The Philippines has a festival culture that puts most countries to shame. Almost every town and city has its own patron saint fiesta, but a handful of festivals have grown into major events worth planning a trip around.
Sinulog (Cebu City, third Sunday of January) is the biggest street party in the country — a mass of painted faces, elaborate costumes, and ear-splitting drum corps all flowing through the streets in honor of the Santo Niño. The main parade fills an entire day; the week before it sees street parties and concerts throughout the city. Book accommodation months ahead.
Ati-Atihan (Kalibo, Aklan, third week of January) calls itself the "mother of all Philippine festivals." Participants paint their faces black and dance in tribal costumes through the streets for three days, again in honor of the Santo Niño. The atmosphere is more raucous and intimate than Sinulog — a genuine street celebration rather than a produced spectacle.
Panagbenga (Baguio, February) is a month-long flower festival with a grand float parade made entirely from fresh flowers. The cool highland air and the riot of color make it a striking contrast to the coastal festivals.
Pahiyas (Lucban, Quezon, May 15) sees an entire town decorate its houses with produce — rice, vegetables, fruit, and kiping (colored rice wafers) — in thanks for the harvest and in honor of San Isidro Labrador. The houses along the parade route compete for the most elaborate display, and the whole thing is dismantled and eaten after the procession passes.
Kadayawan (Davao, third week of August) celebrates the diverse cultures of Mindanao and the region's abundance of tropical fruit. Floats made from durian, mangosteen, and exotic orchids parade through the city streets.
Feast of the Black Nazarene (Manila, January 9) draws millions of barefoot devotees to the streets of Quiapo in one of the most intense religious processions anywhere in Asia. The image of the Black Nazarene — a dark-skinned Christ carved from black wood — is hauled through the crowds by ropes, and the faithful surge forward to touch it. Overwhelming to witness.