THE MOST POPULAR PHILIPPINE FESTIVALS IN JANUARY

The Philippines observes a number of holidays throughout the year. There are several Philippine festivals in January, with the following being some of the most notable. The majority of these festivities are in honor of Sto. Niño is extensively observed throughout the Visayas region. They draw a large number of tourists from within the country as well as from all over the world.

List of FESTIVALS IN THE PHILIPPINES IN JANUARY

1. Ati – Atihan Festival
2. Fiesta Tsinoy
3. Kuyamis Festival
4. Feast of the Black Nazarene
5. Pasalamat Festival
6. Sinulog Festival
7. Dinagyang Festival
8. Kannawidan Festival

PHILIPPINE FESTIVALS IN JANUARY

Ati – Atihan Festival

Kalibo, Aklan, 3rd Sunday of January

Ati-atihan festival is a week-long event in honor of the Patron Saint Sto. Niño and to commemorate a 1210 peace treaty between two warring tribes. Because it is nearly 800 years old and began as a pagan ceremony, Ati-Atihan is also known as the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals.” When Spain took over the Philippines, the festival’s meaning was changed to embrace Christianity. The Spanish brought the idea of honoring the Santo Nio, a statue of Jesus as an infant, to the event. Today, the event embraces both of these themes, with traditional and Christian ceremonies coexisting. Parades and feasts are held in honor of the ‘Santo Nio,’ as well as the moving of the statue from Kalibo Cathedral to Pastrana Park. . The festival’s name literally translates to “to be like Atis,” a reference to the island’s first settlers, the Aeta aborigines.

Fiesta Tsinoy

Albay, Bicol, January

A festival celebrating Filipino-Chinese and Albayano culture in Legazpi City. This event strives to conserve heritage and add value to community celebrations in which the Filipino and Chinese communities coexist. Read More…

Kuyamis Festival

Misamis Oriental, January

Kuyamis Festival commemorates the formation of the province of Misamis Oriental, which became a separate and independent local government body on January 1, 1930. Kuyamis is the native term for the abundant coconut found in the municipality. The Kuyamis Festival begins with a booth exhibiting coconut products and by-products, as well as handicrafts and Filipino cuisines that incorporate coconut and its components. The event lasts a week in the first month of the year.

Feast of the Black Nazarene

Quiapo, Manila, January 9

Traslacion is a spectacular parade in which millions of worshippers converge to touch the image of the Black Nazarene. An anonymous Mexican sculptor created the icon, a dark-colored depiction of Christ bent under the weight of a heavy cross, which was carried to the Church of San Juan Bautista in Bagumbayan, now part of Luneta, by Augustinian Recollect priests on May 31, 1606.

Pasalamat Festival

Pagadian City, 3rd Week of January

A celebration in honor of the town’s patron saint, Sto. Nio. The ceremonies are held to commemorate the abundant harvests and to express appreciation by the locals. A fluvial march (regatta), trade exhibitions, the Mutya ng Pagadian beauty pageant, carnival shows, and a civic-military parade are highlights of the Pasalamat Festival. At the agro-trade fair booths, agricultural products from the city’s several barangays are showcased for sale. The agro-trade fair is one of a series of activities held during the week-long  Festival to stimulate the spirits of Sto. Nio devotees by presenting the culture and traditions.

Sinulog Festival

Cebu City, Every second Sunday of January,

A huge cultural-religious festival celebrating the Holy Child, the Sto. Nio de Cebu. The primary event is a procession of dancers to the rhythm of a drum known as the “Sinulog.” Sinulog festival attracts between 1 and 2 million people from all around the country each year. Because of its splendor, the festival is renowned as the “Mother of All Festivals.” From the dancers’ colorful and well-made costumes to the beautiful dances and music provided by the drums, trumpets, and native gongs. Read More…

Dinagyang Festival

Iloilo, 4th Sunday of January

Dinagyang is a Hiligaynon term derived from dagyang, which means “merry-making.” It commemorates the Infant Jesus’ feast as well as the contract between the Datus and the villagers. During the celebration, locals dress up in bright costumes and masks and dance to rhythmic deafening music. The festival also includes three important events where traditional competitions are held:  the Ati Tribe Competition, the Kasadyahan Cultural Dance Competition, and the Miss Dinagyang Competition. Read More…

Kannawidan Festival

Ilocos Sur, January to February

A festival commemorating the separation of the two Ilocos provinces in 1818 in the province of Ilocos Sur. This celebration features cultural performances, religious rites, and cookery demonstrations presenting the best of Ilocano cuisine.

Festivals by Month: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC