Fiesta Fever 101: PH festivals you need to experience for yourself
8 January 2025
The Philippines is a treasure trove of vibrant festivals that celebrate spirituality, history, and community. Festivals like Ati-Atihan, Sinulog, Dinagyang, and Panagbenga are more than just spectacles, they’re deeply immersive experiences ingrained in our culture. Each year, these celebrations bring fresh energy, making them a vital part of preserving Filipino heritage and a must-see for locals and tourists alike.
Ati-atihan Festival
📅 When: January 10 - 19, 2025
📍 Where: Kalibo, Aklan
Known as the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals,” Ati-atihan pays tribute to the Santo Niño with joyful chants of "Viva! Santo Niño!". Many locals and tourists join in on street dancing, adorned in tribal costumes and body paint. Join the celebration by enjoying live performances from local musicians and cultural groups that bring vibrant energy to the festivities. Be sure to explore the stalls for unique souvenirs, including tribal-inspired accessories and clothing.
Where to use your Pluxee Gifts: Scarf down some comfort food by sharing delicious pizza flavors from Yellow Cab with friends. For a relaxing escape, party it up at Red Whale Boracay after enjoying the festivities.
Sinulog Festival
📅 When: January 19, 2025
📍 Where: Cebu City
The Sinulog Festival is a month-long tribute to Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus, combining long-held traditions and a vibrant expression of faith. Dancers perform the signature ‘Sinulog’ step, mimicking water’s flow, symbolizing a cultural transition from pagan roots to Christianity. During your visit, remember to pay homage to the Santo Niño by visiting the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country built in 1565.
Where to use your Pluxee Gifts: Join in on the festivities and after enjoying rhythmic street parades, recharge at our partner restaurants like Vikings or Coffee Project with your Pluxee Gift. Planning to extend your stay? Unwind at Radisson Blu Cebu for a relaxing retreat.
Dinagyang Festival
📅 When: January 26, 2025
📍 Where: Iloilo City
‘Dinagyang’ the Hiligaynon translation for “merrymaking,” celebrates the Sto. Niño and a historic pact between the ‘datus’ and locals after the arrival of Malay settlers. Expect breathtaking tribal dances, vibrant costumes, and lively parades accompanied by festive drum beats when you visit. After the festival, explore heritage sites such as the Molo Church and Mansion, Jaro Cathedral, and Calle Real, to appreciate the city’s rich culture or food trip your way through this UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Where to use your Pluxee Gifts: Enhance your festival experience by booking accommodation at the stylish Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo. Need a quick beauty boost? Visit Bench Fix Salon or Bruno’s Barbershop, and don’t forget to treat your family to pastries from Goldilocks after the festivities.
Panagbenga Festival
📅 When: February 2025
📍 Where: Baguio City
Baguio’s Panagbenga Festival celebrates the people’s resilience after the 1990 Luzon earthquake. This year’s theme, “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries” highlights Baguio’s unique culture and future-forward vision with its month-long festivities showcasing colorful floats, blooming flowers, and Cordilleran music. Burnham Park, one of the country's most iconic green spaces in Baguio, becomes livelier during the festival. Rent a boat to enjoy the scenic lake views or take a leisurely bike ride while savoring the cool air.
Where to use your Pluxee Gifts: Wander through Burnham Park or Session Road while you savor comforting treats from Brownies Unlimited or warm up along the cold weather with hot noodles from Chowking.
Immerse yourself in Filipino culture
Philippine festivals are more than just events; they’re a testament to the nation’s rich heritage, vibrant traditions, and close-knit community. Wherever your festival journey takes you, Pluxee ensures you savor every moment. Moreover, you can even bring the celebration home by visiting Kultura at the nearest SM malls in each city where these festivals are held to find unique trinkets and souvenirs. Whether it’s savoring local cuisine, unwinding at premier accommodations, or indulging in a self-care session, experience the best of Filipino culture with over 14,000 of our partner merchants using your Pluxee Gift. Visit Merchant Locator for the full list of partner merchants.
Partner with us: Want to enable more joyful moments by giving Pluxee Gifts for your teams or partners? Book a free consultation here and give them access to our extensive merchant network nationwide.
