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Banana Festival

This festival is pretty self-explanatory. Celebrated in the province of Negros Oriental, this festival highlights the importance of bananas in the region. It typically features street dances, colorful costumes, and floats that are banana themed. 

One of the festival’s unique aspects are the banana eating contests and banana cooking competitions, where participants showcase creative ways of incorporating bananas into various dishes. If you don’t mind going bananas for a while (but not too much) then you’re welcome to the Banana Festival anytime. 

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Panaad sa Negros 

Thanksgiving comes early here in Negros Occidental.  The Panaad, meaning “vow”,  is a celebration of thanksgiving for the province's bountiful harvest. The vow part comes from “the fulfillment of a promise and a vow to the Divine Providence for good life.”

It’s said to be the biggest festival in the Negros Occidental, and it shows. One unique aspect is the "Panaad Stadium," which serves as the central venue for the festival's activities. It hosts a variety of events, including cultural shows, sports competitions, and trade fairs where local products are showcased.

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Araw ng Kagitingan

Commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of Filipino and American soldiers during the World War II Battle of Bataan. It is observed annually on April 9th and includes wreath-laying ceremonies, parades, and historical reenactments.

Apart from the solemn ceremonies honoring the war heroes, Bataan Day also features educational programs and historical tours, allowing visitors to learn more about the significance of the Battle of Bataan and its impact on Philippine history.

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Bantayog Festival 

This festival is held to commemorate the independence of Camarines Norte as an independent province. Moreover It’s held as a tribute to the Daet War Heroes and Jose  Rizal. Even though he never set foot there, Camarines Norte was the first to memorialize his heroism. 

The festival includes a grand festival parade and street dancing where various localities wear colorful costumes to perform on the streets. One new addition to the roster of activities is the Music Fest, which features the top artists of the country, totally free of charge. 

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Kadaugan sa Mactan

This festival in Mactan, Cebu commemorates the historic Battle of Mactan where Filipino natives, led by Lapu-Lapu, defeated Spanish forces under Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. It includes reenactments, parades, and cultural performances.

One distinctive feature is the reenactment of the Battle of Mactan, where actors portray historical figures such as Lapu-Lapu and Ferdinand Magellan, providing spectators with a vivid depiction of the historic event.

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Hugyaw Sa Kadagatan 

Held in Lanao Del Norte, this festival celebrates the province's bountiful sea harvest. It features beach clean-up drives, coastal protection activities, and cultural presentations.

One of the most unique festivities here, the floats well actually…float.  The parade is held on top of the water where gorgeous floats on bamboo rafts drift in a colorful display. 

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Capiztahan

Get ready, crustacean lovers! We’re going to the seafood capital of the Philippines. 

This festival celebrates the commemoration of Capiz as a civil province since 1901. It includes street dancing, beauty pageants, trade fairs, and culinary events. Capiz is also home to an abundance of seafood owing to its location being on an island. Here, you’ll find sumptuous shellfish such as the sought after diwal or Angel Wing Clam. 

A highlight of this festival is the "Sadsad Capiztahan," a street dancing competition where participants wear costumes adorned with capiz shells, showcasing the province's famous craftsmanship and artistry. 

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