The Filipinos are probably the most socially oriented race. This is shown in the numerous festivals that are being held all over the country and throughout the year. Festivals, which are more commonly called fiestas sometimes, become the most anticipated events. Festivals or fiestas are undeniable and unforgettable part of the Filipino culture.

Some fiestas are meant to honor patron saints and this practice is an influence of the more than 300 years of Spanish colonization. Other fiestas commemorate events in the local history. And still other fiestas are celebrated to show gratitude for a good harvest. Definitely, all festivals in the Philippines are characterized with overflowing food, festive music and sounds, and kaleidoscopic colors.

Here are four of the fiestas that you should consider seeing while vacationing in the Philippines.

Ati-Atihan – celebrated in Kalibo, Aklan on the January 13-19

This festival honors the infant Sto, Niño, the patron of the people of Kalibo, Aklan and it also recalls the agreement between the Ati King Marikudo and 10 Bornean chieftains regarding the use of the land. During this festival, one will witness revelers who are painted with powder as black as soot and dressed up in colorful native-inspired costumes. These revelers pour on the street, lifting and waving their hands in a seemingly mindless ritual amidst the dizzying drumbeats and the continuous chanting of “Viva, Sto. Niño!”

The Ati-Atihan in Aklan, he will be glad to know that Ati-Atihan is also celebrated in other parts of the country, especially in places where the patron saint is the infant Sto. Niño.

Sinulog – celebrated in Cebu City on January 18-19

This festival is reputed to be the most elaborate and most magnificent fiesta in the country. There is a citywide procession of devotees and spectators who are doing the prayer-dance to the relentless beat of drums and the almost frantic shouting of “Pit Señor! Viva Sto. Niño!” The prayer-dance is a shuffling of feet, which involves two steps forward followed by one-step backwards. Celebrated for several centuries now, the Sinulog is a much-awaited event in the month of January.

Dinagyang – celebrated in Iloilo City on January 25-26

Like the Ati-Atihan and the Sinulog, the Ilonggos (locals of Iloilo) celebrate their colorful pre-Spanish past in their very own Dinagyang festival. During this fiesta, the Ilonggos leave their work and other activities to join the Dinagyang dance-parade. In this parade, the usually conservative Ilonggos paint their bodies, wear warrior costumes with shields and “native weapons”, and become uninhibited in expressing their joy.

Panagbenga – celebrated in Baguio on February 23 to March 3

At the threshold of summer, the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio, seems to be overrun with flowers. The people wear colorful clothes and costumes, most of which imitate flowers to tell the world that the flower season has begun. The climate remains cool, but there is a gathering of warm and friendly members of the 15 ethnic tribes of Baguio. There is also a parade of floats composed of flowers.