https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-people-dancing-in-a-festival-4714521/
The Philippines, or the Pearl of the Orient, is a country known for its vibrant and colorful festivals all year round. As the calendar turns to the exciting and vibrant season of the Ber months, Filipinos gear up for a series of upcoming festivals that showcase the country’s culture and history. These festivals not only bring joy and entertainment, but also serve as a way for Filipinos to express joy and gratitude! Among the most anticipated Ber-month festivals in the Philippines are the MassKara Festival in October, the Pintaflores Festival in November, and The Giant Lantern Festival in December.
Let’s get to know more some of these Ber-month festivals!
Bicol Food Festival – September 1-30, 2023
Bicolanos are set to excitingly celebrate the month-long Bicol Food Festival this upcoming September. The Bicol Food Festival in the Philippines is a vibrant celebration that showcases the ‘spicy’ and rich culinary heritage of the Bicol region. As Bicol is known for its spicy and flavorful dishes, this festival brings together locals and tourists to indulge in a variety of mouthwatering delicacies. From the iconic laing to the fiery Bicol Express, a pork dish cooked in shrimp paste and lots of chili, every bite is guaranteed to deliver a literal explosion of flavors. Apart from these signature dishes, visitors can also enjoy other regional specialties like pinangat, inolokan or tilmak, and pili nuts, which are all prepared in various, creative ways. The event features food stalls run by local vendors who take pride in serving up authentic flavors that have been passed down through generations, and that Bicolanos are truly proud of. With live music, colorful parades, and cooking competitions highlighting traditional recipes handed down for centuries, the Bicol Food Festival offers a unique opportunity to savor the incredible cuisine and immerse oneself in the vibrant food culture of the Philippines!
Masskara Festival – October 22, 2023
The much-anticipated MassKara Festival will again bring smiles in the City of Smiles! The popular tagline of Bacolod stays true as the city proves to be a haven of joy and laughter, especially during this vibrant, yearly festival. During the MassKara Festival, chosen people of Bacolod wear smiling masks and colorful costumes while dancing on the streets of the city. The festival was introduced to uplift the spirits of the locals during a challenging time in the past, and up until the present time, the festival has since become an avenue for Bacolodnons and Filipinos to showcase resilience, positivity, and hope!
Pintaflores Festival – November 1 to November 7, 2023
The Pintaflores Festival in the Philippines is a vibrant and joyous celebration that embodies the rich culture of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. Taking place every November of the year, this festival showcases a fascinating combination of traditional and contemporary performances. Dancers adorned in colorful costumes intricately painted with floral patterns fill the streets, while the rhythmic beat of drums echoes throughout the air. This festival serves as the joyous commemoration of the foundation of San Carlos City. The Pintaflores Festival, as some would say, is an event where nature and art collide. The festival’s name is derived from the Spanish words pinta, which means paint or more referred to as ‘tattoo’, and ‘flores’, meaning flowers. This visually stunning displays showcased in this festival is a testament to the creativity and artistic talent of the local community.
These are just a few among the many upcoming Ber-month festivals in the Philippines that never fail to showcase the unity, creativity, and unwavering faith of the Filipino people. These festivals not only preserve and promote the country’s culture and traditions, but also provide immense entertainment and joy to locals and tourists alike. Each of these unique festivals is a celebration of history, artistry, and life stories that proudly contribute to the colorful tapestry of the Filipino identity.
The Winning Mentality 