Sunday, December 5, 2010

Discover Most Colorful Festivals in the Philippines

By Roger Ricafort


Filipinos are the happiest people in the world, they can laugh when calamities strike their country and they can remain happy when misfortune hit them. In addition, the attitude that the Filipinos have is reflected on the country's different festivities. Listed below are the most colorful festivals in the Philippines that are celebrated every year. These colorful festivals attract not only local people but also thousands of tourists around the world.

Masskara Festival in Bacolod is the most colorful festival that the country celebrates. Bacolod is the Philippines' City of Smile. This is the province's version of Mardi gras that started during the year 1980s and masks with colorful ornaments and beads hid the sad faces of the Negrenses (Negros Occidental citizens). The festivity is highlighted by a street dancing competition of dancers with colorful masks. Moreover, Masskara came from the word "mass" which means many and "kara for faces.

Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City is the country's second most colorful festival. This is Philippine's version of Pasadena's Rose Parade in the United States. The festival parades float that is decorated with fresh flowers. This event is a month long festival that serves a tribute to the city's abundant flower production. This was after the damage of Luzon Earthquake in the year 1990. Moreover, the festivity is being celebrated in the month of February and the tourists extend to stay in the city until March to April.

Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon is another colorful event in the country. This serves as the folks' way of thanksgiving for their bountiful harvests every year. Pahiyas festival was celebrated during 15th of May every year and honors the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador. Moreover, Pahiyas festival highlights a rice-made decoration called kiping. This decoration can be eaten and most folks fry or grill the kiping for their guests.

Cebu's Sinulog Festival is the grandest and one of the most colorful Philippines' festivals. This celebration lasts for nine days and the last day highlights the long parade of Sinulog. Sinulog festival is being celebrated during the January's third Sunday. Moreover, the dance rituals of the Cebuanos determine how they honor their pagan origin and how they accept their Christianity.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment