February Festivals | Blog | TravelBook

The Philippines is buzzing with fiestas this February. Some festivals commemorate an important occurrence in a town's history, and others serve to thank and honor a patron saint, but some are just done in the spirit of camaraderie and celebration. Whatever reason a town may have for their merriment, everyone is always ready for a good time and visitors are always welcomed warmly. Here, some of the major fiestas celebrated this month.

National Arts Month ─ February 1─ February 29
Nationwide

Once a year talented and influential Filipino artists are given tribute in this activity-filled festival, a nationwide celebration celebrated in various venues throughout the country. The National Arts Month festivities will showcase favorite artists and their contributions to the field, and will give the public an opportunity to view and appreciate the works of up and coming masters. 

Pabirik Festival ─ February 1 ─ February 2
Paracale, Camarines Norte

To promote the gold mining industry in Paracale, the local government holds a two-day festival in honor of this precious metal and its contribution to the town. The local colors of Paracale are highlighted in a series of activities that lead up to the Pabirik, an energetic street dance affair.

Salakayan Festival ─ February 1 ─ February 6
Miag-ao, Iloilo

The highlight of the Salakayan Festival is a street dance-drama depicting the victorious battle waged by the locals against Muslim marauders in 1754. This performance merges art, drama, and local lore to represent the customs of the town. The week-long celebration also introduces visitors to the unique culture of Miag-ao through its various food fairs, agro-industrial and trade fairs, photo exhibits of local life and talent, literary and musical programs, beauty pageants, and street and ballroom dancing competitions.

Pamulinawen Festival ─ February 2 ─ February 10
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Pamulinawen, which means ‘Ilocano Maiden,' is a festival that presents Ilocano customs, culture, and values through various activities such as the Pamulinawen Street Pageantry, Comedia Ilocana, Sarsuela, the Pamulinawen Grand Parade, Calesa Festival, and Balikbayan Nights. The fiesta also exposes visitors to Ilocano products and cuisine through the Dulang Food Festival, and the Pamulinawen and Agro-Industrial Trade Fair. 

Guling-Guling Festival ─ February 9
Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Originally created in the 16th century by the friars as a final fiesta before the Lenten season started, the Guling-Guling Festival was a celebration held on the day before Ash Wednesday to mark the last day of merrymaking and the beginning of the Lenten sacrifices. The fiesta is now regularly celebrated in February, with the highlight being the Guling-Guling Festival Street Dance where townsfolk and visitors are encouraged to dress in the native Abel Paoay Kimona and adorn themselves with century-old traditional jewelry, and take to the streets in song and dance. 

Photo by Betty Tianco

Bamboo Organ Festival ─ February 23 ─ 29
Las Piñas

The Bamboo Organ Festival is week-long celebration of music that highlights the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ. This nineteenth century pipe organ, made almost entirely of bamboo, will be used in a series of concerts representing chamber music, choir groups, Baroque, and popular Filipino contemporary music.

Panagbenga (Baguio City Flower Festival) ─ Month-long, culminating on February 26 ─ February 27
Baguio City

Panagbenga is a Kanakanaey term that means "a season of blooming." This festival was started to commemorate the re-establishment of the city, but now is held to celebrate Baguio City's undisputed role in producing the best and most abundant harvest of flowers in the country. The much-awaited Floral Float Parade brings together flowery floats in various creative themes and loaded with celebrities, mascots, and the city's representatives.