Fiestas, Sinulog & Tinikling

The Philippines celebrate more fiestas than any other Southeast Asian country — a legacy of Spanish Catholicism that Filipinos keep alive with unparalleled enthusiasm.

The Major Festivals

• Sinulog Festival (Cebu, 3rd Sunday of January): The largest and most spectacular festival in the Philippines. Millions of people dance in the streets of Cebu City in honor of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus). Colorfully costumed dance groups, deafening drums, street parades, and an energy that sweeps you away. One of the best festivals in Southeast Asia.
• Ati-Atihan (Kalibo, Aklan, 3rd week of January): The "Mother of all Philippine Festivals" — in honor of the Santo Niño, with faces painted black (in reference to the Ati/Aeta, the indigenous people). Wilder, more primal, and less commercial than Sinulog.
• Pahiyas Festival (Lucban, Quezon, May 15): Houses are adorned with colorful rice wafers (Kiping), fruits, vegetables, and flowers — a harvest festival that turns the streets into an open-air museum.
• MassKara Festival (Bacolod, October): Smiling masks and dances — founded during a time of crisis as a symbol of joy in life despite difficulties.

Tinikling — The Bamboo Dance

The Tinikling is the national dance of the Philippines: Two people rhythmically strike bamboo poles on the ground and against each other, while dancers hop between the poles with bare feet — faster and more complex each time. The name comes from the Tikling bird (rail), whose quick steps the dance imitates. At festivals and school events, Tinikling is a must-see — and spectators are often invited to join in.