8 Colorful Local Festivals That We’ll Miss This Summer—But We’re Keeping On Our Bucket List!
The global pandemic may have halted travel plans and events for now, but it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy local fiestas. Plan your 2021 summer festival trips as early as now—here are the 8 you should keep on your travel list
Travel and tourism is among the hardest hit sectors by the COVID-19 pandemic, and many of the much-awaited summer festivals have been put off. It will take some time before we can take part in events and large gatherings under the “new normal” setup.
Here are some of the festivals we have to forgo this year, but fret not, as these destinations have a natural allure that make them exciting to visit even at a much later time.
8 Local Festivals We'll Miss This Summer
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Bantayog Festival
The provincial foundation day of Camarines Norte, this event is named after the first monument built in honor of national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Last April would have been a grand fest, being the province’s centennial anniversary with 100 sports, musical, cultural, socio-civic, and adventure events lined up. Just the same, you can go beach-hopping in the powdery uncrowded beaches of Calaguas, Siete Pecados, Parola, Quinamanocan, Parola, Capalonga, or surf at Bagasbas.
Photo Credit: Bernard L. Supetran
Siargao International Gamefishing
One of the country’s top game fishing events held in the Pacific town of Pilar which draws the world’s best anglers. The Liplipan Festival, named after the sailfish, takes place at the mainland as the gamefishers hunt for their catch for the day. But with or without the tournament, Siargao is a consummate island getaway for surfers, beach bums, and watersports aficionados.
Photo Credit: Bernard L. Supetran
Antipolo Maytime Festival
One of the country’s oldest religious devotions, pilgrims walk up to the hilltop Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage to pay homage to the iconic patroness. Part of the festivities is the street parade and the time-honored Santacruzan procession which date back to the Spanish era. At any time of the year, this elevated city is an old-time favorite because of its cool climate, farm resorts, cultural spots, and gourmet restos.
Photo Credit: Bernard L. Supetran
Pistay Dayat
Literally meaning “feast of the sea,” it is held every May 1 in Lingayen, Pangasinan as a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest from the sea. Activities include a fluvial parade along the Agno River and a wide array of beach sports and special events on Lingayen Gulf.
Photo Credit: Bernard L. Supetran
San Isidro Harvest Festivals
Come May 15, scores of agricultural towns across the archipelago to celebrate the feast of St. Isidore, the patron saint of farmers, as a thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest. The most-awaited feasts are the Kneeling Carabao Fest in Pulilan, Bulacan and the colorful Pahiyas of Lucban, Quezon, with similarly-themed celebrations in the neighboring towns, Mayohan of Tayabas, Araña’t Baluarte of Gumaca.
Photo Credit: Choose Philippines
Manggahan Festival
A province-wide summer festivity which marks the creation of Guimaras as a separate province from Iloilo. It promotes the local mango industry and features its tourist attractions, most notably its uncrowded powdery islands and beaches.
Photo Credit: Bernard L. Supetran
Sarangani Bay (SarBay) Festival
Arguably the country’s biggest beach party with an assortment of watersports, wellness and musical events, and environment-oriented recreation. Held at Gumasa Beach in Glan, Sarangani (the so-called “Boracay of Mindanao”), the three-day event lures some 150,000 merrymakers annually. Named among Asia’s Top 50 Beaches by Australia’s Flight Network, it is ideal to visit whole-year round with its boutique resorts and gourmet getaway restos.
Photo Credit: Bernard L. Supetran
Rodeo Masbateño
The biggest cowboy-themed event where ranchers and agricultural students around the Philippines showcase their ranch skills. The weeklong festivity, which has earned Masbate the “Rodeo Capital” title, also showcases the province’s cattle industry and natural wonders.
Photo Credit: Andrew Zuñiga
