Philippine Calendar of Festivals and Events in March Information provided by TravelMart.net offering big hotel/resort accommodation, tours and travel package discounts
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KAAMULAN TRIBAL FESTIVAL
March 1- March 6 | Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
A spectacular yearly gathering of the seven (7) hilltribes featuring
their traditional songs, dances, sports, crafts and rituals, clad
in their traditional vibrant costumes and heirloom jewelry
RODEO MASBATEÑO (LOCAL COWBOYS) 2005
March 1- April 2 | Masbate City
Hold on to your horses, caballeros, its rodeo time in Masbate
once again! Feel the excitement as our local cowboys pit their
brains against bovine brawn in western style rodeo events like
bull riding and sterr wrestling, apart from our local games like
the good old carabao race. So put on them boots and saddle up
– its gonna be a rope-slingin’, dust-kickin’,
cowpunchibn’ affair.
ARAW NG ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL (IGACOS)
March 1- March 7 | Island Garden City of Samal
Festival to showcase the natural bounty of the Island Garden City
of Samal, includes water sports competition, horse fight, sand
castle contest, cultural shows, etc.
PASIG SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
March 1- March 31 | Pasig City
Participants vary from singers, pianists & violinists, bandleaders
and music teachers whose common goal is to keep classical music
and "kundimans” alive. On this event, artists, and
music lovers gather at the Pasig City Museum to listen and appreciate
the music of classical artists as performed by their fellow Pasigueños.
In all, the Summer Music Festival aims to revive the great musical
tradition of Pasig.
PARADE OF FESTIVALS
March 1 | Muntinlupa City
One of the highlights of Muntinlupa City’s Cityhood Anniversary.
TRAVEL TOUR EXPO
March 1- March 31 | SM Megamall
Annual exhibition of travel and tourism destinations, products
and services.
PAYVANUVANUAN FESTIVAL
March 1- March 31 | Sitio Jura, Racujaide, Mahatao
The festival marks the start of the fishing season in Batanes
where the fisherfolks perform a ritual to pray for good fishing
season and safety.
4TH ZP SUMMER
March 1- March 31 | Zamboanga City
This event, which cover the Zamboanga City, and the provinces
of Zamboanga Sibugay, del Norte and del Sur, promotes domestic
tourism in the Peninsula.
SUGBAHAN
March 2- March 14 | Davao City
A culinary festival that features Davao''s grilled specialties
such as tuna.
PACTO DE SANGRE OR BLOOD COMPACT OF NEW WASHINGTON, AKLAN
March 3 | New Washington, Aklan
Katipuneros respectively wounded their wrists and used their blood
to sign a document that formally expressed their grievances symbolizing
their revolt against the Spanish authorities, which happened at
Sitio Kuntang, Ochando, New Washington. From then on it is remembered
as one of the historical places in the country.
COUNCIL OF BALABAGO REENACTMENT
March 4- March 5 | Culasi, Antique
It is a reenactment of the gathering of the Malayan Datus headed
by Sumakwel after their settlement in Malandog for thanksgiving
and renewal. The site of the reenactment overlooks the island
of Mararison and the Majestic Mt. Madia-as home of Bulalakaw,
their acclaimed God.
VIS-MIN TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE SHOW
March 4- March 6 | To be announce
This 4th International Visayas Mindanao Travel, Tours, Leisure
and Lifestyle Exposition and Conference, is a festive capsulized
presentation of the different tourism attractions, destination
and facilities, tour activities, mode of transportation and information
in the Visayas and Mindanao clusters, showcasing its respective
unique historical and cultural assets as well as in helping create
awareness and promoting various tourist destinations found the
VIS-MIN region.
PUERTO PRINCESA FOUNDATION DAY
March 4 | Puerto Princesa City
A celebration of the founding anniversary of the City highlighted
by the crowning of Ms. Puerto Princesa.
BANGKERO FESTIVAL
March 6- March 10 | Pagsanjan, Laguna
Pagsanjan, the tourist capital of Laguna will hold its “Bangkero
Festival” on March 10 until March 14 with the theme: “Mamamayan
Makilahok! Bayan Ko, Tutulungan Ko!”.
ARYA! ABRA FESTIVAL (Bamboo rafting)
March 07 - 11 | Bangued, Abra
Abra's biggest festival highlights of which are "Karerakit"
bamboo rafting along Calaba River and Tinguan Festival of the
tribal natives of Abra.
PANAGTAGBO FESTIVAL
March 7 | Tagum City
Coincides with the city of Tagum’s founding anniversary.
It aptly describes a celebration in the city where Tagumeños
met Tagumeños from all walks of life in one occasion and
setting since the city of Tagum is a crossroad business center
in the northern part of Southern Mindanao.
PASAYAW FESTIVAL
March 7- March 12 | Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
A combined word of “Pasalamat Pinaagi sa Sayaw” (a
thanksgiving through dance). This Pasayaw expresses the joys and
jubilations in praise and thanksgiving to the Almighty God through
the intercession of St. Joseph. The “PASAYAW STREET DANCING
& PARADE” is participated in by 12 contingents from
the 12 barangays dancing to the uniform LATIN BEAT followed by
a SHOWDOWN competition at 6:00 PM at the city gym.
NATIONAL WOMEN'S MONTH CELEBRATION EXHIBIT
March 8- March 12 | Clamshell I, Intramuros, Manila
A weeklong exhibit organized by the National Commission on the
Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) showcasing numerous products and
services in celebration of the National Women''s Month.
102ND BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF LATE PRESIDENT JOSE P. LAUREL
March 9 | Tanauan, Batangas
A yearly celebration commemorating the birth of President Jose
P. Laurel.
HOLISTIC FESTIVAL
March 9- March 11 | Villa Jireh, Labrador, Pangasinan
Projects Pangasinan as a health tourism destination with focus
on wellness & lifestyle change from the holistic approach.
Converging multi-sectoral groups: Eco-Defense Movement, Fishermen/Farmers
Association, Tourism.
ARAW NG DABAW CELEBRATION
March 10- March 16 | Davao City
Davao celebrates its birthday in a grand gala fashion befitting
the largest city in Mindanao. The Araw ng Dabaw festivities come
complete with a jam-packed, seven-day schedule of trade fairs
and cultural presentations. There''s also a colorful civic-military
parade and a citywide beauty pageant, featuring the smartest,
most charming ladies this side of the islands.
PINTADOS DE PASI FESTIVAL
March 13 | Passi City, Iloilo
A festival depicting the history of Passi through “pintados”
as a colorful celebration of how Passi got its name, as influenced
by the Spanish regime. It also coincides with their Foundation
Day commemorating the conversion of Passi as a component city.
The festival’s main features include the parade and competition
of Tribes, Carosa Parada, Pinta Carabao, Search for Bb. Pintados
de Pasi, Laro ng Lahi, Binayle sa Kalye, Drum & Lyre Competition,
Food Festival
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
March 14- March 20 | La Trinidad, Benguet
The municipality of La Trinindad in Benguet, known as the Strawberry
Capital of the Philippines, will feature the baking of the largest
strawberry cake including a trade fair on strawberry products
and cutflowers.
HOMONHON LANDING
March 16 | Homonhon, Eastern Samar
Commemoration of the discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand
Magellan.
LUGAHAIT FESTIVAL
March 16 | Lugait, Misamis Oriental
A local festival celebrating the rich history and the founding
of the municipality of Lugait through native street dancing, showcase
of agricultural products, and other colorful cultural performances
BUTUAN-CHINA TRADE MISSION
March 17 | Butuan City
Commemoration of the first Butuan-China Trade Mission
SOLI-SOLI FESTIVAL
March 18 | San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu
Named after the Soli-Soli plant which abounds around Lake Danao,
its freestyle street dancing competition uses soli-soli plant
as its dominants material.
BANANA FESTIVAL
March 18- March 19 | Baco, Mindoro Oriental
A celebration of its abundance of banana. It features banana cook
fest and a banana (saba) inspired street dancing competition and
beauty pageant. this coincides with the town fiestain honor of
St. Joseph.
MAYON CONQUEST
March 18- March 20 | Albay
A mountain expedition to the country’s most popular volcano,
MT. MAYON to be participated in by mountain-climbing enthusiast
aimed to develop mountain climbing as a safe, enjoyable and environment-friendly
activity.
SULYOG FESTIVAL
March 19 | Bongabong, Mindoro Oriental
A religious festival in honor of St. Joseph celebrated by way
of a Sulyog (Suli and Niyog) Festival done through dances, flats
and cultural shows.
SINIGAYAN FESTIVAL
March 19 | Sagay City
An annual celebration & thanksgiving in honor of their patron,
St. Joseph, showcasing the best of Sagay - - the arts, culture,
products, and its people. Sinigayan concocted from the spherical
shell “sigay” which abounds many islets and shores
of the city.
TABAK FESTIVAL
March 19- March 22 | Tabaco City, Albay
Held in conjunction with the celebration of the City’s 1st
Foundation Anniversary. The festival derived its name from a local
word “tabak”, meaning bolo, where the name of the
City (Tabaco) was taken from. It’s highlight is a street
presentation where participants showcase the legend of the City.
Numerous other activities are lined up to drum beat the affair.
SEMANA SANTA AT IGUIG CALVARY HILLS
March 20- March 27 | Iguig, Cagayan
Traditional presentation of the passion and death of Christ on
an 11 hectare rolling terrain of the larger than life size 14
Stations of the Cross.
SEMANA SANTA SA BIKOL
March 20- March 27 | Calabanga, Camarines Sur
A week-long observance of Bicolanos unique religiosity and a pilgrimage
to "Amang Hinulid"
SENAKULO / HOLY WEEK RITUALS & PROCESSIONS
March 20- March 27 | Nationwide
A nationwide celebration of Lenten Season
SEMANA SANTA AT BALINTOKATOK LA SALETTE SHRINE
March 20- March 27 | Santiago City
Traditional presentation of the passion and death of Christ on
a hill and ends at the top where a chapel stands.
LENTEN WEEK/ "PAGPAPAKO"
March 21- March 26 | Baler and Casiguran, Aurora
Highlighted in every Good Friday at a hilltop of Ermita hill “Pagpapako”
celebration. Simultaneous at poblacion procession of different
patron saints.
CENAKULO (CAINTA, RIZAL)
March 21- March 26 | Cainta, Rizal
Passion plays called cenaculo are held in various places sll over
the Philippines during Holy Week. However in Cainta, Rizal, people
take to the streets to witness passion plays participated in by
the town folks.
LENTEN OBSERVANCE (SAN PABLO CITY)
March 21- March 26 | Sn Pablo City, Laguna
An impressive array of centuries old religious images owned by
Don Escudero. These images are borne by their silver carrozas
as an expression of faith of the citizens of San Pablo.
BUHING KALBARYO
March 21- March 26 | Cebu City, Cebu
During the Lenten season, the Buhing Kalbaryo Foundation Inc.
will have Lenten presentations.
MORIONES FESTIVAL
March 21- March 27 | Marinduque
A festival of the moriones, colorfuly garbed and masked soldiers
and centurions; culminates in the reenactment of the beheading
of Longinus. The entire towns of Boac, Mogpog and Gasan are virtually
converted into huge stages as the story of Longinus unfolds.
ALLAW TA APO SANDAWA (TRIBES HONOR MT. APO)
March 21- March 26 | Kidapawan City, North Cotabato
A gathering of all highlighted tribes in honor of Mt. Apo as the
country''s highest peak, it comes as no surprise that Mt. Apo
is considered sacred ground. Join the highland tribes of Mindanao
to the mountain in this annual gathering.
TURUMBA
March 21- March 26 | Pakil, Laguna
The largest religious activity consisting of 7 fiestas or lupi
to commemorate the seven sorrows of Our Lady of Turumba, starting
before the Holy Week every nine days thereafter and ends in the
month of June and in celebrated with dancing procession.
SEMANA SANTA (DIPOLOG CITY)
March 21- March 26 | Dapitan City
Experience spiritual cleansing through sacrifices, i.e. religious
rites (reenactment Passion of Jesus) at St. James the Greater
Church, procession alongside life-size images of saints on carriages
on selected city streets.
ALIMANGO FESTIVAL
March 22 | Lala, Lanao del Norte
A festival to celebrate "Araw ng Lala" featuring displays
of different sizes of alimango (crab). Also features native costumes,
dances and cotests depicting and promoting local culture and tradition
and fluvial parade passing through unspoiled mangroves.
BIRTHDAY OF GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO
March 22 | Cavite
A celebration commemorating the birth of the First President of
the Philippine Republic.
19 MARTYRS OF AKLAN
March 23 | Kalibo, Aklan
Celebration dedicated to the 19 martyrs of Aklan who consecrated
their lives in the cause of freedom against the colonizers.
LUCKY SUMMER VISITOR/S
March 24 | Baguio City
A special feature of Summer in Baguio Project, this annual event
spearheaded by the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club,
will choose the lucky visitors to the Summer Capital of the Philippines
and will be afforded prizes that include hosted meals, tours,
free accommodations, and other souvenir items
MALIBAY CENACULO
March 24- March 25 | Tanghalang Malibay, Malibay Plaza, Pasay
City
A 10-day activity commencing with daily performances of particular
scenes from the Bible stories. Different scenes are to be performed
by Cenaculistas of Pasay.
SEMANA SANTA AT SILAY CITY
March 24- March 27 | Silay City
Highlights of activities fall on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Black
Saturday and Easter Sunday. The Christian Community Theater in
coordination with the Silay City Government presents contemporized
and stylized version of the sacrifices, death and resurrection
of Jesus Christ. Good Friday procession of the images of Saints
made in Italy and crafted by the local artists attract believers
and tourists alike.
PASKO SA KASAKIT (SEMANA SANTA SA BANTAYAN)
March 24 | Bantayan, Cebu
A unique mixture of solemn religious rites and local celebration
in Bantayan Island where friends of the residents and tourists
experience the scenic rites and cool off the summer heat in beautiful
white sandy beaches.
PANAAD
March 24- March 25 | Camiguin
A yearly trek of devotees coming from the neighboring municipalities,
cities and provinces in Visayas and Mindanao to Camiguin’s
walkway considered the Region’s famous Holy Week site
SUMMER CLIMB AND HOLIDAY TOUR MARAGUSAN 2005
March 24- March 27 | Maragusan, Compostela Valley
An annual trek to Mount Candalaga, one of the region’s peaks
and site of the National Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines.
AGOO SEMANA SANTA
March 24- March 25 | Agoo, La Union
The Holy week celebration, particularly Good Friday, is a display
of devoutness and traditional pomp.
KATKAT SAKRIPISYO SA 3003 STEPS
March 24- March 25 | Dipolog City
A mountain climbing/trekking activity and via cruces participated
in by the Catholic community of Zamboanga del Norte and the neighboring
municipalities.
ANG HATOL . . . .(THE WAY OF THE CROSS)
March 25 | Cainta, Rizal
A stage presentation that highlighted the judgement of Jesus Christ
GIWANG-GIWANG
March 25 | Binangonan, Rizal
It is a play executed every Good Friday by replaying the funeral
of Jesus Christ through a procession. Due to the influx of tourists,
devotes and other people trying to touch the “Sepulkro”,
it sways, hence, Giwang-giwang. People searching for an amulet
or anting-anting to join this religious activity.
PAGTALTAL SA GUIMARAS
March 25 | Jordan, Guimaras
Lenten Presentation on the hillside of Jordan with locals as actors.
This ala-Oberrammergau Passion Play has been attracting locals
and tourists whose visit usually culminates in the trek to “Balaan
Bukid”.
CUTUD LENTEN RITES
March 25 | San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga
A re-enactment of Christ''s passion and death.
PAMALANDONG HA PALO
March 25 | Palo, Leyte
Dramatic re-enactment of Christ''s sufferings on the cross.
LIVE STATIONS OF THE CROSS AT SAN CARLOS CITY
March 25 | San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
A live reenactment of the 14 Stations of the Cross along the main
thoroughfares of the city.
PAGTALTAL IN BAROTAC VIEJO
March 25 | Barotac Viejo, Iloilo
A yearly depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
KALBARYO
March 25 | San Vicente Ferrer Parish Bgy. La Granja, La Carlota
City
Live re-enactment of the 7 last words held on Good Friday at the
Hills of Bgy. La Granja. The Kalbaryo, being a community based
and multi-sectoral theatrical showcase makes a total distinction
in translating the promise of Christ’s most liberating resurrection.
PAGHUKOM
March 25 | Calinog, Iloilo
Lenten presentation depicting the judgment, crucifixion, death
and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
KAPIYA DISPLAY AND PASYON SINGING CONTEST
March 25 | Santa Barbara, Iloilo
A Kapiya or tableau of the 14 Stations of the Cross is set-up
in strategic places all over the town where the procession would
pass through. This tableau would either be composed of human characters
or art works. On Good Friday, people would go around the town
to witness the judging of the most unique and beautiful Kapiya
along with the most authentic Pasyon (Passions of Christ) Singing.
CUARESMA
March 26- March 27 | San Jose, Antique
The center celebration is replete with theater practice: from
Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) to Paskwa kang Pagkabanhaw (Easter
Sunday). It is a one week theatrical events where there is a street
pageantry where the dramatic persons are composed of antiquated
life-sized images of saints on pasos decorated with flower.
LENTEN FESTIVAL OF HERBAL PREPARATION
March 26 | San Antonio, Siquijor
A time when herbalists from all over Visayas and Mindanao participate
in a ritual known as "Tang-Alap".
TORUGPO
March 26 | Carigara, Leyte
Carabao and horse fights.
SALUBONG (ANGONO, RIZAL)
March 26- March 27 | Angono, Rizal
Black Saturday is highlighted by 3-hour presentation of “Vigilia
na Muling Pagkabuhay” at the patio of the church. On Easter
Sunday, a celebration is held of the reunion of the Risen Christ
with Virgin Mary is reenacted. It is facilitated by young girl
inside an inverted giant paper flower suspended the removal of
the mourning veil from Mary’s head by a from bamboo trellis.
The petals are mechanically opened by giant toy birds to reveal
the girl inside. It is then followed by a religious dancing of
young ladies called “Kapitana” and “Tenyenta”,
to the tune of “Bati”.
SUNDUAN HA CARIGARA
March 27 | Carigara, Leyte
Cultural/social activities and float parade held on Easter Sunday.
MANOK NI SAN PEDRO FESTIVAL
March 27 | San Pedro, Laguna
Grand parade of various and colorful floats participated in by
both government and private sectors while the tribal groups aggressively
partakes on street dancing with numerous tribal participants lined-up
alternately with floats.
KISI-KISI FESTIVAL
March 27- March 31 | Negros Occidental
Kisi Kisi Dance Parade is a dance parade which stands for the
way fishes flip-flops and twitches as they are hauled during the
bountiful harvest. It starts at 1:00 in the afternoon where participating
groups wear costumes and headdresses adorned with multi-colored
shells & fish nets while props include bamboo poles and baskets
used for fishing. Before the dance parade a re-enactment of the
Sinulod is being shown wherein the town’s patron Sr. Sto.
Niño saved the village from the moro raids.
SUGAT
March 27 | San Carlos, Negros Occ.
A religious procession that depicts the meeting of the resurrected
Jesus Christ and His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is usually
celebrated every dawn of Easter Sunday.
HUDAS-HUDAS
March 27 | San Jose, Antique
Initiated by the Aglipayan Church since the seventies. The people
gather in the town plaza to hang Judas and burned the effigy done
on Black Saturday. In this spectacle, the people are reminded
of Judas’ treachery and they all participate in “executing”
him.
SALUBONG (EASTER VIGIL) AND PASKO NG PAGKABUHAY (FEAST OF THE
RESURRECTION
March 27 | Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City
The Easter festivity unfolds at dawn around five o’clock
with a procession heralding the resurrection of Christ and his
reunion with Mary. While the molded images of Mother and Son are
placed side by side, a little girl dressed up like an angel replace
the Blessed Virgin’s black veil of grief and mourning with
a white one as the Osana, a hymn of praise and adoration endemic
to Parañaque, is sung.
BANTAYAN FESTIVAL
March 27- March 31 | Guimbal, Iloilo
A celebration of the birth of a new history and culture of the
people of Guimbal as a tribute and reverence to the triumphant
struggle of its ancestors for meaningful existence.The magic of
the Gimba (drum) and the Bantayan (watchtower) are the major features
of the festival. The festival also features dance drama, drum,
float & street dancing competition, cultural shows, beauty
pageant, paraw & boat racing, fluvial parade, musical concerts
and many other presentations.
SIARGAO INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE CUP
March 27- March 31 | General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del
Norte
An annual international competition which is open for all local
and foreign bikers.
KABANHAWAN FESTIVAL
March 27 | Minglanilla, Cebu
Showcases the "SUGAT" in which the town is known for
many years since. This year, the celebration will be more grand
followed by a day long games and entertainment tht highlights
the endowment of Minglanilla in history, trade and arts.
HALADAYA FESTIVAL
March 27- April 3 | Daan Bantayan, Cebu
Is celebrated every Easter Sunday and ends with a streetdancing
on the seventh day after Easter. Haladaya means "Halad kang
Datu Daya", the leader of the first Malayan settlers in Daan
Bantayan.
KATKAT SA DIPOLOG
March 28- April 3 | Dipolog City
An annual activity at the mountain ranges of Dipolog City’s
Linabo Peak and the Sungkilaw Falls area. This is participated
in by mountaineers and nature trekkers, which is to be held every
summer season in Dipolog City.
TABACCO FESTIVAL
March 28- March 29 | Candon City, Ilocos Sur
Annual festival to promote major industry of the city “Tobacco.”
GAWAGAWAY-YAN FESTIVAL
March 30- April 13 | Cauayan City
Celebrates the cityhood of the City of Canayan in Isabela Province;
activities include cultural shows, trade shows, parades and street
dancing and variety shows, etc.
SINUGDAN/COMMEMORATION OF THE FIRST CHRISTIAN MASS
March 31 | Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte
Commemoration of the first mass in the Philippines held by the
Spaniards.
FIRST EASTER MASS CELEBRATION
March 31 | Butuan City
A re-enactment of Magellan's landing and planting of the cross
on March 21, 1521 at Mazaua, Butuan City.