In the Philippines, March isn’t just the beginning of summer. It’s a season that signals the start of vibrant festivals that bring Filipino communities across the archipelago to life.
From banging street parades to intimate, small-town fiestas, these celebrations showcase the country’s rich traditions and the legendary hospitality Filipinos are known for throughout the world.
Be it in bustling cities or quiet provinces, festivals offer both locals and tourists a time to come together in shared spirit and collective experience.
If you’re looking to see firsthand what this means exactly, here are some must-attend festivals this season, where culture, tradition, and Filipino warmth take center stage.
Pintados de Pasi Festival (Passi City, Iloilo)
The Pintados de Pasi Festival, held from March 1 to 16, trains the spotlight on the Visayas’ centuries-old tattooing tradition through colorful street performances and cultural showcases.
Dancers, clad in elaborate body paint, take to the streets, reenacting folklore and oral histories.
However, it’s not just about the spectacle. What it’s really about is creating connections. Locals eagerly welcome tourists, inviting them to enjoy home-cooked meals and stories about their heritage.
Visitors are always part of the experience, whether it’s joining the parade or simply sitting down for a bowl of steaming batchoy.
Feast of St. Vincent Ferrer (Dasol, Pangasinan)
In quaint and far-flung towns across the Philippines, fiestas aren’t just events—they’re part of the locals’ daily lives. Take the Feast of St. Vincent Ferrer in Dasol, for example.
Held on March 7, the first Friday of Lent, this festival sees deep religious devotion intersect with lively town festivities, creating a space where faith and community collide.
But the real highlight? Families opening their homes to guests. It’s common to be invited in for a plate of adobo or a shot of lambanog. No introductions needed—just good food and good company.
Mahaguyog Festival (Sto. Tomas, Batangas)
A fusion of three major aspects of the town—Magsasaka (farmers), Guro (teachers), and Magsasaging (banana growers)—Mahaguyog Festival is Sto. Tomas’ way of celebrating its hardworking locals.
Happening every March, it’s a lively mix of agricultural parades, street dancing, and food fairs showcasing the town’s local produce.
Beyond the performances and festivities, it’s a time for the community to say thank you for a bountiful harvest and a way to honor the labor that sustains them.
Balayong Festival (Puerto Princesa, Palawan)
Apart from beach trips, March in Puerto Princesa is also time for the province’s Balayong Festival, which celebrates the city’s founding anniversary and its iconic cherry blossom-like trees.
The festival paints the town pink—quite literally—with a floral parade, tree-planting activities, and cultural shows.
It’s a reminder of the city’s natural beauty and the importance of conservation efforts, all wrapped up in a festive, community-driven celebration.
Kaamulan Festival (Bukidnon)
A true showcase of indigenous culture, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon brings together the province’s seven ethnic tribes: the Manobo, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Talaandig, Umayamnon, Matigsalug, and Tigwahanon.
Happening throughout March, the festival is an explosion of traditional music, rituals, and dances.
Here, you get the chance to witness the living traditions of Mindanao’s indigenous peoples and their enduring connection to their ancestral lands.
A celebration for all
Filipino festivals are more than just a way to preserve traditions. They bring people together, regardless of their background or where they come from.
Whether it’s a grand city-wide event or a small-town fiesta, these celebrations are all about community, culture, and shared experiences.
Strangers turn into friends over a shared meal, laughter fills the streets, and for a moment, everyone is part of something bigger.
These shared moments—although fleeting—remind us of the importance of being in the moment and creating real connections.