PEÑAFRANCIA FESTIVAL
Peñafrancia Festival is regarded as the biggest religious celebration in honor of the
Blessed Virgin Mary in Asia. A month-long celebration, it is an annual cultural and
religious festival held in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia (Spanish: Nuestra Señora
de Peñafrancia) in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines every third Sunday of
September. Our Lady of Peñafrancia is an image that is a replica of the patroness of
the eponymous Spanish town. In the Philippines, among her devotees, she is referred
to as “Ina” which means mother.
IBALONG FESTIVAL
The Ibalong Festival is a non-religious festival in Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines
based on the Ibalong Epic, and is held on August. The festival celebrates the epic story
Ibalong who was accompanied by three legendary heroes, namely Baltog, Handyong,
and Bantong. People parade in the streets wearing masks and costumes to imitate the
appearances of the heroes and the villains, portraying the classic battles that made
their way into the history of Bicol. The Ibalong Festival aims to express warmth and
goodwill to all people; visitors and tourists are encouraged to celebrate with the
Bicolanos. The Ibalong Festival is also known as the Ibalon Waterfalls.
ABACA FESTIVAL
The Abaca Festival is an annual event held in Catanduanes, Philippines, during the
fourth week of May, celebrating the island's abaca fiber industry and the resilient spirit
of its people. It showcases the cultural significance of abaca, a key material for local
handicrafts and various industries, while also highlighting the island's unique culture
and natural beauty.
KASANGGAYAHAN FESTIVAL
The
Kasanggayahan
Festival
is
Sorsogon's
largest
celebration, commemorating the province's founding anniversary and
showcasing its rich Bicolano culture. It's a month-long event that highlights
the province's heritage, progress, and community spirit. The name
"Kasanggayahan" itself comes from an old Bikol word meaning prosperity,
abundance, and a life of contentment.
TINAGBA FESTIVAL
The Tinagba Festival is an annual cultural celebration in Iriga City,
Camarines Sur, Philippines, held on February 11th. It's a modern reenactment of an ancient Bicolano ritual where the first harvest of the year is
offered to the God as a thanksgiving and prayer for a bountiful harvest. The
festival coincides with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Bicol Express is a popular Filipino stew originating from the Bicol region, known for
its spiciness and creamy coconut milk base. It typically features pork, chilies, shrimp
paste, and is cooked in coconut milk with garlic, ginger, and onions.
Flores de Mayo, meaning "Flowers of May," is a month-long Filipino celebration
honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary, culminating in the Santacruzan. In Legazpi City,
Albay, Flores de Mayo is observed with various activities including floral offerings,
daily prayers, and processions.
Legazpi City, Albay is known for its handicrafts made from abaca fiber, including bags,
hats, mats, and slippers. These items are often crafted by local artisans and sold as
souvenirs or used for everyday purposes. The city also features other handcrafted
items like pottery and wooden carvings.