Festivals in the Philippines

Many and varied festivals throughout the Philippines are enjoyed by people of all ages all year round. A lot of them have a religious theme but others depict the customs, costumes and beliefs of the tribes of that particular region; for instance in the city of Baguio one of the major events is the gathering of tribes in a week long event to celebrate life. It is marked by tribal dancing and performances of thanksgiving rituals combined with much eating of traditional filapino foods such as Lechon, young suckling pig roasted on a long bamboo pole and Kari Kari, a special festival dish of meat and vegetables served with toasted brown rice.

Also, in the City of Lingayan Pangasinan, a festival is held in January to commemorate the landing by General McArthurs`s allied forces in Luzon in 1946. On the last Sunday in January, groups in Makati City Manila dress in costumes which represent endangered flora and fauna to express the need to preserve our natural heritage. On my own island of Leyte there are many festivals that symbolise the cultures of the Philippines with people decorating themselves in costumes imitating the warriers of old.