March Fiesta Guide
Popular Philippine Festivals

KAAMULAN TRIBAL Philippine Festival
March 1- March 6 | Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
A spectacular yearly gathering of the seven (7) hilltribes featuring their traditional songs, dances, sports, crafts and rituals, clad in their traditional vibrant costumes and heirloom jewelry

RODEO MASBATEÑO (LOCAL COWBOYS)
March 1- April 2 | Masbate City
Hold on to your horses, caballeros, its rodeo time in Masbate once again! Feel the excitement as our local cowboys pit their brains against bovine brawn in western style rodeo events like bull riding and sterr wrestling, apart from our local games like the good old carabao race. So put on them boots and saddle up – its gonna be a rope-slingin’, dust-kickin’, cowpunchibn’ affair.

ARAW NG ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL (IGACOS)
March 1- March 7 | Island Garden City of Samal
Festival to showcase the natural bounty of the Island Garden City of Samal, includes water sports competition, horse fight, sand castle contest, cultural shows, etc.

PASIG SUMMER MUSIC Philippine Festival
March 1- March 31 | Pasig City
Participants vary from singers, pianists & violinists, bandleaders and music teachers whose common goal is to keep classical music and "kundimans” alive. On this event, artists, and music lovers gather at the Pasig City Museum to listen and appreciate the music of classical artists as performed by their fellow Pasigueños. In all, the Summer Music Festival aims to revive the great musical tradition of Pasig.

PARADE OF FESTIVALS
March 1 | Muntinlupa City
One of the highlights of Muntinlupa City’s Cityhood Anniversary.

WOW PHILIPPINES 2005 FIESTA ISLANDS
(REGION 1 AT INTRAMUROS)
March 1- March 30 | Intramuros, Manila
Features the best that the regions can offer through dances, to give entertainment to foreign and local visitors visiting songs, food, festivals, products, festivals for the whole month Manila, the first stop to the Philippines.

TRAVEL TOUR EXPO
March 1- March 31 | SM Megamall
Annual exhibition of travel and tourism destinations, products and services.

KAAMULAN Philippine Festival
1st Week of March / Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
A cultural presentation of ethnic songs and dances highlighted by rituals and streetdancing parade.

PAYVANUVANUAN Philippine Festival
March 1- March 31 | Sitio Jura, Racujaide, Mahatao
The festival marks the start of the fishing season in Batanes where the fisherfolks perform a ritual to pray for good fishing season and safety.

ZP SUMMER
March 1- March 31 | Zamboanga City
This event, which cover the Zamboanga City, and the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, del Norte and del Sur, promotes domestic tourism in the Peninsula.

SUGBAHAN
March 2- March 14 | Davao City
A culinary festival that features Davao''s grilled specialties such as tuna.

PACTO DE SANGRE OR BLOOD COMPACT
OF NEW WASHINGTON, AKLAN
March 3 | New Washington, Aklan
Katipuneros respectively wounded their wrists and used their blood to sign a document that formally expressed their grievances symbolizing their revolt against the Spanish authorities, which happened at Sitio Kuntang, Ochando, New Washington. From then on it is remembered as one of the historical places in the country.

COUNCIL OF BALABAGO REENACTMENT
March 4- March 5 | Culasi, Antique
It is a reenactment of the gathering of the Malayan Datus headed by Sumakwel after their settlement in Malandog for thanksgiving and renewal. The site of the reenactment overlooks the island of Mararison and the Majestic Mt. Madia-as home of Bulalakaw, their acclaimed God.

VIS-MIN TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE SHOW
March 4- March 6 | To be announce
This 4th International Visayas Mindanao Travel, Tours, Leisure and Lifestyle Exposition and Conference, is a festive capsulized presentation of the different tourism attractions, destination and facilities, tour activities, mode of transportation and information in the Visayas and Mindanao clusters, showcasing its respective unique historical and cultural assets as well as in helping create awareness and promoting various tourist destinations found the VIS-MIN region.

PUERTO PRINCESA FOUNDATION DAY
March 4 | Puerto Princesa City
A celebration of the founding anniversary of the City highlighted by the crowning of Ms. Puerto Princesa.

CULINARY GRAND PRIX
March 6-7
A cooking competition

BANGKERO Philippine Festival
March 6 - 10 | Pagsanjan, Laguna
Pagsanjan, the tourist capital of Laguna will hold its “Bangkero Festival” on March 10 until March 14 with the theme: “Mamamayan Makilahok! Bayan Ko, Tutulungan Ko!”

ARYA! ABRA FESTIVAL (Bamboo rafting)
March 07 - 11 | Bangued, Abra
Abra's biggest festival highlights of which are "Karerakit" bamboo rafting along Calaba River and Tinguan Festival of the tribal natives of Abra.

PANAGTAGBO Philippine Festival
March 7 | Tagum City
Coincides with the city of Tagum’s founding anniversary. It aptly describes a celebration in the city where Tagumeños met Tagumeños from all walks of life in one occasion and setting since the city of Tagum is a crossroad business center in the northern part of Southern Mindanao.

PASAYAW Philippine Festival
March 7- March 12 | Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
A combined word of “Pasalamat Pinaagi sa Sayaw” (a thanksgiving through dance). This Pasayaw expresses the joys and jubilations in praise and thanksgiving to the Almighty God through the intercession of St. Joseph. The “PASAYAW STREET DANCING & PARADE” is participated in by 12 contingents from the 12 barangays dancing to the uniform LATIN BEAT followed by a SHOWDOWN competition at 6:00 PM at the city gym.

NATIONAL WOMEN'S MONTH CELEBRATION EXHIBIT
March 8- March 12 | Clamshell I, Intramuros, Manila
A weeklong exhibit organized by the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) showcasing numerous products and services in celebration of the National Women''s Month.

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF LATE PRESIDENT JOSE P. LAUREL
March 9 | Tanauan, Batangas
A yearly celebration commemorating the birth of President Jose P. Laurel.

HOLISTIC Philippine Festival
March 9- March 11 | Villa Jireh, Labrador, Pangasinan
Projects Pangasinan as a health tourism destination with focus on wellness & lifestyle change from the holistic approach. Converging multi-sectoral groups: Eco-Defense Movement, Fishermen/Farmers Association, Tourism.

ARAW NG DABAW CELEBRATION
March 10- March 16 | Davao City
Davao celebrates its birthday in a grand gala fashion befitting the largest city in Mindanao. The Araw ng Dabaw festivities come complete with a jam-packed, seven-day schedule of trade fairs and cultural presentations. There''s also a colorful civic-military parade and a citywide beauty pageant, featuring the smartest, most charming ladies this side of the islands.

PINTADOS DE PASI Philippine Festival
March 13 | Passi City, Iloilo
A festival depicting the history of Passi through “pintados” as a colorful celebration of how Passi got its name, as influenced by the Spanish regime. It also coincides with their Foundation Day commemorating the conversion of Passi as a component city. The festival’s main features include the parade and competition of Tribes, Carosa Parada, Pinta Carabao, Search for Bb. Pintados de Pasi, Laro ng Lahi, Binayle sa Kalye, Drum & Lyre Competition, Food Festival

STRAWBERRY Philippine Festival
March 14- March 20 | La Trinidad, Benguet
The municipality of La Trinindad in Benguet, known as the Strawberry Capital of the Philippines, will feature the baking of the largest strawberry cake including a trade fair on strawberry products and cutflowers.

HOMONHON LANDING
March 16 | Homonhon, Eastern Samar
Commemoration of the discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan.

LUGAHAIT Philippine Festival
March 16 | Lugait, Misamis Oriental
A local festival celebrating the rich history and the founding of the municipality of Lugait through native street dancing, showcase of agricultural products, and other colorful cultural performances

WORLDBEX 2005
March 16-20
Convention about the latest in the construction industry

BUTUAN-CHINA TRADE MISSION
March 17 | Butuan City
Commemoration of the first Butuan-China Trade Mission

SOLI-SOLI Philippine Festival
March 18 | San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu
Named after the Soli-Soli plant which abounds around Lake Danao, its freestyle street dancing competition uses soli-soli plant as its dominants material.

BANANA Philippine Festival
March 18- March 19 | Baco, Mindoro Oriental
A celebration of its abundance of banana. It features banana cook fest and a banana (saba) inspired street dancing competition and beauty pageant. this coincides with the town fiestain honor of St. Joseph.

MAYON CONQUEST
March 18- March 20 | Albay
A mountain expedition to the country’s most popular volcano, MT. MAYON to be participated in by mountain-climbing enthusiast aimed to develop mountain climbing as a safe, enjoyable and environment-friendly activity.

SULYOG Philippine Festival
March 19 | Bongabong, Mindoro Oriental
A religious festival in honor of St. Joseph celebrated by way of a Sulyog (Suli and Niyog) Festival done through dances, flats and cultural shows.

SINIGAYAN Philippine Festival
March 19 | Sagay City
An annual celebration & thanksgiving in honor of their patron, St. Joseph, showcasing the best of Sagay - - the arts, culture, products, and its people. Sinigayan concocted from the spherical shell “sigay” which abounds many islets and shores of the city.

TABAK Philippine Festival
March 19- March 22 | Tabaco City, Albay
Held in conjunction with the celebration of the City’s 1st Foundation Anniversary. The festival derived its name from a local word “tabak”, meaning bolo, where the name of the City (Tabaco) was taken from. It’s highlight is a street presentation where participants showcase the legend of the City. Numerous other activities are lined up to drum beat the affair.

SEMANA SANTA SA BIKOL
March 20- March 27 | Calabanga, Camarines Sur
A week-long observance of Bicolanos unique religiosity and a pilgrimage to "Amang Hinulid"

LENTEN WEEK/ "PAGPAPAKO"
March 21- March 26 | Baler and Casiguran, Aurora
Highlighted in every Good Friday at a hilltop of Ermita hill “Pagpapako” celebration. Simultaneous at poblacion procession of different patron saints.

CENAKULO (CAINTA, RIZAL)
March 21- March 26 | Cainta, Rizal
Passion plays called cenaculo are held in various places sll over the Philippines during Holy Week. However in Cainta, Rizal, people take to the streets to witness passion plays participated in by the town folks.

LENTEN OBSERVANCE (SAN PABLO CITY)
March 21- March 26 | Sn Pablo City, Laguna
An impressive array of centuries old religious images owned by Don Escudero. These images are borne by their silver carrozas as an expression of faith of the citizens of San Pablo.

BUHING KALBARYO
March 21- March 26 | Cebu City, Cebu
During the Lenten season, the Buhing Kalbaryo Foundation Inc. will have Lenten presentations

MORIONES Philippine Festival
March 21- March 27 | Marinduque
A festival of the moriones, colorfuly garbed and masked soldiers and centurions; culminates in the reenactment of the beheading of Longinus. The entire towns of Boac, Mogpog and Gasan are virtually converted into huge stages as the story of Longinus unfolds.

ALLAW TA APO SANDAWA (TRIBES HONOR MT. APO)
March 21- March 26 | Kidapawan City, North Cotabato
A gathering of all highlighted tribes in honor of Mt. Apo as the country''s highest peak, it comes as no surprise that Mt. Apo is considered sacred ground. Join the highland tribes of Mindanao to the mountain in this annual gathering.

TURUMBA
March 21- March 26 | Pakil, Laguna
The largest religious activity consisting of 7 fiestas or lupi to commemorate the seven sorrows of Our Lady of Turumba, starting before the Holy Week every nine days thereafter and ends in the month of June and in celebrated with dancing procession.

SEMANA SANTA (DIPOLOG CITY)
March 21- March 26 | Dapitan City
Experience spiritual cleansing through sacrifices, i.e. religious rites (reenactment Passion of Jesus) at St. James the Greater Church, procession alongside life-size images of saints on carriages on selected city streets.

ALIMANGO Philippine Festival
March 22 | Lala, Lanao del Norte
A festival to celebrate "Araw ng Lala" featuring displays of different sizes of alimango (crab). Also features native costumes, dances and cotests depicting and promoting local culture and tradition and fluvial parade passing through unspoiled mangroves.

BIRTHDAY OF GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO
March 22 | Cavite
A celebration commemorating the birth of the First President of the Philippine Republic.

19 MARTYRS OF AKLAN
March 23 | Kalibo, Aklan
Celebration dedicated to the 19 martyrs of Aklan who consecrated their lives in the cause of freedom against the colonizers.

LUCKY SUMMER VISITOR/S
March 24 | Baguio City
A special feature of Summer in Baguio Project, this annual event spearheaded by the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club, will choose the lucky visitors to the Summer Capital of the Philippines and will be afforded prizes that include hosted meals, tours, free accommodations, and other souvenir items

MALIBAY CENACULO
March 24- March 25 | Tanghalang Malibay, Malibay Plaza, Pasay City
A 10-day activity commencing with daily performances of particular scenes from the Bible stories. Different scenes are to be performed by Cenaculistas of Pasay.

SEMANA SANTA AT SILAY CITY
March 24- March 27 | Silay City
Highlights of activities fall on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday. The Christian Community Theater in coordination with the Silay City Government presents contemporized and stylized version of the sacrifices, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Good Friday procession of the images of Saints made in Italy and crafted by the local artists attract believers and tourists alike.

PASKO SA KASAKIT (SEMANA SANTA SA BANTAYAN)
March 24 | Bantayan, Cebu
A unique mixture of solemn religious rites and local celebration in Bantayan Island where friends of the residents and tourists experience the scenic rites and cool off the summer heat in beautiful white sandy beaches.

PANAAD
March 24- March 25 | Camiguin
A yearly trek of devotees coming from the neighboring municipalities, cities and provinces in Visayas and Mindanao to Camiguin’s walkway considered the Region’s famous Holy Week site

SUMMER CLIMB AND HOLIDAY TOUR MARAGUSAN
March 24- March 27 | Maragusan, Compostela Valley
An annual trek to Mount Candalaga, one of the region’s peaks and site of the National Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines.

AGOO SEMANA SANTA
March 24- March 25 | Agoo, La Union
The Holy week celebration, particularly Good Friday, is a display of devoutness and traditional pomp.

KATKAT SAKRIPISYO SA 3003 STEPS
March 24- March 25 | Dipolog City
A mountain climbing/trekking activity and via cruces participated in by the Catholic community of Zamboanga del Norte and the neighboring municipalities.

ANG HATOL . . . .(THE WAY OF THE CROSS)
March 25 | Cainta, Rizal
A stage presentation that highlighted the judgement of Jesus Christ

GIWANG-GIWANG
March 25 | Binangonan, Rizal
It is a play executed every Good Friday by replaying the funeral of Jesus Christ through a procession. Due to the influx of tourists, devotes and other people trying to touch the “Sepulkro”, it sways, hence, Giwang-giwang. People searching for an amulet or anting-anting to join this religious activity.

PAGTALTAL SA GUIMARAS
March 25 | Jordan, Guimaras
Lenten Presentation on the hillside of Jordan with locals as actors. This ala-Oberrammergau Passion Play has been attracting locals and tourists whose visit usually culminates in the trek to “Balaan Bukid”.

CUTUD LENTEN RITES
March 25 | San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga
A re-enactment of Christ''s passion and death.

PAMALANDONG HA PALO
March 25 | Palo, Leyte
Dramatic re-enactment of Christ''s sufferings on the cross.

LIVE STATIONS OF THE CROSS AT SAN CARLOS CITY
March 25 | San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
A live reenactment of the 14 Stations of the Cross along the main thoroughfares of the city.

PAGTALTAL IN BAROTAC VIEJO
March 25 | Barotac Viejo, Iloilo
A yearly depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

KALBARYO
March 25 | San Vicente Ferrer Parish Bgy. La Granja, La Carlota City
Live re-enactment of the 7 last words held on Good Friday at the Hills of Bgy. La Granja. The Kalbaryo, being a community based and multi-sectoral theatrical showcase makes a total distinction in translating the promise of Christ’s most liberating resurrection.

PAGHUKOM
March 25 | Calinog, Iloilo
Lenten presentation depicting the judgment, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

KAPIYA DISPLAY AND PASYON SINGING CONTEST
March 25 | Santa Barbara, Iloilo
A Kapiya or tableau of the 14 Stations of the Cross is set-up in strategic places all over the town where the procession would pass through. This tableau would either be composed of human characters or art works. On Good Friday, people would go around the town to witness the judging of the most unique and beautiful Kapiya along with the most authentic Pasyon (Passions of Christ) Singing.

CUARESMA
March 26- March 27 | San Jose, Antique
The center celebration is replete with theater practice: from Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) to Paskwa kang Pagkabanhaw (Easter Sunday). It is a one week theatrical events where there is a street pageantry where the dramatic persons are composed of antiquated life-sized images of saints on pasos decorated with flower.

LENTEN FESTIVAL OF HERBAL PREPARATION
March 26 | San Antonio, Siquijor
A time when herbalists from all over Visayas and Mindanao participate in a ritual known as "Tang-Alap".

TORUGPO
March 26 | Carigara, Leyte
Carabao and horse fights.

SALUBONG (ANGONO, RIZAL)
March 26- March 27 | Angono, Rizal
Black Saturday is highlighted by 3-hour presentation of “Vigilia na Muling Pagkabuhay” at the patio of the church. On Easter Sunday, a celebration is held of the reunion of the Risen Christ with Virgin Mary is reenacted. It is facilitated by young girl inside an inverted giant paper flower suspended the removal of the mourning veil from Mary’s head by a from bamboo trellis. The petals are mechanically opened by giant toy birds to reveal the girl inside. It is then followed by a religious dancing of young ladies called “Kapitana” and “Tenyenta”, to the tune of “Bati”.

SUNDUAN HA CARIGARA
March 27 | Carigara, Leyte
Cultural/social activities and float parade held on Easter Sunday.

MANOK NI SAN PEDRO Philippine Festival
March 27 | San Pedro, Laguna
Grand parade of various and colorful floats participated in by both government and private sectors while the tribal groups aggressively partakes on street dancing with numerous tribal participants lined-up alternately with floats.

KISI-KISI Philippine Festival
March 27- March 31 | Negros Occidental
Kisi Kisi Dance Parade is a dance parade which stands for the way fishes flip-flops and twitches as they are hauled during the bountiful harvest. It starts at 1:00 in the afternoon where participating groups wear costumes and headdresses adorned with multi-colored shells & fish nets while props include bamboo poles and baskets used for fishing. Before the dance parade a re-enactment of the Sinulod is being shown wherein the town’s patron Sr. Sto. Niño saved the village from the moro raids.

SUGAT
March 27 | San Carlos, Negros Occ.
A religious procession that depicts the meeting of the resurrected Jesus Christ and His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is usually celebrated every dawn of Easter Sunday.

HUDAS-HUDAS
March 27 | San Jose, Antique
Initiated by the Aglipayan Church since the seventies. The people gather in the town plaza to hang Judas and burned the effigy done on Black Saturday. In this spectacle, the people are reminded of Judas’ treachery and they all participate in “executing” him.

SALUBONG (EASTER VIGIL)
AND PASKO NG PAGKABUHAY (FEAST OF THE RESURRECTION
March 27 | Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City
The Easter festivity unfolds at dawn around five o’clock with a procession heralding the resurrection of Christ and his reunion with Mary. While the molded images of Mother and Son are placed side by side, a little girl dressed up like an angel replace the Blessed Virgin’s black veil of grief and mourning with a white one as the Osana, a hymn of praise and adoration endemic to Parañaque, is sung.

BANTAYAN Philippine Festival
March 27- March 31 | Guimbal, Iloilo
A celebration of the birth of a new history and culture of the people of Guimbal as a tribute and reverence to the triumphant struggle of its ancestors for meaningful existence.The magic of the Gimba (drum) and the Bantayan (watchtower) are the major features of the festival. The festival also features dance drama, drum, float & street dancing competition, cultural shows, beauty pageant, paraw & boat racing, fluvial parade, musical concerts and many other presentations.

SIARGAO INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE CUP
March 27- March 31 | General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
An annual international competition which is open for all local and foreign bikers.

KABANHAWAN Philippine Festival
March 27 | Minglanilla, Cebu
Showcases the "SUGAT" in which the town is known for many years since. This year, the celebration will be more grand followed by a day long games and entertainment tht highlights the endowment of Minglanilla in history, trade and arts.

HALADAYA Philippine Festival
March 27- April 3 | Daan Bantayan, Cebu
Is celebrated every Easter Sunday and ends with a streetdancing on the seventh day after Easter. Haladaya means "Halad kang Datu Daya", the leader of the first Malayan settlers in Daan Bantayan.

KATKAT SA DIPOLOG
March 28- April 3 | Dipolog City
An annual activity at the mountain ranges of Dipolog City’s Linabo Peak and the Sungkilaw Falls area. This is participated in by mountaineers and nature trekkers, which is to be held every summer season in Dipolog City.

TABACCO Philippine Festival
March 28- March 29 | Candon City, Ilocos Sur
Annual festival to promote major industry of the city “Tobacco.”

GAWAGAWAY-YAN Philippine Festival
March 30- April 13 | Cauayan City
Celebrates the cityhood of the City of Canayan in Isabela Province; activities include cultural shows, trade shows, parades and street dancing and variety shows, etc.

SINUGDAN/COMMEMORATION OF THE FIRST CHRISTIAN MASS
March 31 | Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte
Commemoration of the first mass in the Philippines held by the Spaniards.

FIRST EASTER MASS CELEBRATION
March 31 | Butuan City
A re-enactment of Magellan's landing and planting of the cross on March 21, 1521 at Mazaua, Butuan City.

Sources:
Department of Tourism
Philippine Convention and Visitors Corp.

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