by government organizations. The formal opening
mass emphasizes the festival’s religious event. The procession begins with a rhythmic
drumbeat, and dances parading along the street. The second day begins at dawn with a
rosary procession, which ends with a community mass, and procession. The phrase
“Hala Bira! Pwera Pasma!” is originally associated with the Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Festival
as the revelers and devotees keep on going with the festivities all over the town from
morning to the wee hours of the next morning, rain, or shine, for one week or even
more. They believe that the miraculous Child Jesus will protect them from harm and
illness. The highlight of the festival occurs on the last day, the third Sunday of January,
when groups representing different tribes compete for tourists’ attention and prizes. The
festival ends with a procession of thousands of people carrying torches and different
kinds of images of the Santo Niño. The contest winners are announced at a
masquerade ball which officially ends the festival.

Also why do people pray to the Santo Niño? By the website got the information
(www.jstor.org) It has said that believed to date from 1212, this festival grafts the
veneration of the Santo Nino onto a kind of thanksgiving commemorating the "voluntary"
gift of land from the indigenous population to their "brothers" from present-day Borneo.
 https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A
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%3D3&docid=NwEBSTAeG0AcFM&w=960&h=657&q=the%20first%20ati%20atihan%20festival&hl=en&client=firefox-b-
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This was the first Ati-Atihan Festival in the philipines that was founded in 13 th century.
(Giant Lantern Festival)

The Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga, specifically in the city of San Fernando,
annually illuminates the Philippines with its mesmerizing display of giant lanterns. This
vibrant event, often referred to as the "Christmas Lantern Capital of the Philippines,"
has become a cherished tradition that ushers in the holiday season with a brilliant
spectacle.

At the heart of the festival are the giant lanterns, locally known as "parols." These
aren't your typical Christmas lanterns; they are massive, intricate creations that
showcase the remarkable craftsmanship and artistry of the locals. Constructed on steel
frames, these lanterns can reach up to 30 feet in diameter and feature intricate designs
that depict Filipino culture and traditions.

The Christmas Lantern Contest takes center stage during the festival, where
participants from various barangays (neighborhoods) compete to create the most
dazzling star-shaped lantern. These creations come alive with dancing lights that
captivate the audience, making each lantern an awe-inspiring masterpiece. Meticulous
designs tell unique stories, and the attention to detail is exceptional.

The festival doesn't just celebrate the creativity and skill of the lantern makers; it
also embodies the spirit of unity and camaraderie among the locals. It's a time when the
community comes together to showcase their talent and create an enchanting display of
lights representing the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people.

As night falls and the giant lanterns light up, the entire city of San Fernando
comes alive with the mesmerizing glow of these magnificent creations. The Giant
Lantern Festival in Pampanga is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic
ingenuity of the Philippines, and it's a must-visit event that will leave you in awe of the
dancing lights and the spirit of Christmas that fills the air.

The vibrant, handcrafted parol (star lantern) beams with holiday cheer. Quick
trivia: the term “parol” came from the Spanish word “farol,” which means “light” or
“lantern.” Filipinos see the light as the essence of Christmas. For them, the star that
guided the wise men to the birthplace of Jesus Christs resembles hope and salvation.
This fount of light and sign of hope in the predominantly Christian country never
wavered over the years.

In general, the parol serves as the hallmark of the Christmas spirit. Filipinos
celebrate Christmas by hanging traditional parols, usually in the form of a five-pointed,
star-shaped lantern.Additionally, this Filipino Christmas symbol is colorful, crafted with
love, and glows with the spirit of Christmas. But the Giant Christmas Lantern or Parul
Sampernandu in Kapampangan takes parols to a new level.

You just can’t separate the Giant Christmas Lantern from the town which created
it, the City of San Fernando. It made the city famous all over the country and eventually
the globe.
 The Kapampangan locals or natives call the Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga
“Ligligan Parul.”

Moreover, the century-old festival in the Philippines started in 1904. However, the old
locals believed, and as far as they can recall, the event began in 1908. But it was
introduced in 1904, so most books say the festival started that year.

Giant Lantern Festival is an annual Christmastime festival held in the city of San
Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines from every December 17 to January 1 of the next
year. It is also called Ligligan Parul, which is a Kapampangan phrase that means
lantern contest or lantern showdown.

Considered an intangible cultural heritage, the festival is both an exhibit as well

as a competition of huge decorative Christmas lanterns kitted out with thousands of
dancing lights. These lanterns are the official entries of the barangays (the smallest
political unit in the Philippines) for the lantern competition.

It is said that its roots began with people observing a religious practice called
lubenas, itself a tradition that came from novenas. Prayers were said for nine days
leading up to the birth of Jesus on Christmas day. Its schedule began in the 16th of
December and ended in the 24th. This period of time also coincided with another
Filipino tradition called simbang gabi where they hear mass at the crack of dawn every
day in preparation for Christmas.

The advent of electricity in 1931 paved the way for Giant Lantern Festival as it is
known today. It was conducted as a toast to Manuel L. Quezon who sponsored the cash
prizes. Previously, parul were lit with candles or carbide lamps. With electric power, it
was possible to light them without running out of wax or fuel and instead, lanterns relied
on battery or generators.

Bulbs could be manipulated to turn off or on that give rise to a visual spectacle of
dancing lights particularly when they were well-timed in sync with music. This is made
possible through a rotor made of steel barrel with creative placement of insulators (such
as a masking tape) that inhibit the conduction of electricity, and thus switching off a
bulb, at a specific timing.

The festival embraced the pace of technology too with computerized controls
being introduced in later years. Lanterns grew bigger in size and their designs became
more intricate. The traditional five-pointed star design gave way to other shapes.

In place of wood in their making were frames made out of metal, and instead of
Japanese papers (colloquially referred to as papel de hapon) were sheets of colored
plastic or capiz shells.
 https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https
%3A%2F%2Fwww.rappler.com%2Fnation%2Fluzon%2Fsan-fernando-pampanga-giant-lantern-festival-
december-
2022%2F&psig=AOvVaw04XnkYJk4Tj_WvWmgnsNPv&ust=1706815531805000&source=images&cd=vf
e&opi=89978449&ved=0CBUQjhxqFwoTCPjLr-ytiIQDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

Founded in 1904 The origin of Giant Lantern Festival is traced to Bacolor, once the
capital of the province of Pampanga.
(Moriones Festival)

What is morioness festival? Moriones, Moriones Festival is a week-long

celebration participated in by male penitents in costumes who parade around town. On
Good Friday, they reenact the story of Longinus, a centurion, blind in one eye, who
speared Jesus’ side. Christ’s blood fell on his blind eye, miraculously restoring it,
leading to his conversion.

Moriones Festival is a folk-religious festival held in the island of Marinduque,

Philippines during Holy Week usually in the month of March and/or April. A movable
festival, its schedule relies on the timing of the Jewish Passover. It is widely known for
penitents in elaborate mask and costumes.

Moriones Festival comes from the word morion, a Spanish helmet named after
Domingo Moriones. The word may also refer to the Moros who were sea pirates that
attacked the towns of Marinduque during Spanish times.

In the festival, many literature use the word to indicate both the mask-costume,
and the participant who wear mask and take part in the rituals. Moriones Festival comes
from the word morion, a Spanish helmet named after Domingo Moriones. The word may
also refer to the Moros who were sea pirates that attacked the towns of Marinduque
during Spanish times.

In the festival, many literature use the word to indicate both the mask-costume,
and the participant who wear mask and take part in the rituals.

The tradition of pugutan, which is the beheading of Longinus, began in 1870s by

Fr. Dionisio Santiago in Mogpog, a town located in the northwestern side of the island of
Marinduque.

Aside from Mogpog, the tradition is presently observed in the towns of Boac,
Buenavista, Gasan, Santa Cruz, and Torrijos.At the heart of the festival is panata,
translated as vow or commitment. Penitents join the ritual to give thanks for favors
received and to ask forgiveness for one’s sins.They perform acts of penance such as
wearing a bulky mask and heavy costume in hot outdoors for hours for several days.

In disguise, they can be subjected to taunts especially from children who they in
turn try to play pranks or intimidate.They may also choose to volunteer to take the roles
of Jesus and of the two thieves who carry crosses and are whipped during the
reenactment.

Since 1960s and 1970s, Moriones Festival became more popular. Its promotion
was championed by the government, particularly its involvement in 1972 as part of the
presentation at Nayong Pilipino. In the dramatization presented in three nights in an
amphitheater in the town of Boac.
 https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F
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%2Fwww.hellotravel.com%2Fevents%2Fmoriones-festival&docid=zCKq2NWFxd53oM&w=738&h=486&q=moriones%20festival
%20first%20festival&hl=en&client=firefox-b-d&ved=2ahUKEwjZrtuTsIiEAxVDf_UHHfjsDZ8QMygCegQIARBX

the Morioness Festival was founded in 1807