The Philippines have some of the most spiritual, colorful, and exciting festivals in the world. With the Filipino’s fun-loving spirit, creativity, artistry, and passion for arts and music, the Philippines has some of the grandest and most vibrant festivals.

A lot of these festivals are full of life, musical parades, radiant smiles, elaborate costumes, and exciting processions. It is true that the festivals in the country highlight the traditions, histories, spiritual, and festive side of the Filipinos.

Ready for some fun, excitement, and festivity? Here are the must-see festivals in the Philippines for January 2018.

Ati-Atihan Festival

Known as the grandfather of all festivals in the country, the Ati-Atihan Festival is popular without a good reason. It has the best and the biggest celebration in the Philippines is in honor of Sto. Niño. This festival is complete with catchy tribal beats, frenzied streets, colorful costumes, and black body paints while shouting the distinct beat of “Hala Bira!” around the town. This weeklong festival is a wondrous blend of tourism attraction, indigenous drama, and Catholic rituals enjoyed by locals and foreigners.

Location: Kalibo
Date: January 15 (Monday) to January 21 (Sunday)

Sinulog Festival and Grand Parade

Another grand festival in the Philippines, the Sinulog Festival is hailed as the biggest and the most spectacular festival in the country. The Sinulog Festival attracts millions of visitors across the world with its religious ceremonies, kaleidoscopic parade, and grand presentations. Plus, this week-long festival also offers a line-up of concerts and events which adds a dose of fun and excitement to the festival

Location: Cebu City
Date: January 7 (Sunday) to February 3 (Saturday)

Dinagyang Festival

Iloilo City’s very own version of the Ati-Atihan Festival, the Dinagyang Festival features frenetic stomping of feet and hypnotic drumbeating. It is a colorful whirl of hundreds to thousands of people dressed in unique, colorful costumes while dancing and chanting all day and night. The festival also includes street parties, tribal dance competitions, and fireworks displays.

Location: Iloilo City
Date: January 20 (Saturday) to January 22 (Monday)

Candle Festival

A 3-day festival that showcases the devotion of the people through the Candlemas Virgin or the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, the Candle Festival’s highlights are the candle float parade and the street dancing competitions.

Location: Candelaria
Date: January 31 (Wednesday) to February 2 (Friday)

Pasungay of San Joaquin

Another festival made to celebrate Santo Niño and to pay tribute on his behalf for all the blessings they received is the Pasungay of San Joaquin. Local farmers bring their best animals to the poblacion or downtown area in San Joaquin to pit them against each other. According to older people, this started when two raging bulls began to fight each other and caught the interest of local farmers. People often visit the town of San Joaquin for the Pasungay Festival to explore many tourist spots and food delicacies of the beautiful province of Iloilo.

Location: San Joaquin
Date: January 20 (Saturday)

See Also:

• How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa for Filipinos
• How to Apply for a South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos