HISTORY OF FESTIVALS

1. Sinulog Festival
- The Sinulog Festival is not just a - The Dinagyang Festival is a unique and
celebration of the Philippines ' religious vibrant celebration that continues to
heritage but also a showcase of its grow in popularity. It is a testament to
cultural richness and artistic expression. the enduring religious and cultural
It continues to be one of the most traditions of the people of Iloilo and their
significant and highly anticipated desire to share their heritage with the
festivals in the Philippines, drawing world.
visitors from around the world to witness
the colorful and joyful celebrations in
Cebu City 3. Panagbenga Festival
- The Panagbenga Festival, often
- The word "Sinulog " comes from the referred to as the "Flower Festival, " is a
Cebuano word " sulog, " which means " month-long annual event celebrated in
graceful dance." The festival is named Baguio City, Philippines. It is one of the
after the traditional Sinulog dance, most famous and colorful festivals in the
which replicates the movements of the country, drawing visitors from around
flowing river, a fundamental aspect of the world. Here ' s an overview of the
Cebu ' s culture and spirituality. history of the Panagbenga Festival

- In the 1980s, the Sinulog Festival was - The term "Panagbenga " is of
transformed into a religious event that Kankanaey origin, which is the native
blends the country ' s Christian faith and language of the Cordillera region. It
indigenous traditions. It has since means " a season of blooming " or " a
become an annual celebration of the time for blossoming." The name reflects
Santo Niño, the patron saint of Cebu. the festival' s focus on flowers and
nature.

2. Dinagyang Festival
- The Dinagyang Festival is a lively and - The Panagbenga Festival has evolved
colorful celebration held in Iloilo City, into a major cultural and economic
Philippines, every January. This festival event for Baguio City and the Cordillera
has a rich history deeply rooted in region. It is celebrated with grandeur,
culture, religion, and history. Here ' s an showcasing the artistic talents and
overview of the history of the Dinagyang cultural heritage of the local people,
Festival. while also highlighting the importance of
nature and environmental preservation.
- The Dinagyang Festival has its origins The festival has become an annual
in the devotion to the Santo Niño (Child celebration of life, art, and nature.
Jesus). The festival began in the 1960s
as a way to honor the Christianization of
the indigenous Ati people and to 4. Pahiyas Festival
celebrate the arrival of the image of - The Pahiyas Festival is a vibrant and
Santo Niño in Iloilo. colorful celebration held in Lucban,
Quezon, Philippines, every May 15th. It
 is a well-known cultural and religious - The Parada ng Lechon can be traced
event that dates back to the 16th back to the 19th century when it was
century. Here is a brief history of the introduced by the Spanish colonizers.
Pahiyas Festival The Spanish influence on Filipino
cuisine, including the tradition of
- The roots of the Pahiyas Festival can be roasting a whole pig (lechon), is evident
traced back to pre-Hispanic Filipino in this festival.
traditions. The indigenous people of the
Philippines, such as the Aetas and - The festival is held in honor of the town '
Dumagats, celebrated harvest festivals s patron saint, Saint John the Baptist. It
with offerings of fruits, vegetables, and typically takes place every June 24th,
other products to give thanks to their which is the feast day of Saint John.
deities for a bountiful harvest. The festival' s religious significance is
combined with the celebration of
- The word "Pahiyas " is derived from the bountiful harvests.
local Tagalog term " payas, " which
means "decor." It is believed to refer to - The Parada ng Lechon is not only a
the tradition of decorating homes and celebration of Saint John the Baptist' s
altars with agricultural produce, which is feast day but also a unique and vibrant
a central feature of the festival. showcase of the Philippines ' culinary
and cultural traditions. It continues to be
- The Pahiyas Festival has gained a festive and joyful event that draws
popularity and is a significant tourism both locals and tourists to Balayan to
event for Lucban, Quezon. It attracts enjoy the colorful parades and, of
visitors from all over the Philippines and course, the delicious lechon.
other countries. The festival has
contributed to the local economy and
provides opportunities for cultural 6. Masskara Festival
exchange. - The MassKara Festival is a famous and
colorful celebration held in Bacolod City,
- The Pahiyas Festival is not only a Philippines, every October. It is known
celebration of the bountiful harvest but for its vibrant masks, street dancing,
also a reflection of the rich cultural and joyful atmosphere. The festival' s
heritage of the people of Lucban, history is rooted in both adversity and
Quezon. It continues to be a vibrant and resilience. Here ' s a brief history of the
joyful event that showcases the MassKara Festival
creativity, faith, and traditions of the
community. - The MassKara Festival was born in the
early 1980s during a period of crisis in
Bacolod City. The city was facing
5. Parada ng Lechon economic challenges due to the decline
- The Parada ng Lechon is a unique and of the sugar industry, which was a major
popular festival celebrated in Balayan, source of livelihood for the local
Batangas, Philippines. It is centered population
around the lechon, a roasted pig, and
has become an annual tradition in the - Masks, which would become an iconic
town. Here ' s a brief history of the feature of the festival, were chosen as a
Parada ng Lechon symbol of both the anonymity and the
 cheerfulness of the people during
challenging times. The concept of - Dagupan City, located in the province of
masked revelry allowed participants to Pangasinan, is known as the "Bangus
put on a happy face even in the face of Capital of the Philippines " because of
difficulties. its thriving bangus industry. The milkfish
is a staple food in Filipino cuisine, and
- The first MassKara Festival was held in Pangasinan is famous for its production
1980, and it was an instant success. It of this particular fish.
featured a street dancing competition
where participants wore colorful masks - The Bangus Festival highlights the
and vibrant costumes, dancing to lively cultural and culinary significance of the
music and displaying choreographed milkfish. It is celebrated in conjunction
routines. with the annual "Pistay Dayat" or Sea
Festival, where the city pays tribute to
- The MassKara Festival quickly became its coastal heritage
an annual tradition in Bacolod City,
celebrated in the third week of October. - A highlight of the Bangus Festival is the
It has since grown in popularity and has "Barrio Fiesta, " a grand street dancing
earned the city the nickname "City of competition where participants don
Smiles " because of the cheerful masks colorful costumes and perform dance
and joyful atmosphere. routines inspired by the bangus fish. It is
a fun and lively event that attracts both
- The MassKara Festival features various local and foreign tourists.
activities, including the Street and Arena
Dance Competitions, where participants - The Bangus Festival is not only a
in colorful masks and costumes perform celebration of Dagupan City ' s most
intricate dance routines. The festival important product but also a vibrant
also includes a Mask-Making Contest cultural and culinary event. It has
and a Food and Trade Fair. become a source of pride for the city
and has helped promote the local
- The MassKara Festival is a shining bangus industry while creating a lively
example of how a community can and festive atmosphere for residents
respond to adversity with creativity and and visitors alike
unity. It has not only brought joy and
economic benefits to Bacolod City but
has also become a symbol of the
Filipino spirit of resilience and
celebration in the face of challenges.

7. Bangus Festival
- The Bangus Festival is a popular annual
celebration in the Philippines,
specifically in Dagupan City,
Pangasinan. It is a lively and colorful
festival that revolves around the
bangus, or milkfish, which is a
significant product of the region. Here ' s
a brief history of the Bangus Festival