October is one of the most exciting months in the Philippines. For one thing, the rains finally simmer down, announcing the arrival of sunnier days. Another thing that makes October a favorite month for most is Oktoberfest. Deemed to be a subdued version of Munich’s Oktoberfest, it is a much-awaited event participated by the youth and supported by local and international brewing companies, bands and celebrities.
Oktoberfest is one of the best times to enjoy the delicious street cuisine and imbibe in the Filipino youth’s culture. It may be the best time for all-night parties but it is also a time for a culinary adventure.
Just like any other month, there are a number of festivals that grace the towns and cities all over the country. The biggest of all is Bacolod’s ultra-vibrant Masskara Festival which is witnessed by thousands of local and foreign tourists every year. Read on and find out what is in store this October in the Philippines.
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Zamboanga Hermosa Festival
Zamboanga City
Colorful sailboats called vintas are icons of Zamboanga City and the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is the best time to see these beautiful vessels gliding over the water in a regatta. The festival also features trade fairs, art exhibits, pageants, cultural and variety shows, and flora displays. Street dancing is also a spectacle that must not be missed.
Bacolod Charter Day Celebration and Masskara Festival
Bacolod City
Considered one of the grandest festivals in the Philippines, the Masskara Festival is celebrated in line with Bacolod’s charter anniversary. The Mardi Gras-like celebration features the locals’ love for fun and gaiety with street dancers wearing smiling masks of different colors. Carnivals, float parades, trade fairs and food fests make the celebrations one of the most well-loved festivals in the country.
Kasanggayahan Festival
Sorsogon Province
This is the biggest celebration of the Province of Sorsogon. “Kasanggayahan” means prosperity and the festival highlights the province’s best agricultural products. The festival also coincides with Sorsogon’s foundation anniversary. A special regional dance called Pantomina sa Tinampo (dance of the doves) is performed in the streets.
Leyte Gulf Landing Anniversary
Dulag and Palo, Leyte
General Douglas MacArthur’s famous promise “I shall return” was made good on this date and the Leyte Gulf Landing Anniversary is a commemoration of the general’s and the Allied Forces’ efforts to liberate the Philippines from foreign rule. Competitions and photo exhibits serve as reminders of this significant historical event to the younger generations.
Lazones Festival
Camiguin Island
The yummy lanzones fruit takes center stage on the island of Camiguin during this festival. Lanzones are small fruits with jelly-like meat and very bitter seeds. When fully ripe, the meat can be very sweet and you can easily finish a whole bunch. The Lanzones Festival is a thanksgiving for the year’s harvest and is punctuated by street parades, trade fairs, and pageants.
With just two months until Christmas, a festive atmosphere envelopes the Philippines in October. Malls begin to hold major sales in preparation for the holidays. In some neighborhoods, Halloween is celebrated in western fashion — trick-or-treating child and spooky costumes, all the works! While it more worthwhile to celebrate October in the Philippines by attending festivals, just soaking in the festive spirit is great, too! See you around!
