Festivals in Iloilo City Showcasing Its Colorful Culture and Tradition

It is common for Ilonggos to organize celebrations and fiestas, in fact, there's little doubt about it.

Every year, the whole city of Iloilo and Western Visayas comes together for a town-wide celebration. As a cultural festival, it might be a celebration of a patron saint's birthday, a religious fiesta honoring a patron saint, or the foundation day of the town or city.

Because of its central location in the Philippines, Iloilo has earned the moniker "Heart of the Philippines.". In addition to the well-known Dinagyang festival, Iloilo has a number of other religious and visually stimulating celebrations. Additionally, it's referred to as the "Province of Festivals."

Below are some of the festivals being celebrated in Iloilo City:

Binanog Festival (Lambunao)

The Binanog Festival is an annual event in Lambunao, Iloilo, Philippines. This event is held in memory of the baby Jesus. Several events, dance routines, performances, and contests are part of the festival, which draws both residents and visitors for a week of joy.

The Binanog dance of the Panay-Bukidnon ethnic group is one of the traditional dances shown here. Filipinos use the name "banog" to describe hawks, and the Binanog dance is based on this. The dance moves like a hawk, which makes it an exciting performance to see.

When to visit: Visit Lambunao 2nd week of January Binanog Festival.

Sinadya sang mga Banwa (Iloilo City)

As part of this province-wide event, kiosks are set up in the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Grounds parking lot to offer local produce and goods each year.

When to visit: It is celebrated every 3rd weekend of January in Iloilo Provincial Grounds.

Pasungay Festival & Pahibag Festival (San Joaquin)

Many nations still have bullfighting competitions. Some people see it as a way of life, while others see it as a cultural celebration. It's seen as a metaphor for the conflict that exists between man and nature, as well as between a man and himself. Despite the fact that horse fighting is illegal in many nations, the residents of San Joaquin continue to do it because of its cultural significance.

When to visit: It is celebrated every 3rd week of January.

Dinagyang Festival (Iloilo City)

The Dinagyang Festival in the Philippines is one of the country's largest and most prestigious celebrations. It tells the tale of the Filipinos' devotion to the Holy Child Jesus, affectionately referred to as Sr. Sto. Niño. The event also honors the entrance of the Malay immigrants and the fabled barter of Panay Island from the indigenous people known as Ati, all of which are celebrated throughout the celebration.

It is a stunning display of dance with vibrant tribal costumes and eye-catching props that depicts life in Panay before Spanish colonialism and the arrival of Catholicism in the region.

When to visit: It is celebrated every 4th week of January.

Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival (Calinog)

One of the province's most distinctive and genuine events, honoring the region's unique culture and heritage.

Each part of the performance is based on either the pre-Hispanic celebration of Sulodnons or Panay Bukidnons, or on the Catholic tradition associated with Sr. Sto. Niño's feast day. Suguidanon and Hirinugyaw make up the first and last sections of the course.

When to visit: It is celebrated last Sunday of January.

Paraw Regatta (Iloilo City)

Iloilo City's seaside is adorned by a variety of colorful sailboats called paraws. When it was first held in the late 16th century, the Paraw Regatta was hailed as Asia's oldest traditional craft event. The seamen of the Paraws are engaged in a race between the seas of Guimaras Island and Iloilo, Philippines.

An annual competition to choose a beauty queen for the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival is held, and the crowned queen serves as an ambassador for both the festival and Iloilo's women. This yearly festival preserves the Ilonggo culture and tradition by being innovative, artistic, and resourceful.

When to visit: It is celebrated every 3rd week of February.

Tubong-Tubong Festival (Tubungan)

The Tubong-Tubong Festival coincides with the annual commemoration of Tubungan's independence as a full-fledged town in the Province of Iloilo, in the Philippines.

In order to raise the awareness of Tubunganons about our history, behavior, and ethics, this festival is held each year to discover the advancement of duna skills and recognize our people who have excelled in various walks of life. Tubungan's overall goal is to unite the population in wealth, and this festival serves as a way to accomplish this.

When to visit: It is celebrated every May 1st.

Katagman Festival (Oton)

Over the course of the week-long event, Laro Ng Lahi bring back games like palosebo, tumba patis, and the ever-popular kadang sa paya.

The Tribes Contest combines street dance with street drama in a unique way. Tribes from a cluster of the municipality's 37 barangays are participating in the competition. This group includes the Tribu Kanipaan, the Tribu Nakatundan, the Tribu Katamnanese, the Tribu Parayan, the Tribu Parawese, the Tribu Mandaragat and Tribu Malacan.

When to visit: It is celebrated every 1st week of May.

Pahaw-as Festival (Dumangas)

Families or neighbors use seine nets to collect bangus in these situations. Every year, the Haw-as festival is held as a way for people to give thanks to God for all of nature's blessings. Dancers would congregate in prayer to ensure a bountiful harvest. Finally, shots of a party with dancing and singing are shown.

Specialty dishes, live entertainment, and more are essential to the Haw-as Festival experience.

When to visit: It is celebrated every 1st week of May.

Tangyan Festival (Igbaras)

Tangyan Festival, which takes place every year in Iloilo, brings the city to life with street dance and competitions among the many tribes. Since 2006, the event has taken place.

Tangyan's contribution to history and economics is recognized in a festival that honors Tangyan. Igbaras' economy is bolstered each year by the event, which attracts both locals and tourists. Tourism and lodging enterprises benefit greatly from Tangyan Festival in addition to the economy of the region.

When to visit: It is celebrated every 3rd week of May.

Lumina Iloilo's 8th Anniversary celebration

If you find yourself lost in the Province of Iloilo this month, we would like to invite you to the 8th year anniversary celebration of one of the top communities in the Province of Iloilo this coming June 25th.

Lumina Iloilo is located in Brgy. Abilay Norte, Oton, Iloilo and one of the flagship communities of Lumina Homes. You can visit our site here in Oton and participate with our fun activities such as:

June 4 - C2 Entrance & Phase 4 Guard house Blessing

June 10 - Tree Planting (AM) and Lumina On Wheels (PM)

June 11 - SIP & TALK Openhouse

June 17 - Lumina On Wheels

June 18 - Saturday Soiree

June 25 - Lumina Iloilo 8th Year Anniversary

Also, don't miss booking a site tripping on your visit and check our available home model units and great amenities. You might also want to book your home reservations and Pay LESS, Get MORE from your chosen home model units with FREE Water Application Fee, FREE Electric Application Fee, FREE HOA Membership Fee, FREE Loan Processing, FREE Title Processing, Longer Downpayment Term, and Lower Monthly Downpayment.

See you in Oton, Iloilo!