Filipinos are known for their cheerful nature and always find ways to exhibit their rich culture and traditions. Religious customs are often the basis of festivals in the Philippines, aiming to strengthen people’s faith. Additionally, many other celebrations occur to honor agriculture, history and to express gratitude for life’s blessings. These June festivals in Luzon also serve as an opportunity to boost the local economy and pay tribute to the country’s ancestors.
Here’s a list of June festivals in Luzon you may like to experience:
Pili Festival (June 29 – Sorsogon City)
The Pili Festival is a yearly celebration in Sorsogon, Philippines, every June 29. This festival combines cultural, religious, and fruit festivities that highlight the province’s abundant growth of the pili fruit tree. The event coincides with the feast day of Sts. Peters and Paul, making it a significant occasion for the locals.
The festival starts with a nine-day novena that focuses on its religious aspect. This novena begins on June 20 and concludes on June 28, with the last novena prayers happening on this day. A pontifical, concelebrated mass occurs the following day at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral.
The city government of Sorsogon takes care of the secular activities during the festival. These activities may occur throughout June and culminate on the last day of the month. The mayor kicks off the festivities with a ceremonial “pagtilad.”
Aside from the religious activities, various events such as sports, cultural shows, outreach programs, street dancing, parades, trade fair, talent competitions, cook fest, and music events keep the festival spirit.
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June Festivals in Luzon: Tabak Festival (June 15 – 24, Tabaco City)
The Tabak Festival began in 2002 and is a yearly celebration in Tabaco, Albay, in Bicol. It includes various activities such as the annual Mutya ng Tabak beauty pageant, street dancing competition, Sibidan, the Padyak Race, and various shows, fairs, trades, and exhibits.
The Tabaco City people decorate the streets with beautiful colors during the street dance competition, which is participated by Tabaquenos and participants from other parts of Bicol. There is also the Karawat Bicolnon, a sports activity for the different contingents. It shows the festive spirit of Tabaquenos and Bicolanos alike.
The Tabak Festival is an annual celebration in the city commemorating its cityhood in 2003. This festival highlights the city’s culture and the daily lives of its people, mainly the craft of making Tabak, a sword farmers use to clear fields or cut open coconuts. In addition, the festival aims to promote the city’s spirit of community and harmony.
Pinyasan Festival (June 15-24, Daet)
The town of Daet in Camarines Norte, located in the Bicol Region, celebrates the annual Pinyasan or Pineapple Festival. The festival runs from June 15 to 24, coinciding with the feast of the town’s patron saint, Saint John the Baptist.
The 10-day festival serves as an avenue for showcasing the primary agri-product of the Camarines Norte province, the Queen Formosa Pineapple. This pineapple has a unique sweetness and is considered the sweetest among all kinds of pineapple. During the Pinyasan or Pineapple Festival, the townspeople get the Formosa pineapple for free and cooked into various food products.
The festival showcases various exciting events such as street dancing, beauty pageant, and float competition, all featuring pineapples as a theme. In addition, there are also pineapple peeling and cooking contests. One festival highlight is the free distribution of pineapple-flavored ice cream as a gesture of gratitude from the local growers to the buyers.
Visitors of the Pineapple Festival can indulge in the sweet taste of Formosa pineapple, which is grown using a unique method between coconut trees and a particular soil composition that gives it a distinct flavor. Daet also offers pineapple jam and tart for those who want to try other pineapple food products.
Pinangat Festival (June 10-24, Camalig)
The Pinangat Festival showcases the unique culture and arts of Camaligueños, along with the natural and artificial attractions of the municipality. The festival also highlights the warmth and hospitality of the locals. In addition, the name attracts visitors and promotes the local food delicacy.
The month-long festivities offer a variety of exciting activities for all, including sporting events, martial arts competitions and exhibitions, cultural presentations, concerts, dance contests, and more. The festival culminates with an agri fair, which includes a pinangat cooking contest for residents engaged in this home industry.
June Festivals in Luzon: Parada ng Lechon (June 24, Balayan)
The Parada ng Lechon is an annual festival in Balayan, Batangas, on June 24, also the feast day of San Juan. This festival is a must-see event that showcases the region’s specialty dish – lechon. Lechon is a popular delicacy in Batangas and other provinces in the Philippines. It has been a part of Batangas tradition for a long time, even before the Spanish colonization. Therefore, the villagers believe serving lechon during celebrations symbolizes their cultural heritage.
The festivities kick off on the streets of Balayan with a lively parade. Spectators eagerly soak participants with water as they pass by. Bystanders can grab a piece of the delectable lechon paraded around. It’s an extraordinary celebration indeed.
Once the parade ends, it’s time to indulge in the lechons. The day ends with drinking and feasting. However, it’s essential to be cautious as the lechon is high in cholesterol and may pose a risk to your health.
Final Thoughts
The Philippines offers more than just the best beaches and food adventures. The top tourist destinations in the country have various exciting activities to offer, including attending some of the best festivals in the Philippines. Make your travel more enjoyable by selecting some recommended festivals and preparing for your trip to these destinations.
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