The Bicol Region isn’t just about breathtaking landscapes and fiery cuisine; it’s a cultural powerhouse fueled by its vibrant communities. Every year, Bicol comes alive with a series of dynamic festivals that celebrate its deep-rooted traditions and unshakable spirit. From the adrenaline-charged Rodeo Festival in Masbate to the solemn yet grand Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City, each event offers a window into the heart and soul of Bicolanos. These celebrations aren’t merely dates on a calendar—they’re living testaments to the region’s resilience, unity, and passion for life. As we step into the 2025 Bicol festival season, get ready to experience a spectacular fusion of tradition and festivity like never before.
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February 11 | Tinagba Festival | Iriga City
Every February 11, Iriga City bursts into color with the Tinagba Festival, a tradition rooted in ancient Bicolano rituals. Historically, locals offered their first harvest to deities as a gesture of gratitude and a plea for continued abundance. Today, this age-old practice is reenacted with grand parades featuring bull carts brimming with the finest produce, lively street dances, and vibrant costumes. The festival coincides with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, blending indigenous customs with Catholic traditions.
April 6-8 | Rodeo Festival | Masbate
Dubbed the “Rodeo Capital of the Philippines,” Masbate takes center stage every April with the Rodeo Festival. This unique event showcases the province’s deep-rooted cattle-raising heritage. Expect adrenaline-pumping activities like bull riding, cattle wrestling, lassoing, and the challenging “figure of eight” competition. Both men and women participate, highlighting the community’s inclusive spirit. Beyond the rodeo arena, the festival features trade fairs, parades, and street parties, offering a comprehensive glimpse into Masbate’s vibrant culture.
April 26-28 | Baybayon Festival | Sañgay, Camarines Sur
Sañgay’s Baybayon Festival is a tribute to the town’s coastal heritage and the vital role of fishing in its economy. Held from April 26 to 28, the festival features activities such as boat races, seafood cooking contests, and beach games. Traditional dances and performances narrate tales of the sea, reflecting the community’s deep connection to maritime life.
April 28-30 | Butanding Festival | Donsol, Sorsogon
Donsol, renowned for its gentle giant whale sharks, locally known as “butanding,” celebrates the Butanding Festival from April 28 to 30. This event aims to promote marine conservation and sustainable eco-tourism. Highlights include fluvial parades, environmental seminars, and opportunities to interact with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, fostering a sense of responsibility towards marine life.
May 1 | Boa-Boahan Festival | Nabua, Camarines Sur
On May 1, Nabua comes alive with the Boa-Boahan Festival, a reenactment of an ancient ritual where locals offered chains of coconut embryos, called “boa,” to deities to ensure bountiful harvests and protection. The festival showcases street performances, traditional music, and dances that pay homage to the town’s agricultural roots and rich history.
May 1-31 | Magayon Festival | Albay
Spanning the entire month of May, the Magayon Festival in Albay is a grand celebration of the province’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Named after the legendary heroine “Daragang Magayon,” the festival features a plethora of activities, including art exhibits, culinary fairs, street parades, and beauty pageants. The majestic Mayon Volcano serves as a stunning backdrop, symbolizing the region’s allure and mystique.
May 20-24 | Padayaw Festival | Virac, Catanduanes
Virac’s Padayaw Festival, held from May 20 to 24, is a vibrant showcase of the island’s rich cultural traditions and natural wonders. The term “Padayaw” combines “pada,” meaning to invite, and “dayaw,” meaning honor. The festival includes street dances, agro-trade fairs, and various competitions, all aimed at promoting local products and tourism.
May 21-27 | Kaogma Festival | Pili, Camarines Sur
Kaogma, meaning “happiness” in Bicolano, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this week-long festival in Pili. From May 21 to 27, the town hosts a series of events, including concerts, sports competitions, and culinary showcases. The festival commemorates the foundation of the province and aims to foster unity and pride among its residents.
June 16-21 | Tabak Festival | Tabaco City
Tabaco City’s Tabak Festival, celebrated from June 16 to 21, honors the city’s namesake—the “tabak” or bolo knife. The festival pays tribute to the craftsmanship of local blacksmiths and the city’s agricultural heritage. Activities include street parades, trade fairs, and cultural performances, all highlighting the significance of the tabak in the city’s history and daily life.
June 20-29 | Pili Festival | Sorsogon City
Sorsogon City’s Pili Festival, held from June 20 to 29, celebrates the versatile pili nut, a key product of the region. The festival features culinary competitions, showcasing various delicacies made from pili, as well as street dances and trade fairs. It’s a testament to the importance of the pili industry in the local economy and culture.
August | Ibalong Festival | Legazpi City
Every August, Legazpi City hosts the Ibalong Festival, a non-religious celebration inspired by the Ibalong epic, which tells the tales of ancient heroes, villains, and mythical creatures. Participants wear elaborate masks and costumes, reenacting the epic’s scenes through street performances and dances. The festival embodies the resilience and bravery of the Bicolano people.
Third Week of September | Peñafrancia Festival | Naga City
The Peñafrancia Festival, held during the third week of September in Naga City, is one of the largest Marian festivals in the Philippines. Devotees from all over the country gather to honor Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the region’s patroness. The festivities include a fluvial procession, where the image of the Virgin is carried along the Naga River, and a series of religious and cultural activities that reflect deep faith and devotion.
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