Why Filipinos Celebrate Fiestas

 

The Philippines, being highly influenced by the Spanish. Because of its occupation for 300 years, it has adopted so many things from them. Among these influences are the names of saints. Years before the Spaniards came, the names of Filipinos were based on their qualities, physical characteristics, or circumstances. Another influence is language. The spellings were then changed into Filipino vocabulary. And of course, many of our favorite native dishes has Spanish influence in them, such as Menudo, paella, lechon, sinigang, champorado, and the list goes on.

While every country has a particular tradition that they keep up with, in the Philippines, for so many years, the celebration of fiestas still remains to be part of what most Filipinos look forward to each year. Even those Filipinos who lived for many years abroad would come home and celebrate such occasions with families and friends.

A fiesta is a religious festival or holiday frequently honoring a saint. These saints may be associated with the bountiful harvest. A helper for couples who have longed for a child, commemorating previous events in the Philippines during the Spanish times, or honoring the Holy Mother and the Child Jesus. The fiestas were social events of the native Filipinos during the Spanish colonization. It was one of the religious events being celebrated in which everyone was required to be part. Each year, the whole country celebrates various fiestas, regardless of whether they have money or not. They feel that they need to join in the celebrations. Because they believe that in doing so, they are blessed.

The Fiestas in the Philippines

The most common fiestas celebrated in the Philippines are:

1. ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL, KALIBO, AKLAN – this is celebrated every 3rd week of January.
2. CUTUD CRUXIFICIONS, SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA – you see some people walking in the streets emulating the last few hours of Jesus before he was crucified. This is done every Good Friday. It is a passion play culminating in the crucifixion of Jesus. Three volunteers would actually have themselves crucified with the thought that it would somehow cleanse their souls from all of their sins when they do.
3. DINAGYANG, ILOILO – this is similar to Kalibo, Aklan’s celebration of Ati-Atihan wherein they honor the child, Jesus.
4. KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL, DAVAO – it is a celebration of a bountiful harvest celebrated every third week of September.
5. LIGLIGAN PARUL, SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA- This is one celebration that anyone would indeed be proud of being a Filipino because of the incredible display of creativity in making the giant lanterns.
6. MASSKARA FESTIVAL, BACOLOD – This is a masquerade party that has been celebrated by the Ilonggos since 1980 to uplift their spirits after the Sugar Crisis at that time. People wore masks and danced in the streets. This is celebrated every third week of October.
7. PAHIYAS FESTIVAL, LUCBAN, QUEZON – This is celebrated during the feast day of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint, to celebrate and give thanks for a bountiful harvest every May 15th.
8. PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL, BAGUIO – Flower festival celebrated every last Sunday of February where there are floats covered with flowers that parade the streets of Baguio.
9. SINULOG FESTIVAL, CEBU – a dance ritual in celebration of the feast of Sto. Nino. Every third Sunday of January.

May Celebration

The month of May is viral for the annual Flores de Mayo is held in almost all towns in the country. It is the celebration of the May Flower Festival when flowers are in bloom. It is a month-long celebration in honor of our Blessed Virgin Mary. Many towns or barrios have their own celebration of this alongside a Santacruzan; it is a pageant held on the last day of Flores de Mayo. It is a commemoration of the finding of the True Cross by Helena of Constantinople (Reyna Elena) and Constantine the Great.

Honing One’s Creativity Through Fiesta Activities

Some Filipinos may not have realized that from the small things they love to do, they can actually start a small business to become profitable. For example, some arrange flowers for the floats used during parades. Aside from possibly selling flowers, you may also discover your creativity in decorating flowers for all kinds of occasions. Wedding, birthday, baptism – all these occasions require flowers for the venue. Not everyone keeps an eye for beauty, especially when arranging various flowers. Imagine how much you could earn from such talent!

During the fiesta, of course, food cannot be forgotten because it is also part of the celebration wherein people mingle. I have attended a town fiesta and visited various homes. Almost every house had the same food prepared but varied in taste. We all love food, and the food business is very profitable. Did you know that some famous caterers started as cooking just for a few of their friends and then eventually done a business out of it?

This is what I often tell my mentees – that they should not be disheartened when they feel like they have stumbled on a huge rock. There is always, always an opportunity to start from somewhere and something. All it takes is to have the guts and a clear mindset that you can do it no matter what.

The opportunities are genuinely never-ending if we just allow ourselves to see that we can do whatever we can. And sometimes, we don’t realize what we are capable of until someone actually tells us that we are good at something. So, when opportunity strikes, never say no.

Final Note

These fiestas are much-celebrated because they honor the saints and have a get-together with family and friends. Filipinos are tight-knit families. And no matter how far they have lived from one another, still, these fiestas are their way to get back together, particularly our balikbayans. Truly a testament to the spirit of celebration of the Filipinos, camaraderie, and respect for their Filipino culture.

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You may contact Armando “Butz” Bartolome for questions and more information.

The Filipino fiesta spirit — that joy, that generosity, that bringing people together — is exactly what makes our entrepreneurs special.

In 35 years of working with Filipino business owners, I’ve seen that same fiesta spirit become the foundation of thriving franchise businesses. The warmth we show during celebrations? That’s the same warmth that keeps customers coming back.

If you’ve ever thought about turning your passion into a business — or franchising what you already have — that spirit is your greatest asset.

Let’s build something the whole community can celebrate. Visit butzbartolome.com or reach out to GMB Franchise Developers today. Kaya mo ‘yan

Planning to grow your negosyo? Start with our step-by-step guide to franchising your business.

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Thinking of turning your own food or business into a brand people celebrate? See how to franchise your business in the Philippines.