The Philippines is a nation of festivals.
Each month, not too few celebrations are held in various parts of the country.
Every February is known as the National Arts Month.
The National Arts Month is spearheaded by the Office of the President and the National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA), enjoining the public to join festivities celebrating the culture and talent of the Philippines. Throughout the country, the NCCA, art and culture groups, along with local government units, will be running several Philippine culture-related projects, the biggest of which is the Philippine International Arts Festival (PIAF), now on its third year, and which brings together the best the Filipino has to offer in a proud showcase to the world.
Check out the events, dates, venues, and brief descriptions below.
Baguio Flower Festival (February 1 to March 4, Baguio City)
This is a relatively “new” event in the country’s summer capital. Similar to the Rose Bowl Parade of the U.S., this festival is highlighted by a parade of floats made entirely of fresh blossoms from local horticulturists.
For the best places to stay when in Baguio City, check out the top 10 hotels in Baguio.
Taytay Hamaka Festival (February 10 to 16, Taytay, Rizal)
This is a seven-day event showcasing the artistry, craftsmanship, and various talents of the people of Taytay.
The Tinagba Festival (February 11, Iriga City, Camarines Sur)
This is a harvest-offering affair for Our Lady of Lourdes. Farmers parade in carabao-drawn carts filled with the best of local produce while Agtas come down from the mountain to dance.
For the top hotels and resorts in Camarines Sur, check out the top five places to stay when in Camarines Sur.
Kaamulan Festival (2nd week of February up to March 10, Malaybalay, Bukidnon)
This is a three-day gathering of Bukidnon’s various ethnolinguistic groups in Pines View Park. It includes a performance of traditional rituals.
For the top hotels and resorts in Bukidnon, check out the five best places to stay in Bukidnon.
Ollalion Festival (February 14, Tabuk, Kalinga)
The festival celebrates the Kalinga culture through its sports, crafts, and indigenous food.
Paraw Regatta (3rd Sunday of February, Strait between Iloilo City and Guimaras Island)
This festivity features racing events between local outriggers in the strait between Iloilo City and Guimaras Island.
For the best places to stay when in Iloilo City, check out the top 10 hotels in Iloilo City.
Babaylanes Festival (February 19, Bago City, Negros Occidental)
This highlights the culture of the first settlers of Bago City before the Spanish colonizers arrived. As defined by Negros historians, the babaylan is a doctor, herbalist, artist, adviser, seer, diviner and agriculturist.
For the top hotels and resorts in Negros Occidental, check out the top 10 best places to stay in Negros Occidental.
Kalilangan Festival (February 20 to 27, General Santos City, South Cotabato)
This features cultural shows, a civic/military, agro-industry fair, sports competition, and a beauty pageant.
For the top hotels and resorts in General Santos City, check out the 10 best places to stay when in General Santos City.
International Bamboo Organ Festival (February 22, Las Piñas City)
This is a ten-day series of cultural events with a focus on the unique bamboo-made organ, made by Fray Diego de la Cera, and found only in Las Piñas City.
Come celebrate with us!
For more details, visit the website of the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines.
Editor’s Note: Xander Sigua is the President of TEAM Philippines (Tourism Educators And Movers of the Philippines), an organization of individuals and groups committed to promote the tourism industry in the Philippines.