05 VIBRANT JANUARY FESTIVALS IN THE PHILIPPINES TO KICK-START A NEW YEAR

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A festive season in the Philippines is a time of joy, unity, and cultural expression, where Filipinos gather to celebrate their deep-rooted traditions and have bonding moments with each other. January marks the festive season in the Philippines, with many joyful culturally significant celebrations taking place across the country during this time.

The Philippines is predominantly Catholic, and January features major religious holidays to honor the historical heritage, saints and cultural beauty. Here are some famous January fests you should know:

1.Sinulog Festival

Photo: Rappler

Time: Every third Sunday of January
Location: Cebu city.
Website: https://sinulogfestival.com/

 

The Sinulog Festival is one of the Philippines’ most colorful and popular festivals, drawing lots of tourists each year. This fest honors the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus) and celebrates the birth of Catholicism in the Philippines. The festival’s energetic activities consist of a grand parade with elaborate costumes, intricate dances, and pulsating music. 2024 marks the 41st anniversary of Sinulog Festival.

 

2.Dinagyang Festival

Photo: Moderna_Cultura

Time: Every fourth Sunday of January
Location: Iloilo city
Website: https://dinagyangfestival.com/

 

The Dinagyang Festival is a lively celebration of the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus) and be one of the largest and most-awaited cultural festivals in the Philippines. The thrilling festival features a spectacular parade performance with colorful tribal costumes, and cool choreography, as well as innovative art displays. Here, you are able to soak in a joyful atmosphere where you dine, dance and have fun!

 

3.Ati-atihan Festival

Photo: Global – Geography

Time:  Third Sunday of January
Location: Kalibo, Aklan city

 

The Kalibo Santo Niño—Ati-Atihan Festival, also simply called Ati-Atihan Festival, is annually celebrated in January in several municipalities within the province of Aklan, Panay Island with a history of 800 years. This fest also honors the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus) just like many other spring festivals. The small town comes alive with lively dances, and the vivid beats of drums and whistles, and later punctuated by shouts of “Hala Bira!

 

4.Pasalamat Festival

Photo: Radio Philippines Network

Time:  Third week of January

Location: Pagadian city

 

The Pasalamat festival is a week-long city-wide cultural celebration. Began in 2000, Pasalamat Festival comes from the word “salamat” which means “thanks” since it honors Sto. Niño, which is just like other spring festivals. The highlights of this fest is street dancing and a fluvial parade led by a fishing boat (Mother Boat) with Sto. Niño on it, shaping into a triangle form.

 

5.Feast of the Black Nazarene

Photo: CNN

Time: Every year on January 9
Location: Manila city

 

The Feast of the Black Nazarene is one of the biggest celebrations of Catholic religious devotion in the Philippines that takes place in Manila, Philippines, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees annually. It honors a centuries-old, dark-colored wooden statue of Jesus Christ known as the Black Nazarene. A life-sized statue will be paraded into the streets of Manila, so devotees can see and touch the statue for blessings!

 

These are just a few highlighted fiestas that take place across the Philippines in January. If you’re planning to visit the Philippines in January, don’t miss out on these vibrant fests!

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