Philippine Festivals: Happy People... How We Celebrate!

Great day everyone!

Let me share to you about our country and our fellow Filipinos.
Our country is consisting of 7,000 +++ islands with over 180 dialects. Geographically we are separated by bodies of water and experiencing communication barrier but we are united by one spirit, one characteristic. We are happy people. We can see challenges on a lighter perspective.

We have a very unique culture that distinguish us from the rest.

According to Gallup International’s 41st Annual Global End of the Year Survey, the Philippines is the third happiest country in the world with a net score of +84.
Read more at https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/01/02/1773913/philippines-among-happiest-most-optimistic-countries-world-report#mLz3x5T1s7pBoLOr.99

We are happy people in fact, they say we are one of the happiest human being in the planet. Smiling and laughing is second nature to us. We can laugh away our troubles and challenges. Even in hard times we can wear a smile. We can always find reason to laugh and be happy.

It shows in our festivals. Every town we have fiestas to celebrate. Different place, different ways.

“There are more than 42,000 known major and minor festivals in the Philippines, the majority of which are in the barangay (village) level. Due to the thousands of town, city, provincial, national, and village fiestas in the country, the Philippines has traditionally been known as the Capital of the World's Festivities”.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_festivals_in_the_Philippines

Just to name few:

Ati-Atihan Festival

Photo Credit to: BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
https://aklanforum.blogspot.com/2015/11/new-routes-in-place-for-sadsad-ati.html

The Ati-Atihan is celebrated every 3rd week of January. This has been celebrated long before Philippines was colonized by the Spaniards. It is about 800 years old. This was originally a thanksgiving event of Malay immigrants in Kalibo to the locals to show gratitude for the kindness and hospitability displayed by the Atis. The Malays, having a lighter complexion they covered their bodies with black to fit in the Native Atis while performing ( dancing \and singing). Ati-Atihan meaning make believe Atis. As the years past this has turned into a Catholic Celebration.

Sinulog Festival

Source: http://primer.com.ph/blog/2016/12/07/sinulog-wins-best-festival-in-the-philippines/

Sinulog Festival is celebrated every January. This is a week long celebration to honor the patron saint of Cebu. Huge number of spectators flock from different regions to witness its colorful street pageantry. Participants wear extravagant costumes, dancing to the beat of gongs and drums. Turning the whole place into party zone. Giving everybody a festive mood.

Dinagyang Festival

Photo Credit to: Myrell Panes Hechanova
https://windowseat.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Most-Spectacular-Filipino-Festivals-in-January-Dinagyang.j pg

Dinagyang is an Ilonggo term meaning "merrymaking". Celebrated every 4th weekend of January.
This is one of the most colorful celebrations in the country. They are inviting everyone from different barangay, schools within the province to participate and compete as a dancing tribe to showcase their creativity, artistry and craftsmanship. The whole street serves as the battle ground. Everyone wants to win the war. The street is flooded with colorful costumes, strong beat of drums and dancing crowd. You can feel the festive, competitiveness and awe.

Panagbenga Festival

Source: https://lovepilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/Panagbenga-Festival.jp g

Panagbenga Festival is held every February in Baguio City, this is the Summer Capital of the Country. All year round millions of people visit this place especially in the month of February not only to enjoy its cool and refreshing climate, but also to witness the colorful and flowery festival called Panagbenga which literally means “season of Blooming. This is a long month celebration to showcase the beauty and unique tradition of the place and its local people. The street literally flooded with flowers because of the float parade. Floats are made up of colorful fresh flowers of different kind, naturally harvested in the region. About 20 districts of Baguio have their own representatives. They join and compete. Everyone shows their colorful costumes and dancing skills. Refreshing climate, colorful flowers and its sweet scent, upbeat tunes and competitive street dancing. A wonderful feeling you will remember and cherish.

Pahiyas Festival

Chareze Stamatelaky via flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/weirdobelle/8740291211/in/album-72157633524990622/

Pahiyas Festival in Lucban Quezon. This Festivity celebrates every 15th of May to commemorate San Isidro Labrador, patron saint of farmers. On this event every house is decorated extravagantly using their own harvested fruits and vegetables. Vivid color of newly harvested products are painting the area. Multi-colored edible kiping is the star of the event (made up of rice flour). Visitors are allowed to bring their own basket. They can come and pick whatever they like. This is festival filled your eyes and stomach.

This is how we celebrate our Fiestas. Full of culture, creativity and passion. Colorful. Alive.
We have lots of them not mentioning small fiestas in every city and barangays.

I personally believe in the saying “ No one is born happy but everyone has the ability to create happiness.” – Author Unknown