Patron feast Day – A guide to “Fiesta”

Filipinos enjoy parties and festivities. Whenever a good occasion to host a party and get together with relatives and friends presents itself, it is almost always grasped.

Fiestas, which may be a time-honoured tradition in the Philippines, are one of the most popular kinds of celebration.

A Glimpse of the Fiesta Celebration in the Philippines

Every year, the country celebrates around a hundred distinct fiestas and festivals. Every town, city, and province honours a different patron saint, therefore each fiesta celebration is unique and distinct.

But if there is one thing they all have in common, it is undoubtedly the excess of it all.

Every home is busy getting ready for the fiesta, whether it’s with food, decorations, or inviting friends. Given how much Filipinos enjoy eating, one can only imagine the spread and feast that would be served when the town’s feast day finally arrives. Weeks before the fiesta’s actual day, preparations usually start. One well-known sign that a fiesta is about to start is when the town starts to hang vibrant banderitas (stringed flags) on the streets and the musical band (musiko) will also perform on the streets . Additionally, towns would start planning various performances, events, activities, and competitions to be held on the feast day. On the actual feast day, houses would begin preparing their preferred Filipino foods for their invited guests (who are often made up of family and friends) at the crack of dawn. Additionally, the church typically offers special feast day masses around this time.

Fiesta Carnivals

The Largest Fiestas, Feasts, and Festivals

The Philippines has lots of fiestas, but here are some of the biggest feasts and festivals celebrated in the country every year.  

Here are some of the more well-known fiestas:

• Third Sunday in January is Sinulog Festival in Cebu City.
• January brings the Ati-atihan Festival to Kalibo, Aklan.
• Fourth Sunday in January is Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City.
• February brings the Panagbenga Flower Festival to Baguio City.
• The Moriones Festival is held in Marinduque the week before Easter Sunday.
• The 15th of May is the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon.
• August brings the Kadayawan Festival to Davao City.
• Third week of October is Masskara Festival in Bacolod City.
• The 23rd of November marks the Higantes Festival in Angono, Rizal.

Advice for Tourists

Expect a sizeable influx of people into the town, especially for larger fiestas. Plan ahead by making early reservations at hotels that are in prime locations. During fiestas, driving might be challenging or even impossible due to the closure of roads for parades, bazaars, festivities, and other events. Be prepared and wear light and comfortable clothes, trustworthy footwear, protection from the sun and sudden rain showers, keep hydrated and keep your valuables and electronics safe. To keep up with the lively festival manner of the locals, don’t forget to wear a smile, bring lots of positive energy, and bring that party spirit.

You don’t need to send an invitation. Everybody is welcome to a fiesta, and they absolutely adore seeing outsiders!