Without a doubt, the Philippines is a country with a rich cultural heritage, as demonstrated by the countless festivals that take place throughout the year. April is a particularly lively month, with so many festivals held across the archipelago. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most popular Philippine festivals in April, each with its own set of customs and traditions passed down from generation to generation. These festivals are a sight to behold, with everything from colorful street parades to elaborate religious processions. So, let us enter the enthralling world of Philippine culture and discover the festivities that make April a memorable month.
Alinao Festival
Malinao, Albay
A tribute to the lost tree of Alinao on the mountains of Malinao. The festival celebrates Mainaonon customs, traditions, and cultural arts, with the Street Dancing Competition serving as a highlight.
Bantayog Festival
This festival is celebrated to pay tribute to the Philippines’ National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Bantayog means monument. The first monument of Rizal can be found in Daet in Camarines Norte.
Centurion Festival
General Luna, Quezon
This colorful festival is thought to be the origin of Marinduque’s Moriones Festival.
Hugyaw Sa Kadagatan
Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte
Hugyaw sa Kadagatan, or Sea Dancing Festival, is held in Kauswagan Municipality every April as a local thanksgiving to God for the year’s abundant sea harvest. The abundance of coastal resources, such as fresh fish and shells, has sparked the interest of Kauswagan residents in food, shell craft, and other industries.
Hugyaw is a Bisayan word for “roar,” and Kadagatan is a Bisayan word for “sea.”
Isla Carahan Festival
Caramoan, Camarines Sur
A celebration of the beauty and bounty of Caramoan Island, highlighting its industry and cultural heritage.
Kadaugan sa Mactan
The festival is held to commemorate the Lapu-Lapu chieftain and his triumph over Magellan in the 16th century. The battle, one of the Philippines’ historical events, is re-enacted at the original fighting site, the Beach of Barangay in Lapu-Lapu City. Actors and actresses play the historical figures, and canoes leading a procession to the beach represent Magellan’s ships.
Lami-Lamihan Festival
Basilan
The Lami-Lamihan Festival of Lamitan in Basilan is a celebration of the Yakan tribe’s rich culture and a way to promote cultural harmony among the area’s Yakan, Tausug, Muslim, and Christian communities.
Mananap Festival
San Vicente, Camarines Norte
A festival that promotes local culture and tourism in the municipality of San Vicente.
Moriones Festival
This festival is held during Holy Week. Moriones is a costume worn to reenact the story of Longhinus. Longihus who was nearly blind was healed when some of the blood and water from Jesus fell into his eyes. It was then he started to believe in Jesus and actually started to tell people about what had happened.
Panaad
Camiguin Island
During Holy Week, pilgrims flock to Camiguin Island to hike the island’s 64-kilometer circumferential road as a form of sacrifice, either to fulfill a vow or to atone for sins. Masses, Catholic rites and rituals, and Stations of the Cross on Old Vulcan hill are among the regular activities during this season.
Rodeo Festival
Masbate
An annual event that showcases the castle and livestock industry in Masbate. Masbate turns into a “cowboy country” during this festival
Sakayan Festival
Isabela City, Basilan
A parade of lavishly decorated Sakayan. Sakayan is a small boat used for fishing and transportation of goods. Fishing is one of the primary sources of livelihood in Isabela
Turumba
Pakil, Laguna
This is a seven-day celebration in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows that includes a procession and a dance to the beat of a turumba song.
DINENGDENG FESTIVAL
Agoo, La Union – Last week of April to 1st week o May
The Dinengdeng Festival is the official celebration of La Union’s Agoo district. It honors the dish that inspired its name. One of the primary goals of the Dinengdeng Festival is to promote neighborhood tourism in the town, which is one of the district’s established Spanish settlements. Dinengdeng is an Ilocano word that refers to any vegetable-based dish. It is traditionally cooked in a “Banga,” a local term for a cooking earth pot.
Holy Week
This is a week-long commemoration of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. It includes Palm Sunday, Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, and Easter Sunday. Palm Sunday is observed on the fifth Sunday of Lent, with churchgoers bringing palm branches and leaves to commemorate Jesus Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem. On Holy Thursday, Catholics participate in a Visitaa Iglesia, in which they visit at least seven churches. On Good Friday, believers perform a Pasyon, or choral story of Christ’s life, in which they re-enact Christ’s sufferings and death on the Cross. Easter Sunday is honored by Salubong, or morning processions, which take place around the country.
Festivals by Month: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
In conclusion, the Philippines remains a cultural and traditional hotspot, as evidenced by the variety of festivals held each year. The vibrant and colorful customs that have been passed down through generations are on display at the April festivals. From the lively street performances of the Panaad to the solemn procession of the Moriones Festival, these celebrations provide a unique insight into the country’s rich history and cultural identity. Visitors who participate in these festivities are not only treated to a visual spectacle, but they also get to immerse themselves in the local way of life. These festivals truly reflect the enduring legacy of the Philippines, as well as the importance of preserving it.