Festivals
Pabirik Festival
February 1-2
Paracale, Camarines Norte
Held in the town of Paracale, the festival is highlighted by “pabirik” street dancing, depicting the
gold mining industry in the province.
Office of the Mayor
Paracale, Cam. Norte
Bicol Arts Festival
February 1-28
Legazpi City
A week-long festival showcasing the region’s arts and culture, crafts and agro-industrial products
coming from the six (6) provinces and three (3) cities of Bicol. It coincides with the celebration of the
National Arts Month every February.
Dr. Ramona B. Rañeses
Dean, Graduate School
Bicol University, Legazpi City
Telefax: (052) 480-1454
Tinagba Festival
February 11
Iriga City
A tradition of the first harvest offering coinciding on the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes. Derived
from the early rituals of the ancient Bicolanos offering their harvest to their own gods as a form of
thanksgiving and to seek favor for a more bountiful harvest throughout the year. A long parade of
colorfully and grandiosely decorated bull and carabao carts, carrying newly harvested crops, ending
with a mass before the Emerald Grotto at Calvary Hills. Here all the offerings are blessed, then
distributed to indigent families.
Ms. Marilyn Okuszko
City Tourism Officer
Tourism Dev’t. Office
Iriga City
Tel. No. (054) 655-1387
Fax: (054) 655-0330
1st Annual “Harana: Karantahan nin Pagranga” (A Music Festival)
February 14
San Jose, Camarines Sur
The festival feature local talents and young artists in its effortsa to promote cultural awareness,
tourism development and youth empowerment in the District of partido. Highlighted by the Bicol Love
Song Choral Competition. Other activities are lined up to drumbeat the affair.
Office of the Mayor
San Jose, Camarines Sur
Karanowan Fish-tival
February 15
Bato, Camarines Sur
Acelebration promoting the rich aquatic resources of Lake Bato. Derived from local dialect
“ranow” meaning lake, participants are clad in fish-like costumes depicting the different
indigenous fish of Bato Lake while gracefully dancing to creatively choreographed movements in their
gaily colored unique outfits fashioned from indigenous materials.
Office of the Mayor
Bato, Camarines Sur
Himag-ulaw Festival
February 17
Placer, Masbate
A celebration of praise and thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest in farming or good catch in fishing
expressed through various forms of activities like street dancing, beauty competition, games and
contests, food fairs, among others.
Mayor Carlos Estonilo
Office of the Mayor
Placer, Masbate
Rodeo Masbateño
April 6-8
Masbate
Hold on to your horses, caballeros, its rodeo time in Masbate once again! Feel the excitement as our
local cowboys pit their brains against bovine brawn in western style rodeo events like bull riding and
sterr wrestling, apart from our local games like the good old carabao race. So put on them boots and
saddle up – its gonna be a rope-slingin’, dust-kickin’, cowpunchibn’ affair.
MR. Jose C. Zafra
Tourism Office
Office of the Governor
Masbate City
Tel. No.: (056)333-2176/333-3012
“Baybayon … A Festival of Advocacy”
April 9-20
Bacacay, Albay
Senakulo
Good Friday
Paracale
This is lenten presentation reenacting the Passion of Christ. Lenten observance includes Visita Iglesias
or altar visitations and processions.
Office of the Mayor
Paracale, Camarines Norte
Tel No. (054) 449-1008
Kadagatan Festival
Black Saturday
Bacacay, Albay
A boat race of outriggered sea crafts powdered manually, while “Palayag” is another boat race
with sails. The grandiose spectacle is the show of colorful sails set against the backdrop of Albay Gulf
puncture by the deep ultramarine color of the sea. Participants from the different parts of Albay merge
in this small in this small progressive coastal town of Bacacay to join, win big cash prizes and earn the
honor of most skilled sailor.
Mayor Eligio Berango
Bacacay, Albay
Tel. No. (052) 487-2010
Partido Baybayon Festival
April 26-28
Sagñay, Camarines Sur
This festival showcases the different tourism areas in the district and launch the municipality of
Sagñay as summer capital of Partido. Visitors converge in Nato shoreline or Baybayon in local dialect
where various activities are featured.
Mayor Roberto Briones
Sagñay, Cam. Sur
Tel. No.: (054)452-3530
Butanding Festival
April 28-30
Donsol, Sorsogon
A festival which ushers the “Butanding” (whaleshark season) and a thanksgiving for the blessings
that it give to the people of Donsol. The festival is highlighted by a street parade.
Ms. Nitz Pedragoza
Donsol Visitors Center
Donsol, Sorsogon
Boa-Boahan “Alinsangan” Festival
May 1
Nabua, Camarines Sur
A colorful cultural festival of pagan origin. Derived from the dialect, alinsangan, a word that describes
the characteristics of the people living in the early settlements. It is a festival showing fertility and
thanksgiving. Fertility, because Boa was taken from the young embryo of the coconut and thanksgiving
for it was their only source of food after the ravage of floodwaters.
Office of the Mayor
Nabua, Camarines Sur
Magayon Festival
May 1-31
Albay
A festival in the merry month of May, showcasing Albay as it comes to age, its cultural heritage, trade,
travel and tourism beyond Majestic Mount Mayon. The festival includes various activity such as beauty
pageant, photo/art exhibit, street parade, trade fair, sports fest, guided tours, etc.
Ms. Denise Silerio
Prov’l. Tourism Officer Albay - PTCAO
Albay Astrodome Complex
Legazpi City
Tel. No. (052) 480-4956/57
Dayaw Dalan Festival
May 1-3
San Jacinto, Ticao Island, Masbate
Dayaw is an old Tigaonon term which means “to show off, parade or display”. In its strictest
meaning, dayaw is to present with pride what is distinctly and essentially inherent in a person. Dalan
on the other hand, means in olden times, a mountain trail which now includes path, street and
highway. Dayaw Dalan Festival symbolizes the best of what the municipality of San Jacinto have as a
town and as a people. The festival is held in honor of its patron saint, Santo Cristo de Burgos.
Office of the Mayor
San Jacinto, Masbate
Palong Festival
May 10-13
Capalonga, Camarines Norte
Higlighted by a street dancing and agro industrial fair which expresses local folks’ gratitude for their
town’s name etymology and signifies the abundant presence of rooster available in the locality. Held
also in celebration of their Black Nazarene’s Feast Day on May 13.
Mr. Abel Icatlo
Provincial Tourism Officer
Provincial Captiol
Daet, Cam. Norte
Tel. No. (054) 721-4341
Fax: 440-2013
Black Nazarene Feast
May 13
Capalonga, Camarines Norte
A two-day religious festivity in honor of the town’s Patron Saint, the Black Nazarene, which is the
object of veneration not only by the locals but by foreign devotees as well. It is highlighted by a
pligrimage where people come in thousands to give in their respect to the miraculous Patron Saint.
Mr. Abel Icatlo
Provincial Tourism Officer
Provincial Captiol
Daet, Cam. Norte
Tel. No. (054) 721-4341
Fax: 440-2013
Sarung Banggi Festival
May 18-25
Sto. Domingo, Albay
A fun-filled 8-day summer activity to immortalize the song Sarung Banggi and pay tribute to its
composer Potenciano Gregorio. It showcases a variety of cultural and religious activities, food and
sports fest, Beauty Search, folksong fest, agro-industrial fair and many more.
Office of the Mayor
Sto. Domingo, albay
Tel. No.: (052) 487-1002
Catandungan “Padayaw” Festival
May 20-24
Virac, Catanduanes
“Padadyaw” is an old Catandunganon term which means to show one’s best with pride and
dignity coupled with excitement. This is a street-dancing of delegation per town to the tune of
Pantomina. The towns are encouraged to flaunt its own image by associating its delegations costume
and dance to what the town is best known for.
Ms. Carmel Bonifacio
Office of the Governor
Virac, Catanduanes
Tel. No. (054) 811-1141-75
F: 811-1335
Kaogma Festival
May 21-27
Camarines Sur
A week-long celebration of the of the foundation anniversary of the Province of Camarines Sur. The
festival features numerous activities such as cultural expositions, sports events, beauty pageant,
procession and Grand Parade.
Ms. Mariefe Nolasco
Head, PTCSO
Provincial Capitol
Cadlan, Pili, Cam. Sur
Tel. No. (054)477-3172
Fax: 473-0391
Padaraw Festival
May 30
Bulan, Sorsogon
A festival showcsing colorful costumes fashioned from the abaca fiber. It is highlighted by a grand
street presentation wherein the participants are clad in colorful costumes using the abaca fibers.
Ms. Lynda Asuncion Argaño
Public Information Officer
Municipality of Bulan
Bulan, Sorsogon
Tabak Festival
June 16-21
Tabaco City
Held in conjunction with the celebration of the City’s 1st Foundation Anniversary. The festival
derived its name from a local word “Tabak”, meaning bolo, where the name of the City (Tabaco)
was taken from. It’s highlight is a street presentation where participants’ showcases the legend
of the City. Numerous other activities are lined up to drum beat the affair.
Dir. Maria O. Ravanilla
DOT-V, Rawis, Legazpi City
Tel. No. (052) 820-3664/
482-0712/Fax: 820-5066
“Oyange Kaugman Festival”
June 20-29
Polangui, Albay
Office of the Mayor
Polangui, Albay
Tel. No. ()52) 486-1096
Fax: 212-6285
Pili Festival
June 20-29
Sorsogon, Sorsogon
Pili is an indigenous crop of Bicol region, particularly Sorsogon. This festival showcases the Pili, the
primary purpose of which is to emphasize its importance and to increase the awareness of the public
on its various economic uses. One way of doing this is through a street dance presentation, a highlight
of the festival. The street dance presents the three (3) stages of Pili, from green (young fruit) to violet
(half-mature) to black (mature) nuts and how it is being processed into different kinds of sweets and
delicacies.
Office of the Mayor
Sorsogon, Sorsogon
or Mrs. Cecilia H. Duran
Tel. No. (056) 211-1357
Ginubat Festival
June 11-12
Gubat, Sorsogon
A festival based on the roots of the town of which its name was derived. It features the following
activities: cultural street parade, exhibits, sailboat race, beauty pageant, fiesta celebration and the
Balik-Gubat which is the highlight of the festival.
Office of the Mayor
Gubat, Sorsogon
Katalingkasan Festival
July 21-25
Libon, Albay
Katalingkasan which means freedom and rebirth, is held in conjunction with the Libon Town Fiesta and
the feast of its Patron Saint, St. James the Greater. The festival aims to revive the rich cultural
heritage of the town and at the same time promote local tourism.
Ms. Agnes Dycoco
c/o Office of the Mayor
Libon, Albay
Tel. No. (052) 486-6101
Mercedes Fishtival
August 6-11
Mercedes, Camarines Norte
It is a fishermen’s holiday celebration, in which said festivity is dedicated as a time of annual
thanksgiving for the blessings and bounty received from the Almighty during the seafaring, fishing
expeditions and fish farming endeavors. The “fishtival” is not only a week-long merry making but
also a moment of retrospect and recognition of Mother Nature for having endowed Mercedes with a gift
of vast fishery resources, magnificent shorelines and other aquatic potentials and the wise utilization
and preservation of ecological balance for the attainment of environmental dignity and beauty.
Office of the Mayor
Mercedes, Camarines Norte
Tel. No. (054) 440-1011
“Pagsuwak Festival”
August 12-17
Guinobatan, Albay
Derived from a local word su’wak meaning the process of flowering or blossoming, thus,
“pagsuwak” is a sign of growth, devewlopment and progress of the municipality. The festival,
therefore, which is held to coincide with the town fiesta signifies act of thanksgiving for the bounties
from the land. Various activities are lined up highlighted by a street presentation.
Mr. Art Osia
Office of the Mayor
Guinoabatan, Albay
Tel. No.: (052) 838-0211
Coron Festival
August 15-17
Tiwi, Albay
“Coron” is a Bicol dialect meaning clay-pot or potteries of which the town of Tiwi is popularly
known for. Thus, the festival’s main feature is the municipalities pottery industry which is done with
skills passed from parents to children and perfected through long years of practice without the benfit
of written manuals. Highlight of the festival is a Street Presentation.
Office of the Mayor
Tiwi, Albay
Tel. No. (052) 488-5975
F: 488-5051
Pilgrimage to Joroan
3rd Saturday of August
Joroan, Tiwi, Albay
Every 3rd Saturday of August, thousands of devotees flocked to this coastal town in Albay to pay
homage to the miraculous image of Our Lady of Salvation, Patroness of albay. It is highlighted by a
maritime procession after a mass at Joroan Church. The image is carried by the menfolks down to the
beach where a large and well-decorated trawl boat is docked. An entourage of similarly decorated
pumpboats follow, carrying the pilgrims and devotees to the shores and village at Sogod where a
concelebrated mass is held again.
Mrs. Maria O. Ravanilla
Regional Director
DOT-Region V
Rawis, Legazpi City
Tel. Nos. (052) 482-0712
820-3664
Fax: (052) 820-5066
Daragang Magayon Festival
August 26-September 8
Daraga, Albay
A historical and religious celebration in honor of the town’s patron saint, Our Lady of the Gate. It
aims to showcase the cultural life of Daragueños. Various colorful activities are lined up for this
celebration.
Mr. Eugene Sangil
Mun. Information officer
Daraga, Albay
Tel: (052) 824-3172/3161
Voyadores Festival
3rd Friday of September
Naga City
Borne on the shoulders of her male devotees, and her voyage back in a fluvial procession along the
Bicol River. It is named after the male devotees (voyadores) who accompany and carry the Virgin’s
image in a procession called Traslacion for a Novena at the Metropolitan Cathedral
Ms. Amelita P. Saenz
Chairman, DIBA Found.
106 Jacob St., Naga City
Tel. No. (054) 473-9949
Peñafrancia Festival
3rd Saturday of September
Naga City
A religious festival honoring the feast day of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region.
The festivity begins on the second Friday of September when the Image of the Virgin of Peñafrancia is
carried by hundreds of male devotees from her shrine to Naga Cathedral. Main highlight is the fluvial
procession along the Naga River.
Office of the Mayor
Naga City
Tel. No. (054) 473-2240
Fax: (054) 811-1286
Himoloan Festival
September 28-29
Oas, Albay
This festival commemorates the Patronal Feast of St. Michael the Archangel. Himoloan literally means
pag-atang or tinagba (offering). Thus, it is the time of the year when the faithful honor their patron,
St. Michael on the Feast of the Archangels by offering to him not only material goods but the
“talents” that God bestowed upon all as well. Its highlight is the Himoloan street presentation
and the Carrosa Contest wherein it is participated by the different barangay and is also open to other
barangays of other nearby towns to gather and bring the carrosa/andas of their patron decorated with
their produce as well as native materials found within their reach.
Office of the Mayor
Oas, Albay
Tel. No. (052) 485-6022
Hin-Ay Festival
September 28-29
Irosin, Sorsogon
This festival is a commemoration of the feast day of the town’s Patron Saint, St. Michael the
Archangel, and at the same time a rediscovery of the town’s cultural heritage. The festival traces
the struggles of the people of Irosin at various stages of its history and aims to renew the enthusiasm
and faith among people for sustained involvement in community building. Various activities include:
Mardi Gras, which depicts the victory of the Archangels over the Black Angel, cultural show, agro-trade
fair, beauty pageant, food festival, among others.
Office of the Mayor
Irosin, Sorsogon
Ibalong Festival
October
Legazpi City
A festival depicting Bicol’s early beginning as portrayed by the characters in the epic entitled –
IBALONG. The name was the early nomenclature of Bicol region. It showcases many superheroes such
as Handiong, Baltog and Bantong among others. The festival is highlighted by a street presentation
where masks of heroes and villains are paraded on mainstreets, combined with song and dances. Other
activities include trade fair, art exhibit, sports fest such as the triathlon, guided tours, beauty pageant
and other colorful competitions.
Ms. Ma. Aissa N. Sabio
Acting City Tourism Officer
Legazpi City
Tel. No. (052) 820-3679
Kasanggayahan Festival
October 15-25
Sorsogon, Sorsogon
This festival was derived from the dialect which means “prosperity and happiness”. It is a joyous
celebration held primarily to commemorate the Foundation Anniversary of Sorsogon since its
establishment as a separate province from Albay. The highlight is the “Pantomina sa Tinampo”
participated in by LGUs, schools, NGOs and other civic organizations.
Office of the Governor
Sorsogon, Sorsogon
Tel. No. (056) 211-1398
Fax: (056) 211-2121
Catandungan Festival
October 22-24
Virac, Catanduanes
A celebration of the province’s anniversary and tribute to its founders, to continuously remind the
people of Catanduanes of the province’s independence from the province of Albay. Main features of
the festival are: street dance Pantomina, beauty pageant, agro-trade fair, sports fest, guided tour,
art/photo exhibits, etc.
Office of the Governor
Virac, Catanduanes
Tel. Nos. (052) 811-1571/811-1690
Pastores Bicol
December 18
Legazpi City
An interpretative folk festival related to the celebration of Christmas tradition. It reenacts the
rejoicing shepherds who sang the first Christmas Carol during the birth of Baby Jesus in Bethlehem.
Locally known as “pastores”, here they are clad in colorful costumes with the traditional arc and
“musikeros” as they sing and dance to the tune of “Pastores a Belen.”
Mrs. Maria O. Ravanilla
Regional Director
DOT-Region V
Legazpi City
Tel. No. (0-52) 482-0712
Fax: 820-5066
Kamundagan Festival
December 1-31
Naga City
In the month of December, Naga City opens its door for a whole month in celebrating its charter
anniversary and the Birth of Christ with the cooperative efforts of Camarines Sur and Naga City. The
festivity seeks to boost tourism, expand business and provide livelihood opportunities by showcasing
various activities, the highlights of which are the “kiri-kiti”, “pastoras”, beauty search,
agro-industrial fair, civic parade, cultural shows and other colorful events.
Office of the Mayor
Tel. No. (054) 473-2240
Fax: (054) 811-1286