Join the Vibrant and Exciting Festivals of Iloilo Part 5

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/

Iwag Festival of Lights

Photo from: http://iwagfestival.blogspot.com/

Pototan never ceases to amaze its visitors every Yuletide season with its extravagant display of lights dubbed as “Iwag Festival of Lights”. Indeed, the whole expansive plaza of Pototan is transformed every night into a Christmas village – a truly Pinoy one with its tiangges and mouth-watering street food.

Started in 1997, it became a yearly event every December and this year’s arguably the best so far. “Iwag” is Kinaray-a verb which means “to light”. From the boundaries of Pototan up to the town center, one will never miss the season’s atmosphere. People from Iloilo City and other surrounding towns flock Pototan not only to see their beautiful plaza but also to experience the town’s hospitality and unstoppable merry making. This unique tourist experience earned the town the title as “Christmas Capital of Western Visayas”. Read More: http://iloiloilove.com/pototans-iwag-festival-lights-trip-pinoy-style-christmas-village/

Lechon Festival

Photo from: http://mybeautifuliloilo.blogspot.com/2016/07/balasans-savory-lechon-festival-turns-8.html

When it comes to lechon (roast suckling pig), there is no place in Iloilo that takes it as seriously as the folks in Balasan. The annual Lechon Festival is a celebration of food, culture and community, making it truly one of Iloilo’s most unique festivals.

As a kick-off to their Religious Fiesta celebration in honour of their patron, Sta. Ana, every 24th of July, residents of this town gathers on the main street fronting the municipal hall to share a sumptuous feast, the culinary centerpiece is the most revered of all Filipino food, the mouth-watering and flavourful lechon.

The highlight of this theme-based festival is a mischievous merriment through a no-holds-barred boodle fight open to everybody. By the time the boodle fight starts at noon, the skin will be crispy, with some fat and super tender roast meat. The sumptuous buffet features a whole pig on display. People just sidle up to the table and pluck off whatever they want. When lunch is over, there is nothing but a few bones. Boodle feast bring the community even closer together.

The festival has fostered cooperation between the barangay officials and the residents. Read More: http://www.iloilo.gov.ph/tourism/lechon-festival/

Samba de Regatta

Photo from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/320740804687445714/

The Samba de Regatta Competition is a recent addition to the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival inspired by the Mardi Gras Parade in Brazil. Since last year, it has turned up the heat during the festivities with its flaming hot dances, rhythmic music, and alluring costumes. Two performances comprise the Samba de Regatta: The torch parade held in downtown, Iloilo City and the beach performance in Villa Beach, Arevalo. Read More: http://www.exploreiloilo.com/blog/samba-de-regatta-2010-pick-your-bet/

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