festivals

 estivals are the bright flecks of Ilonggo life.  They are mostly religious and folk celebrations rolled into one.  Beyond public enjoyment of the celebration, festivals provide an opportunity for elders to pass on folk knowledge to younger generations.  It binds the people in unity transcending personal concerns.  It enriches understanding of one's heritage, fulfilling an informal educational function.

It provides the perfect occasion for feasting, fellowship and family get-togethers.  Festivals are the glue that holds together far-flung members of family and friends who come on reunions.
 

It is an outpouring of respect, rejoicing, or high revelry. It can also be a commemoration of an important historical or cultural event, or a re-creation of cherished folkways.
 

Here in Iloilo, no one really seemed entirely sure how many festivals there are, but they truly reflect Iloilo’s diverse cultural heritage, enabling visitors a glimpse of a rich history and tradition as well as culture.
 

Testimony to the rich, multi-faceted tapestry of cultures in Iloilo is a bustling calendar of colorful festivals and events. Ours has the biggest and most prolonged festivals in the country. The listings in this brochure allow you to peer into the soul of Ilonggos as you witness our celebrations of ancient myths and beliefs or join in as we applaud breath-taking performances of stylized dance, indigenous music and theater by Ilonggo artists.

In the region, it is only in Iloilo that cultural festivals are celebrated back to back.  All year round, the province is in permanent celebration as the diversity of festivals, religious celebrations, cultural events, and exhibitions leave spectators in awe. A melting pot of East and West, of modernity and heritage, Iloilo gives visitors endless choices of unforgettable experiences. So easy to enjoy, so hard to forget!

The unending beat of the drums, and Ilonggos predisposition for a good party, the result--- a flamboyant display of folk dances, colors and fun.