7 Exciting Events and Festivals or Fiestas on the Island of Bohol!
As one of the most popular islands within the Philippines Island chain, Bohol is known for its many exciting Events and Festivals or Fiestas. With festivals taking place throughout the year, Bohol is a great place for a vacation getaway. Here are just seven of the festivals that are celebrated on the Philippine Island of Bohol.
The island itself is easily accessible by air or boat and once you are there you can find various options for navigating the island from a regular taxi to a habal-habal. Whichever festival you are interested in attending one is just the same as you would in any other country and you would need to take our adequate travel cover to ensure you are protected whilst getting about. Of course, you would also need all your usual festival baggage and travel accessories.
1.) Ubi Festival:
Taking place during the month of January, the Ubi Festival celebrates the Ubi plant, one of the most popular and prized crops on the island of Bohol.
The Ubi plant has the taste and texture of a sweet potato with bright purple coloring. The plant is so popular that it is used to provide the coloring in the making of halo-halo, the national dessert.
The Ubi Festival includes contests, exhibits, and seminars to educate the guests about the uses and potential of the Ubi plant. The Ubi festival continues to gain more popularity each year.
2.) Agbunan Festival:
Held on June 28th, the Agbunan Festival celebrates the traditions and culture of the Philippines. A festival is a high-energy event with lots of street-dancing and parades as well as booths with traditional foods. The Agbunan Festival is designed to promote tourism and introduce guests to the exciting lifestyle of the Philippine people.
The festival also promotes the agriculture and ecological environment of the island of Bohol.
3.) Pahinungod Festival:
This 10-day festival occurs during the month of May and celebrates the rich ancestry and spiritual heritage of the Island of Bohol. The Festival of Pahinungod pays homage to Saint San Vicente Ferrer as well as the city of Calape’s history and traditions. The festival includes concerts, street dances, and daily exhibits and seminars on the island’s history. The festival also includes an exciting event known as the “Search for Miss Calape.” The Pahinungod Festival is known for being a very sacred and respected Philippine festival.
4.) Bolibongkingking Festival:
The Bolibongkingking Festival highlights the traditional heritage of the Loboc people on the Island of Bohol. The festival explores the history and folklore of the people through dances and music events.
The highlight of the festival is the supplication dance ritual that takes place with the rhythm of gongs and drums among other native instruments at the Statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
As the 2nd Patron of Loboc, the festival celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe is a very special event among the Loboc people and a highly anticipated celebration on the Island.
5.) Sandugo Festival Tagbilaran:
Taking place during the entire month of July, the Sandugo Festival celebrates a blood pact that was made between Spanish Explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, Lord of the Bohol Island in 1565. The festival includes plenty of street fairs, dances, sporting events, cultural events, and more. There are also plenty of shows, agricultural showcases, and even a beauty contest. The Sandugo Festival has plenty of historical displays and exhibits to describe what life was like on the island during the 16th century when the blood pact was made as well as a re-enactment of the event.
6.) Tagbilaran City Fiesta:
Held annually starting on May 1st, the Tagbilaran City Fiesta is a celebration of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of Tagbilaran City. This fiesta is filled with exciting dances and entertainment as well as stage plays, concerts, pageants, and more. The “Mutya sa Tagbilaran” is a famous Philippine beauty pageant on the island of Bohol that the citizens look forward to every year. The festivities begin nine days before May 1st, leading up to an exciting day of cultural events and activities.
The residents of Tagbilaran City pride themselves in presenting a great fiesta each year for all to enjoy.
7.) Katigbawan Festival:
Taking place the third week of June each year, the Katigbawan Festival celebrates the people of Catigbian on the island of Bohol. Originally envisioned as a way to bring tourism to the area, the Katigbawan Festival has become a celebration of the local traditions and culture. With an emphasis on the area of agricultural methods as well as religious beliefs, the Katigbawan Festival is a great way to learn about the local Catigbian people. The festival also showcases local livestock, arts, and crafts and even includes an agro fair.
So there you have it,7 Exciting Festivals on the Island of Bohol! We hope you enjoyed the read and if you did please share and comment on this article.
