Introduction to Philippine Festivals
Philippine festivals are town fiestas celebrating moments in history that defined
identity, polity and locality. Celebration of the arts and culture, albeit made central to
these festivities, only comes as a texture instead of text in the whole exercise of the
Festival.
The Arts in the Philippine Fiestas
The Philippines has so many festivals: there are town fiestas celebrating foundation
days, patron saints and a combination of both. These festivals are occasions when and
where people converge, the same occasions when Government units and the private
sector become generous with funds. Fiestas become important avenues for artistic
engagement. As artistic ventures especially in the Philippine countryside are always
wanting in venues and avenues for artistic engagement, it is in these convergences that
the artists find their audience.
The Philippine festival calendar is full. Every province, town and city celebrates
foundation days, patronal fiestas and historic celebrations. While it is a hodgepodge and
flurry of sports and commercial activities, oftentimes culture and the arts are the central
motifs of the celebrations allowing artists to dare and engage in new projects.
Depending on the local expertise, these fiestas become the stage for local visual arts,
music and dance festivals. Cosmopolitan centers feature contemporary arts while others
highlight traditions indigenous to the locale.
THE ULTIMATE LIST OF PHILIPPINE FESTIVALS
The rich heritage and cultural diversity of the Philippines is evidenced by the
multitude of festivals and celebrations around the country all throughout the year.
Festivals are a great opportunity to learn about history and culture. The rich
heritage and cultural diversity of the Philippines are evidenced by the multitude of
festivals and celebrations around the country all throughout the year.
January Festivals
Feast of the Black Nazarene
When: January 9
Where: Quiapo, Manila
One of the most celebrated events in the Roman Catholic Church is the Feast of the
Black Nazarene that draws devotees from all over the Philippines.
The centuries-old statue of the Black Nazarene is paraded in the streets of Quiapo, Manila
until it reaches Quiapo Church.
Sinulog Festival
When: 15 January or every second Sunday of January
Where: Cebu City
The annual Sinulog Festival of Cebu honors the Sto. Nino. This religious and cultural
celebration is characterized by processions and colorful street dancing.
Ati-Atihan Festival
When: 3rd Sunday of January
Where: Kalibo, Aklan
The Ati-Atihan Festival is being celebrated in honor of the Child Jesus. The word "Atiatihan" means to act like an "ati," the native aboriginal inhabitants of Aklan.
The participants darken their skin and don colorful native costumes. The statue of the
infant Jesus is paraded while drumbeats, whistles, and shouts of “Hala Bira!” accompany
the procession
Dinagyang Festival
When: 4th Sunday of January
Where: Iloilo
The name Dinagyang is from the Hiligaynon word dagyang which meant “merrymaking.”
Dinagyang Festival celebrates the feast of the Infant Jesus and also commemorates the
bond of loyalty between the Datus and the locals.
February Festivals
Mahaguyog Festival
When: February 27 to March 07
Where: Sto. Tomas, Batangas
Mahuyog Festival is a week-long celebration, that involves street parades,
pageantry, and a lot of merry-making. This annual festival is held every Saturday of
February as a prelude to the feast day of St. Thomas of Aquinas, the patron saint of Sto.
Tomas town.
In essence, the festival is a gesture of gratitude and a way of thanksgiving of the
farmers for the bountiful harvest.
Taytay Hamaka Festival
When: February 10 to 16
Where: Taytay, Rizal
Taytay Hamaka Festival is a seven-day celebration to highlight the artistry,
craftsmanship, and talent of the people of Taytay.
The Tinagba Festival
When: February 11
Where: Iriga City, Camarines Sur
The Tinagba Festival is a harvest-offering affair for Our Lady of Lourdes. During the
celebration, farmers parade in carabao-drawn carts filled with the best of local produce
while Agtas come down from the mountain to dance.
International Bamboo Organ Festival
When: February 20 to 27
Where: Las Piñas
The International Bamboo Organ Festival is a ten-day series of cultural events with
a focus on the unique bamboo-made organ, made by Fray Diego de la Cera, and found
only in Las Piñas.
Panagbenga Festival
When: February
Where: Baguio City
The annual Panagbenga Festival draws many tourists from around the country as
well as from abroad. Translated as Flower Festival, Panagbenga's highlight is a parade of
floats made entirely of fresh locally-grown flowers.
Ollalion Festival
When: February 14
Where: Tabuk, Kalinga
Ollalion Festival celebrates the culture of Kalinga through its local sports, crafts,
and indigenous food.
Babaylanes Festival
When: February 19
Where: Bago City, Negros Occidental
Babaylanes Festival brings into the limelight the culture of the first settlers of Bago
City, long before the Spanish colonizers arrived. The Babaylan is defined as a doctor,
herbalist, artist, adviser, herbalist, seer, diviner, and agriculturist.
Kalilangan Festival
When: February 20 to 27
Where: General Santos City, South Cotabato
The Kalilangan Festival of General Santos City is a lively and colorful mix of cultural
shows, agro-industrial fairs, sports competition, and a local beauty pageant.
Kaamulan Festival
When: 2nd week of February up to March 10
Where: Malaybalay, Bukidnon
Kaamulan Festival is a three-day gathering of Bukidnon’s various ethnolinguistic
groups in Pines View Park and is highlighted by the performance of traditional rituals.
March Festivals
Malasimbo Festival
When: March 10 to 12
Where: Puerto Galera
The Malasimbo Festival is a celebration of music, arts, indigenous people, and
environment. Most notably, the festival is famous for bringing in some of the most
recognizable musicians in the land.
The Malasimbo Festival also showcases world-class artwork courtesy of some of
the most talented visual artists that combine their own creativity with indigenous
elements.
UNESCO-ITI World Theater Week
When: March 21 to 27
Where: Metro Manila and other participating regions
The World Theatre Week is an occasion to celebrate the power of theater in
bringing people together. It is an opportunity for theatre artists and media arts
practitioners to share with audiences the wealth our country’s heritage, history, habitat,
theatrical traditions and expertise.
Anibina Bulawanun Festival
When: March 8
Where: Compostela Valley Province
This is an annual celebration consisting of eight days of activities that culminates
on the foundation day of Compostela Valley Province. It features various themes and is
a colorful spectacle that celebrates the province’s bountiful harvests and rich mineral
resources.
There is also a trade and tourism fair that showcase the local people’s culture and
traditions. Something to look forward to also is the Al-law Ng Kalomonan (Tribal Day) falls
on the 7th day of the festival.
Moriones Festival
When: Holy Week
Where: Marinduque
This is almost certainly one of the most recognizable festivities in the Philippines. A
week-long celebration during Holy Week, male penitents parade around town in
costumes.
During Good Friday, the penitents reenact the story of Longinus, a centurion who
was blind in one eye and who speared the side of the crucified Jesus Christ. Blood fell
from Jesus’ wound to Longinus’ blind eye which inexplicably restored his vision; eventually
leading to the latter’s conversion to Christianity.
Centurion Festival
When: Holy Week
Where: General Luna, Quezon
The Centurion Festival may not be well-known to most Filipinos but it is very similar
to Marinduque’s Moriones Festival in terms of format and splendor. In fact, some believe
that it is the origin of the Moriones Festival.
It may not be widely-promoted but it is a festival that is observed annually by some
towns in Quezon. The Centurion Festival also keeps the local tradition and art of maskmaking alive in the towns of Quezon.
Pangalap Ritual
When: Good Friday
Where: Nueva Valencia, Guimaras
This is not a festival per se but an interesting ceremony in which believers crawl
through Catilaran Cave as they chant various prayers. The ritual is believed to give
participants supernatural powers that help protect them against malevolent spirits.
Witches Festival
When: Holy Week
Where: Siquijor
Siquijor is best known as the land of witchcraft. During the Witches Festivals,
sorcerers or mambabarang gather at Crocodile Hill during the full moon to collect herbs,
roots and live insects which they throw into enormous cauldrons filled with boiling water.
The sorcerer-healers sit around this concoction while chanting incantations. The
festival culminates in dancing and a restricted ritual in an isolated cave at dawn.
Fireworks to celebrate Philippine festivals
With the numerous festivals that happen all year round in the Philippines, it would
not come as a surprise if we are perceived by the international community as a generally
happy nation. That is probably the reason why there is still a significant influx of tourists at
any time throughout the year.
Here are the Philippine festivals during the second quarter of the year.
April Festivals
Turumba
When: April
Where: Pakil, Laguna
The Turumba Festival is a seven-day celebration in honor of our lady of sorrows.
The festivity is punctuated by a procession and dancing to the beat of a turumba song.
Lami-Lamihan Festival
When: April 14 to 16
Where: Basilan
The Laimi-Lamihan Festival celebrates the rich heritage traditions of the Yakan
people. The event is usually celebrated by a colorful parade and a horse race.
Kadaugan sa Mactan
When: April 27
Where: Cebu
The Kadaugan sa Mactan Festival re-enacts the Battle of Mactan which took
place on the island’s shores.
May Festivals
Flores de Mayo
When: Whole month of May
Where: Catholic communities all over the Philippines
The Flores de Mayo or Flowers of May is a religious celebration celebrated by
Catholicsin honot of the Virgin Mary. It happens together with the Santacruzan, a
reenactment of Queen Elena’s search for the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified.
The town or city’s loveliest ladies are chosen to represent the various queens and consorts
of Queen Elena.
Magayon Festival
When: May 1
Where: Albay Province
The Magayon Festival celebrates the rich culture and unique are of the province
of Albay. The event is highlighted by exhibits and trade shows, street parades, various
shows, and sports activities.
Boa-Boahan
When: May 2
When: Nabua, Camarines Sur
The Boa-Boahan festival reenacts the old 13th-century rite of offering chains of
coconut embryos locally called boa to the ancient gods with the belief that this would
ensure a prosperous year.
Lanahan Ritual
When: May 1 to 3
Where: Balabag, Digos, Davao del Sur
The Lanahan Ritual is carried out by the Bagobo tribe and is characterized by the
concoction of medicinal oil or lana after they make a pilgrimage to Mount Apo.
Carabao Festival
When: May 15
Where: Pulilan, Bulacan
This Carabao Festival honors San Isidro Labrador who is the patron saint of farmers.
Farmers’ Carabaos are paraded around town and are then blessed by the town priest.
Pahiyas Festival
When: May
Where: Lucban and Sariaya, Quezon
The Pahiyas Festival serves as a thanksgiving celebration to San Isidro Labrador for
the bountiful harvest during the year. The event is best known for the elaborate
decorations like fresh fruits and vegetables that cover whole houses.
The most prominent of such decorations is the brightly-colored rice wafers known
as kiping. An image of the town’s patron saint is paraded around the streets in hopes of
being assured abundant produce in the years ahead.
Obando Festival
When: May 17 to 19
Where: Obando, Bulacan
The Obando Festival involves various dance rituals held for three consecutive
days, each to honor three different patron saints: May 17 for St. Paschal (for couples
praying for a male child), May 18 for St. Claire (for couples who are hoping for a female
child), and May 19 for the Our Lady of Salambaw (the patroness of fishermen).
Pahoy-Pahoy Festival
When: May 19 to 25
Where: Calbiga, Samar
The Pahoy-Pahoy Festival is held every May in the quaint little town of Calbiga.
What is unique about this celebration is the giant pahoy-pahoy or scarecrows made of
indigenous materials that are paraded and made to dance in the streets. Bamboos, cans
and stones are used to create the sounds to scare away local maya birds.
June Festivals
Naligayan Festival
When: 2nd week of June
Where: Agusan del Norte
This is a week-long festival celebrated in Agusan del Norte. It features sociocultural shows and fairs involving indigenous groups. The festival’s main feature is a climb
to the top of the waterfalls of Agusan del Sur.
Pagdayao Festival
When: June 11 -12
Where: Tacloban, Leyte, and Masbate
Pagdayao in the local language means an act of praising or honoring. The
Pagdayao Festival is a two-day affair that serves as a thanksgiving feast in honor of the
Lord. It features street dancing and cultural shows.
Araw ng Cotabato
When: June 12 - 20
When: Cotabato
The founding anniversary of the City of Cotabato in Mindanao is celebrated with
special events such as the layang-layang or giant kite festival, fluvial parades, banca
race, and sports competition.
Parada ng mga Lechon (Parade of Roast Pigs)
When: June 24
Where: Balayan, Batangas
The roast pigs or lechons are dressed or decorated with colorful embellishments
and are then paraded around the streets. At the end of the parade, the best decorated
lechon will be announced. After which, the lechon meat is served to visitors.
Hibok-Hibok Festival
When: June 24
Where: Camiguin Island
The Hibok-Hibok Festival is celebrated in honor of St. John the Baptist. The event’s
highlights are the fluvial processions, parades, and water sports.
Daet Pineapple Festival
When: 3rd week of June
Where: Daet, Camarines Norte
This Daet Pineapple Festival is commemorated to continually spread awareness
on the sweetest pineapple variety - the Formosa type – which is abundantly cultivated in
Daet.
The week-long celebration is filled with many activities such as sporting events, a
talent and skills competition, an investment forum for entrepreneurs or those planning to
put up a business, cultural shows and concerts, a food fair, an agro-industrial and trade
fair, the search for Bicolandia Queen, and street dancing contests.
Tacloban Festival
When: last week of June
Where: Tacloban, Leyte
The Tacloban Festival is composed of a trio of major events: the Subiran Regatta,
a sailboat race held at the eastern entrance of San Juanico Strait; the Balyuan, a
pageant reenacting the historic exchange of images between Basey, Samar and
Tacloban City; and the Pintados Festival where participants paint their bodies and dance
to the rhythm of bamboo sticks.
Piat Sambali Festival
When: last week of June
Where: Piat, Cagayan
The Piat Sambali Festival is a colorful celebration highlighted by street dancing,
cultural shows and a beauty pageant. This festival celebrates the Christianization of the
Itawis people of Cagayan.
The Philippines does not seem to run out of any reason to celebrate. Proof of this
is the many colorful and vibrant festivals in many corners of the country, on top of the
numerous holidays throughout the year. Think of a municipality and, chances are, it will
have an important festival that is celebrated each year.
Summer may be over but the onset of the rainy season should not stop us from our
pursuing our adventures (unless, of course, we are unable to because of the inclement
weather). Here are the Philippine festivals for the third quarter of the year.
July Festivals
Sagayan Festival Tubod
When: 1st week of July
Where: Lanao del Norte
The Sagayan Festival Tubod features a Maranao war dance as its main event. The
dance is performed during the Araw ng Lanao del Norte where all of the municipalities
in the province take part in. Complementing the war dance is a graceful fan dance
performed by Maranao maidens wearing colorful garments and embellishments.
Pagoda Festival
When: July 4 to 7
Where: Bocaue, Bulacan
The Pagoda Festival of Bocaue, Bulacan is a celebration in honor of the Holy Cross
of Wawa found in the Bocaue River. During the event, colorful pagodas or decorated
barges and vibrantly ornamented small boats embark on a fluvial parade at the Bocaue
River.
Sublian sa Batangas
When: July 23
Where: Batangas City
The Sublian sa Batangas coincides with the Foundation Day of Batangas City. This
celebration revives the custom of the subli, a dance that is native to the province of
Batangas.
Sinulog de Tanjay Festival
When: Last week of July
Where: Tanjay, Negros Oriental
The Sinulog de Tanjay Festival is a 10-day celebration which features the origin of
the old sinulog culture and is observed by the residents of Tanjay, Negros Oriental. The
event is highlighted by a parade showcasing local garments. There is also a horse fighting
that acts out the battle between the Spaniards and the Muslims.
Sandugo Festival
When: Last week of July
Where: Bohol
The Sandugo Festival is celebrated in Bohol and venerates the blood compact
between Spaniard Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Filipino chieftain Sikatuna. The event
features an agro-industrial exhibit, a trade fair, a beauty contest, street dancing, and a
re-enactment of the blood compact.
August Festivals
Pangapog Festival
When: August 1 to 7
Where: Samal Island, Davao
The Pangapog Festival is a thanksgiving celebration for an abundant produce. It
highlights the culture of the Sama, the indigenous people of Samal, through local sports
and other native contests.
Palu-Palo Festival
When: August 4 to 5
Where: Basco, Batanes
Palu-Palo Festival is highlighted by a cultural presentation showing the life and
times of the Ivatans.
Marang Festival
When: August 5
Where: Basco, Batanes
The Marang Festival is observed by Ivatans as a thanksgiving for the bountiful
harvest of the Marang fruit.
Pasaka Festival
When: August 14
Where: Tanuan, Leyte
The Pasaka Festival derives its name from “Pasaka,” the vernacular for Assumption.
The event, which is religious in nature, is a street spectacle honoring of Our Lady of
Assumption.
Lubi-Lubi Festival
When: August 15
Where: Calubian, Leyte
The Lubi-Lubi Festival is a dance festival celebrating the numerous uses of the
coconut. The celebration also pays homage to Our Lady of Fatima and St. Roque.
Kalibongan Festival
When: August 17 to 18
Where: Kidapawan, Cotabato
The Kalibongan Festival gathers the various Mindanao ethno-linguistic groups like
the Bagobos and Manobos. The event highlights include a horse fight and a Manobo
wedding.
Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival
When: 3rd week of August
Where: Davao City
The Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival is one of the major festivals in the Philippines.
The Kadayawan is a colorful occasion that lasts for five days, as a thanksgiving festival
and as a tribute to the indigenous peoples of Davao.
Kadayawan is a local expression in Dabawnon; it means “anything excellent that
brings great fortune.” It comes from the root word “dayaw” or “good,” used to describe
something that is valuable and superior.
Gigantes Festival
When: August 19
Where: Lucban, Quezon
The Gigantes Festival is another recognizable Philippine celebration. It happens in
the town of Lucban, Quezon, where residents parade their gigantes or giants.
The gigantes are around 14 feet in hwight and come in pairs. These are the magasawa or couple, a giant man dressed in a peasant’s camisa de chino or undershirt, and
his wife clad in the native patadyong and kimona, which is a loose skirt topped with a
flimsy blouse.
The colorful giant figures are crafted from papier mache and are carried on the
shoulders by those who have made a panata (an oath or devotion) in exchange for a
favor received. This festivity is shared by Lucban with the town of Angono, Rizal, which
celebrates it in November.
September Festivals
Aurora Festival
When: Last Sunday of August to first week of September
Where: Tanjay, Negros Oriental
The Aurora Festival is highlighted by evening novenas participated in by more than
40 clans, which culminate in an evening fluvial procession at the Tanjay River.
T’boli Tribal Festival
When: 3rd week of September
Where: South Cotabato
The T’boli Tribal Festival is a gathering of the major ethno-linguistic peoples in South
Cotabato together with representatives from Davao.
Peñafrancia Fiesta Festival
When: 3rd Sunday of September
Where: Naga City, Camarines Sur
The Peñafrancia Fiesta Festival is one of the biggest celebrations in the Bicol
region. It is a religious festival that honors the Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, the
patroness of the Bicol Region River.
Djanggo Festival
When: September 28 to 29
Where; Nassiping, Gattaran, Cagayan
The Djanggo Festival observes a centuries-old religious and cultural tradition that
is based on the life of St. Michael.
While festivals in the country abound, the colors, the pomp, and the revelry are
unique in every region, thus, providing a distinctive experience to travelers which keeps
them wanting to see what’s in store for them in their next destination.
Here are the Philippine festivals for the last quarter of the year.
October Festivals
Halaran Festival
When: 1st week of October
Where: Roxas City
This festival highlights the performance of the history and culture of Capizeños
during pre-Hispanic times.
Masskara Festival
When: last week of October
Where: Bacolod City
The Masskara Festival is one of the tourist-drawers of Bacolod City. This colorful
celebration is marked by carnivals, fairs, and masked street dancers.
Ibalong Festival
When: 2nd week
Where: Legaspi City
The Ibalong Festival is based on a Bicolano epic showcasing legendary
superheroes Handiong and Baltog.
Zamboanga Hermosa Festival
When: October 10-12
Where: Zamboanga City
The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival honors the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Zaragosa.
The events lined up commonly include a regatta, colorful vintas, banconan flower show,
and fireworks.
Kasanggayahan Festival
When: October 10-17
Where: Sorsogon, Sorsogon
The Kasanggayahan Festival coincides with the foundation anniversary of
Sorsogon. Kasanggayahan means “prosperity and happiness.”
Feast of La Naval Manila
When: October 11
Where: Quezon City
During the Feast of La Naval Manila, the image of the Virgin Mary is paraded in a
colorfully-decorated carriage resembling a ship. The image of La Naval is believed to be
miraculous and ensures safe voyage to anyone who prays to it.
Inug-og Festival
When: October 15
Where: Oroquieta, Misamis Occidental
The Inug-og Festival is held in honor of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary.
Calbayog Grand Karakol
When: October 16
Where: Calbayog City
The Calbayog Grand Karakol is a religious celebration of thanksgiving and joyous
pageantry, with devotees of San Rafael happily dancing.
Sagingan Festival
When: October 16-17
Where: Tubod, Lanao del Norte
The Sagingan Festival is in honor of San Isidro Labrador. The celebration is
characterized with street dancers dressed in banana-like costumes.
November Festivals
Pintaflores
When: November 3 to 5
Where: San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
Pintaflores is a festival marked by street dancing of pintados or dancers with
tattoos or flowers on their body.
Kalag-Kalag Festival
When: November 13
Where: Cebu City
The Kalag-Kalag Festival commemorates the Filipino tradition of visiting departed
loved ones.
Sanduguan Festival
When: November 15
Where: Calapan, Oriental Mindoro
The Sanduguan Festival is a reenactment of the first contact between the natives
of Mindoro and traders from China.
Feast of San Clemente/Gigantes
When: November 22 to 23
Where: Angono, Rizal
The Feast of San Clemente is characterized by giant papier mache effigies,
natives in wooden shoes and costumes joining the procession of the statue of San
Clemente around town.
P’yagsawitan Festival
When: 3rd week of November
Where: Maragusan, Davao Province
The P’yagsawitan Festival is characterized by performances by indigenous groups
of the area, and harvest-related thanksgiving rituals.
Kawayanan Festival
When: 3rd week of November
Where: Capitol Complex, Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur
The Kawayanan Festival celebrates the versatility of the bamboo plant and its
significance in the locality of Pagadian.
Santa Ipon Festival
When: November 25 to December 25
Where: Santa, Ilocos Sur
The Santa Ipon Festival is a thanksgiving celebration highlighted by the catching
of the ipon, a tiny species of fish.
Day-ang Di Onga Festival
When: November 30
Where: Baguio City
The Day-ang Di Onga Festival is one of the region’s major events featuring young
Cordillerans in a day-long event in celebration of life.
Binabayani Festival
When: last week of November
Where: Olongapo, Zambales
The Binabayani Festival is a reenactment of the war between the Aetas and the
Christians through dance.
December Festivals
Paskuhan sa Barangay
When: whole month of December
Where: Parian, Cebu City
The Paskuhan sa Barangay is highlighted by nightly cultural presentations from the
different universities in Cebu City.
San Fernando Giant Lantern Festival
When: whole month of December
Where: Philippine Christmas Village, San Fernando, Pampanga)
The San Fernando Giant Lantern Festival is highlighted by huge lanterns measuring
14 to 18 feet in diameter delight spectators with their kaleidoscope patterns
Kamundagan Festival
When: whole month of December
Where: Naga City, Bicol
The Kamundagan Festival features “Kiti-Kiti,” “Pastoras,” Bikol Song Festival, and
other cultural events in the region.
Subayan Keg Subanon
When: December 1 to 8
Where: Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental
The Subayan Keg Subanin is characterized by trade fairs, a street theater
performance, and songs and dances depicting the rich Subanon cultural heritage.
Pasko sa Tanjay Festival
When: whole month of December
Where: Tanjay, Negros Oriental
The Pasko sa Tanjay Festival is a month-long Christmas festivity featuring cultural
presentations and contests.
Fiesta de Agoo
When: December 5 to 8
Where: Agoo Civic Center, Agoo Basilica, La Union
Fiesta de Agoo features a Lantern festival, coronation of Miss Agoo, the awarding
of Bannuar ti and Dakilang Datu Awards.
Sinadya
When: December 5 to 8
Where: Roxas City, Capiz
Sinadya features a fireworks display, a grand parade, food festival, and the Capiz
dance festival.
Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion
When: December 8
Where: Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a grand celebration in honor of the
city’s patroness and is highlighted by a parade of several images of Virgin Mary.
Pagdiwata
When: December 8
Where: Palawan)
The Pagdiwata is the Tagbanuas’ feast of thanksgiving for a bountiful rice harvest,
along with food offerings to deities and departed kin, as well as rite in which men partake
rice wine with the spirits. After the harvest, the Tagbanuas gather in the house of the
babaylan or the priestess whom the spirits speak to.
Dad-Iw Day-eng Chants
When: December 8
Where: Bakod, Benguet
This festivity is a celebration of Ibaloi, Kankana-ey tribal songs and local dance.
Karisyohan Han Pasko Ha Palo
When: December 10 to January 6
Where: Palo, Leyte
The Karisyohan Han Pasko Ha Palo is composed of the Misa de Gallo, a cultural
show and a Christmas eve choral concert at Palo Cathedral.
Philippine International Lantern Parade
When: December 14
Where: Asia World Complex Roxas Blvd. and Quirino Grandstand
The Philippine International Lantern Parade is a grand colorful parade featuring
lanterns from different countries along with local bands, indigenous groups, vintage cars,
and calesas.
Simballay Festival
When: 3rd week Nabunturan
Where: Davao Province
The Simballay Festival is a week-long festival highlighted by Mansaka dances, neoethnic shows, street dancing and a grand parade.
Shariff Kabunsuan
When: December 15 to 19
Where: Cotabato City
This is a festival to commemorate the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan and Islam to
Mindanao.
Maytinis Festival
When: December 24
Where: Kawit, Cavite
The Maytinis Festival is a town-wide re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for
a room on the eve of Christ’s birth.
Salubong
When: December 29
Where: Plaridel, Bulacan
The Salubong is a procession of dancing women, horses and calesas to fetch the
Santiago Maria Moros from Barangay Sipet.
Other Dance Forms
Dance Genres
A dance style, or a dance genre, is simply a certain type of dance. Different kinds
of dance styles include ballet, modern dance, hip-hop – and diverse folk dances from
around the world, such as flamenco, bhangra and samba.
Dance Dispatches sets itself apart from other publications by purposefully
showcasing the beautiful diversity of these world dance traditions.
Although there are hundreds of dance styles, for simplicity, we categorize different
types of dance into a few large groups: ballet; modern and contemporary dance; hiphop (or street dance); Latin, ballroom and social dance; and folk dance.
Sometimes a single style of dance is fused with another style. Other times, dance
is simply one element of a larger piece of performance art.
These large hierarchical dance genres can be further divided into sub-categories.
For example, Graham and Horton are both types of modern dance; and popping and
vogueing are two different styles of hip-hop dance.
While it is possible to find ballet classes in most cities, other dance forms are less
widespread. We have classified these types of dance as folk dance. Depending on
where you live, you are likely to have a harder time finding dance classes and dance
shows that feature Spanish flamenco, Japanese butoh and Hungarian folk dance. Some
of these traditional dances have roots that date back centuries.
However, it is important to remember that all dance is art, created within a culture;
so, technically, every single type of dance is a folk dance – even ballet.
Ballet
Ballet is one of the world’s most popular dance genres. Ballet dancers are
renowned for their grace, flexibility and athleticism.
Ballet isn’t often seen as a ‘cultural’ dance – but it began as a European court
dance, which looked drastically different from the art form we know and love today. This
widespread dance genre originated in Italy during the Renaissance and was introduced
to the French court by Catherine de Medici, wife of King Henry II. However, the popularity
of ballet didn’t really flourish until a century later, when King Louis XIV of France
standardized the art form.
Nowadays, many companies are trending towards a more modern ballet, which
mixes modern and contemporary dance with ballet technique. And ballet superstars
have included modern dance in their solo programme repertoire, as in Sergei Polunin’s
Mixed Bill and Natalia Osipova’s Pure Dance shows. However, classical ballet techniques
are still practiced around the world: Cecchetti in Italy, Vaganova in Russia, Bournonville
in France, Royal Academy of Dance (or RAD) in England and Balanchine in the USA. All
of these styles rely on the same basic ballet technique, but the aesthetic and approach
differs from one school to the next.
World-famous ballet companies include the Paris Opera Ballet (France), the The
Royal Ballet (UK), Bolshoi Ballet (Russia) and Mariinsky Ballet (Russia), American Ballet
Theatre (USA) and New York City Ballet (USA), Dutch National Ballet (Netherlands), Teatro
La Scala (Italy), Australian National Ballet (Australia) and National Ballet of Cuba (Cuba).
And the hilarious cross-dressing Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (USA) is another
enduring favourite for dance die-hards and newbies alike.
Modern & Contemporary Dance
Today, modern and contemporary dance draw from many other dance genres.
However, modern dance was created as a new form of physical expression – as distinct
from ballet.
Modern dance pioneers include Isadora Duncan and Ruth St. Denis. However,
Martha Graham is known as the mother of modern dance because she codified a new
dance vocabulary in New York City. Trademarks of Graham modern technique include
contractions and spiraling. Martha Graham’s dance contemporaries include Merce
Cunningham, Lester Horton and José Limón.
Post-modern dance followed modern dance as a sort of rebellion. Oftentimes,
choreographers included pedestrian movements such as walking and sitting into their
dances.
Modern dance continues to evolve, but rather than calling it post-post-modern
dance, the dance style is still called modern dance. You may hear ‘contemporary
dance’ (as it’s categorized on the ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ shows) or ‘lyrical dance’
in the commercial dance industry.
Contemporary dance can take inspiration from any number of other dance
genres or movement forms, such as martial art.
World-famous modern dance companies include Nederlands Dans Theater
(Netherlands), Cloud Gate Dance Theater (Taiwan), Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch
(Germany), Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (USA), Rambert (UK) and TAO Dance
Theatre (China).
Hip-hop & Street Dance
Hip-hop is a popular commercial dance style that originated in the streets of New
York City. It’s sometimes called urban dance or street dance. However, this powerful form
of expression has also been used to create hip-hop theatre pieces.
Breakdancing is an incredibly athletic hip-hop dance style. It can be broken down
into top rocks and power moves.
Freestyle dance can be further broken down into more specific dance styles or
techniques, such as popping, locking, waving, robotics, vogueing, tutting, krump and
house dance. Many hip-hop artists will combine a range of these dance technique into
their choreography.
Hip-hop theatre is essentially a mix between street dance and modern or
contemporary dance.
Ballroom & Social Dance
Ballroom dance is typically a dance style shared between one male, who acts as
the ‘lead’, and one female, who acts as the ‘follow’. Ballroom dance tends to be very
formal and performed in competitions, whereas other partner social dances are more
casual.
Ballroom dance is sometimes referred to as dance sport, and ballroom dance
styles can be divided into two categories: smooth dances and Latin dances.
Helpful hint: If you are watching professional ballroom dance and unsure of
whether the style is smooth or Latin, look at the ladies’ shoes. If you see strappy high heels,
the couples are performing Latin dances. If the front of the shoes are closed, the pairs
are dancing a smooth style.
Smooth dances include the foxtrot, waltz and Viennese waltz. Latin dance
includes the rumba, samba and chacha (or chachacha). Other social partner dances
include salsa, merengue, bachata, kizomba and zouk.
Traditional & Folk Dances
Folk dance traditions can be found around the world. Every dance began as a
folk dance, but some have evolved into global dance styles. Traditional folk dance forms
tend to be less widespread and have been passed down for generations in specific
communities.
You may not even think of some dance forms as ‘folk dance’, but every dance
started somewhere. For instance, jazz and tap dance are both types of folk dance from
the USA. Native American tribes also have their own dance traditions. During a Native
American hoop dance, the performer uses a series of hoops as props to resemble and
mimic a variety of animals.
Just south in Central and South America, many of the traditional folk dances (such
as Argentine tango) are covered in our ballroom and social dance section. However,
Mexico has its own folkloric dances, such as the Jarabe Tapatío and Danza del Venado.
Irish dancing is sometimes performed in Irish soft shoes called ‘gillies’ (or ‘ghillies’),
but it can also be performed in hard shoes. Common music forms are reels and jigs. On
the same island, you’ll also find Scottish dancing and English Morris dancing. Mainland
Europe is home to many more folk dances with folklore ensembles that preserve these
pieces of intangible cultural heritage. (The Lindo Folklore Ensemble in Dubrovnik is one
such organization.)
India has a few famous dance forms. Ancient Indian dance traditions include
Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Odissi, while Bhangra and Bollywood are more current
popular Indian dance forms.
Performance Art
Dance can be blended with other performance arts to create unique
performances. For instance, dance can play a large role in musical theatre shows and
operas. Dance can also be found paired with circus or in dynamic physical theatre
shows.
Like some dance shows incorporate a range of dance styles, some performances
weave different arts together. Although dance may not be the main focus of these
shows, it is still an important and complementary component. For instance, we had a
blast learning the Charleston during Immersive LDN’s Great Gatsby production.
Dance can be featured in operas, musicals (also known as musical theater),
cabarets, circus acts and revues – as in the Royal Opera House’s Carmen by Barrie Kosky
or Fashion Freak Show by famed French designer Paul Gaultier.
In screendance, the live dance choreography is filtered through a videographer’s
vision. Omari Carter, director of The Motion Dance Collective screendance production
company, explains that the dancers’ movement is further enhanced by the filming and
editing processes.
Meanwhile, physical theatre takes the corporal element of dance. However,
these types of performances differ from traditional dance shows by incorporating lots of
dialogue and concrete actions that follow a plot.
Dance Fusion
Dance fusion occurs when two or more dance styles are integrated – or when
dance becomes intermingled with another type of physical practice. The huge variety
of dance makes it such a great way to learn about different cultures.
References:
Dance
genres
(2022)
Dance
Dispatches.
Available
https://www.dancedispatches.com/dance-genres/ (Accessed: October 27, 2022).
at:
Jose, I. (2017) The ultimate list of Philippine festivals, Dad On The Move: a Family
Travel and Parenting Blog. Dad On The Move. Available at:
https://www.ivankhristravels.com/2017/10/philippinefestivals.html?m=1#:~:text=T
he%20ultimate%20list%20of%20Philippine%20festivals%201%20January,Where%3A%20Cat
holic%20communities%20all%20over%20the%20Philippines%20 (Accessed: October 27,
2022).
Reflections on Philippine Festivals (2011) ASEF culture360. Available at:
https://culture360.asef.org/magazine/reflections-philippine-festivals/
(Accessed:
October 27, 2022).