Join the Vibrant and Exciting Festivals of Iloilo

Planning a trip? Those who love to travel know the essence of all travel is about you and your enjoyment. Travelers know that the destination is a major part of planning a trip, experiencing and delving deeper into unfamiliar places, people and culture are paramount.

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It offers awesome tourist attractions, magnificent beaches, hot spring resorts, colorful festivals, hundreds of scenic spots and world-class hotels and facilities. Not to mention the tropical climate, the affordable prices as well as the friendly and hospitable, English-speaking people! You will be glad you came, and we’re sure, you WILL come back for more FUN in the Philippines!

FESTIVALS IN ILOILO

Iloilo is a province of festivals, widely known in the Philippines and internationally for the Dinagyang Festival. Ilonggos are fond of hosting festivals and fiestas. In testimony if this is that fact that nearly all places in Iloilo hold a big town-wide celebration every year. It could be in the form of a cultural festival, a religious fiesta that honors a patron saint, or the town or city’s founding day. Read More: http://www.exploreiloilo.com/guide/iloilo-festivals-events/

Anihan Festival

Photo from: http://greedypeg.org/iloilo/Anihan-Festival-Iloilo.html

Dueñas, Iloilo will hold its annual Anihan Festival the whole of September. The festival is in honor of their Patron Saint Jerome for the good harvest and the courage he bestows the people of Dueñas during months of trials. The people rejoice for the rich harvest of rice and crops, hence the joyous feasts and dances. The colourful event showcases street and interpretative dancing manifesting the town’s customs and traditions. Other events include Miss Anihan Coronation Night, parades, agro-industrial fair, food festival, native food fair, bazaars, band nights, socials and Laro ng Lahi. Don’t miss this unique celebration at Dueñas Iloilo. Read More: http://www.metrokelan.com/festivals-and-fairs/anihan-festival-in-duenas-iloilo_i7667

Dinagyang Festival

Photo from: https://outoftownblog.com/iloilo-dinagyang-festival-2010-schedule-of-activities/

The Dinagyang is a religious and cultural festival in Iloilo City, Philippines held on the fourth Sunday of January, or right after the Sinulog In Cebu and the Ati-Atihan in Aklan. It is held both to honor the Santo Niño and to celebrate the arrival on Panay of Malay settlers and the subsequent selling of the island to them by the Atis. The Dinagyang is divided into three Major events: Ati-Ati Street Dancing, Kasadyahan Street Dancing and Miss Dinagyang.

Today, the main part of the festival consists of a number of “tribes”, called “tribus”, who are supposed to be Ati tribe members dancing in celebration. It should be noted that no actual Ati are involved nor do they benefit in any way from this event. There are a number of requirements, including that the performers must paint their skin brown and that only indigenous materials can be used for the costumes. All dances are performed to drum music. Many tribes are organized by the local high schools. Some tribes receive a subsidiary from the organizers and recruit private sponsors, with the best tribes receiving the most. The current Ati population of Iloilo is not involved with any of the tribes nor are they involved in the festival in any other way. Read More: http://philippine-evolution.com/tag/festivals-in-iloilo/

Paraw-Regatta Festival

Photo from: http://shutterbugsdesign.com/main/iloilo-paraw-regatta-festival-2010-photos/

Paraw Regatta is one of Iloilo city’s most popular tourism events along with Dinagyang, Kasadyahan and the Iloilo Chinese New Year. Every February, the festival would lighten up the beaches of Villa Arevalo with colorful ‘paraws’ or wind blown sailboats, Mardi Gras inspired street performances, beach sports and so much more.Local tourists from all over the city would gather to witness the spectacular sailboat race from Villa beach to Guimaras and of course, the Samba Regatta where ladies in their festive costumes would dance in the tune of Latin American music.

Paraw Regatta started out a simple boat racing competition, during its earlier years, the sailboats weren’t as artistic and as colorful as the ones we see today. Mardi Gras, Beach Sports and other activities were just recent additions. The festival does not only showcase fun, music and colors but it also emanate a part of our diverse culture. Read More: http://iloiloonfoot.blogspot.com/2012/05/paraw-regatta-colors-of-sea.html

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