What comes to your mind when you think of the Philippines? Do you think of white sand beaches? Or is it the hot tropical weather? Do you also think of the warm, friendly people? Whatever you think of, it is undeniable that the Philippines is a place with a rich culture. 

That culture is evident in the festivals that abound the whole year long in the tropical paradise. From January to December, the country hosts a multitude of gatherings that display the diverse elements of our local culture and also celebrate the essence of what it means to be Filipino. In August, especially, there is no lack of fun festivals the whole month long.

August Festivals You Should See at Least Once

Here are six of the most exciting August festivals to look forward to.

Palu-Palo Festivals

Explora PH

When: August 4–5

Where: Basco, Batanes

Travel Time: 2 hours from Manila via air

It’s a gathering of the various municipalities in Batanes, with the aim to showcase the best of their ethnic group’s culture and to commemorate their storied existence.

Fruit Festivals

Busy.org

When: August 9–11

Where: Kidapawan City, North Cotabato

Travel Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes from Manila to Kidapawan City through Cotabato City via air and land

This is Kidapawan City’s annual fruit festival as its way of celebrating its fruit-growing industry. The city prepares a variety of activities for the event, such as a parade, cultural shows, exhibits, street dancing contests, and even educational lectures about fruit preparation.

Cordova Dinagat Festivals

HelloTravel

When: Second week of August

Where: Cordova, Cebu

Travel Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes from Manila via air

This festival celebrates the unique culture of the Cordovanhons, particularly their fishing rituals. Events like an interpretative dance contest and street dancing are organized by the locals. 

Kalibongan Festivals

Explore Cotabato

When: August 14

Where: Kidapawan City, North Cotabato 

Travel Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes from Manila to Kidapawan City through Cotabato City via air and land

Featuring a “blood compact” peace ceremony, a traditional horse fight, and many other native-themed events, this is a party like nothing you’ve ever seen before. The term kalibongan itself means “grand festival,” and this is when the local tribes of the place like the Manobos and Bagobos go down to the city and proudly show off their cultural heritage.

Lubi-Lubi Festivals

Sarangani Today

When: August 15

Where: Calubian, Leyte

Travel Time: 4 hours and 15 minutes from Manila to Calubian through Tacloban City via air and land

The highlight of this festival is a cultural presentation participated in by the residents of the town, where they dance and express the significance of coconut trees to their community. 

Pavvu Rulun Festival & Padda na Lima

Rappler

When: August 15–17

Where: Tuguegarao, Cagayan

Travel Time: 5 minutes from Manila via air

This festival is a grand celebration like no other, with a wide selection of events such as cultural presentations, sports fests, a trade fair, street dancing, and a beauty pageant. The term pavvu rulun means “coming together,” and indeed, this occasion is an opportunity for the locals to get together and celebrate.

Festivals are a way to celebrate life. For Filipinos, who are known for having the happiest and most fun-loving dispositions in the world, celebrations and gatherings are an important part of life and culture. 

Watch the videos below.