6 Traditional Festivals in the Philippines
When it comes to the variety of festivals, the Philippines is definitely a master. It is no exaggeration to say that Filipinos almost always celebrate festivals. Due to the historical colonization of Spain and the influence of Catholic culture in the Philippines, traditional festivals are not lacking. Now we introduce you some traditional festivals in the Philippines.
Semana Santa
Semana Santa is a vacation for Catholics in the Philippines. Starting from the first Sunday after March 15 each year, a week-long religious event is held to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, which is why it is called Holy Week. The parades of idols and dramas of the Passion of Jesus are held in the Philippines during Holy Week. Precepts are held during Lent. The last day of Holy Week (Holy Saturday) is the day when Jesus is resurrected and the climax of Holy Week. On this day, the adults distribute eggs to the children and carry out a "Reunion Procession" to commemorate the reunion of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
May Flowers
The May Flower Festival is the last Sunday in May. This is one of the greatest and liveliest festivals in the Philippines, named after being held in May when the flowers are in full bloom. Every afternoon, the girl holds a bouquet to present to the Virgin Mary. On the last Sunday in May, there is a parade of the Virgin Mary. The girl wears a white robe full of flowers.
New Year
December 31 to January 1 is the annual New Year in the Philippines. Fireworks are activated in the streets of cities across the country. Gathering with family on New Year's Eve is a traditional habit in the Philippines. The New Year's dance party held at the hotel is performed by a live band. This day is equivalent to our New Year's Eve. The citizens gathered in various churches in the district, filled with piety and anticipation, and attended the first Mass of the New Year. The villagers in the suburbs put on beautiful clothes and hats, and happily walked through the village with their children.
National Day
The Philippines organized a party to celebrate the founding of the country. Philippine Independence Day changed history. On June 12, 1898, the Philippines declared its independence and established the Republic of the Philippines, which was later occupied by the United States and became a colony of the United States. On July 4, 1946, the United States agreed to independence from the Philippines. In 1964, July 4 was renamed "Philippine Republic Day", and June 12 was declared as "Philippine Independence Day", that is, the National Day.
Easter
March 27 is a traditional Easter in the West. Easter is to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus and is also the most important holiday in Christianity. Many Filipinos bring their children to participate in various celebrations. At dawn, a little girl acts as an angel, stepping on the clouds and gently lifting the white veil that covers the Virgin Mary and the Risen Christ. At this moment, everyone is singing Hallelujah.
Christmas
As the only Catholic country in Asia, the Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the world. From December 16, the nine-day "Simbang Gabi" began and did not end until the 24th. In the greetings, the churches in the Philippines are filled with people who are humming beautiful hymns. December 25th is Christmas. In the Philippines, mass greetings are held before sunrise. On Christmas Day, everyone will give presents and the family will gather.
