Annual events in Metro Manila
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Numerous events and festivals are held annually in
Metro Manila Metropolitan Manila (often shortened as Metro Manila; fil, Kalakhang Maynila), officially the National Capital Region (NCR; fil, link=no, Pambansang Punong Rehiyon), is the seat of government and one of three defined metropolitan areas in ...
. They include:


January

*
Feast of the Black Nazarene The Feast of the Black Nazarene (Filipino: ''Pista ng Itím na Nazareno''), also known as the ''Traslación'' after the mass procession associated with the feast, is a religious festival held in Manila, Philippines that is centered around the Bl ...
- (On 9 January) A grand Fiesta, this festival centers on the image of the Black Nazarene which was transported by galleon from
Mexico Mexico (Spanish: México), officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatema ...
to Manila in the 17th century. The festival is marked by a day-long procession by thousands of devotees around Quiapo district from the Rizal Park area, where the image was first enshrined. * Feast of Santo Niño - (Every third Sunday of January) A grand procession of over two hundred well-dressed images of the Child Jesus held in Tondo and
Pandacan Pandacan is a district in Manila, Philippines which is known in recent history for its former Pandacan oil depot which supplies the majority of oil exports in the country. Profile In 2000, Pandacan had a total population of close to 82,194. T ...
districts. In addition, celebrations are mounted in parishes and chapels dedicated to the image all over Metro Manila. * World Pyro Olympics (movable) - an annual competition among the world's fireworks companies held in
SM Mall of Asia SM Mall of Asia, also abbreviated as SM MoA, or simply Mall of Asia or MoA, is a large shopping mall in the Philippines, located at Bay City, Metro Manila, Bay City, Pasay, Philippines, within the SM Central Business Park, a reclaimed area with ...
. * Caracol Festival - Official street festival of
Makati Makati ( ), officially the City of Makati ( fil, Lungsod ng Makati), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. Makati is the financial center of the Philippines; it has the highest concentration ...
with environmental themes. * Pangisdaan Festival - One of the highlights of the
Navotas Navotas, officially the City of Navotas ( fil, Lungsod ng Navotas), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 247,543 people. It is known as the ...
Day celebration featuring a street dancing and float competition focusing on the fishing industry. * Balot sa Puti Festival - One of the highlights of the Pateros Town Fiesta celebration. * Feast of
Saint Sebastian Saint Sebastian (in Latin: ''Sebastianus''; Narbo, Gallia Narbonensis, Roman Empire c. AD 255 – Rome, Italia, Roman Empire c. AD 288) was an early Christian saint and martyr. According to traditional belief, he was killed during the Diocle ...
- official village festival of Pinagbuhatan in Pasig.


February

* International Bamboo Organ Festival - A ten-day series of cultural events and music festival, with a focus on the unique bamboo-made organ made by Fray Diego Cera found only in
Las Piñas Las Piñas, officially the City of Las Piñas ( fil, Lungsod ng Las Piñas), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 606,293 people. Las Piñas ...
. * Chinese New Year - a recent national holiday most celebrated with great revelry in Binondo district, the world's oldest Chinatown. Celebrations are held in major malls and hotels. * Travel Tour Expo - Annual exhibition of travel and tourism destinations, products and services held in SM Megamall in
Mandaluyong Mandaluyong, officially the City of Mandaluyong ( fil, Lungsod ng Mandaluyong), is a first class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 425,758 people. Loca ...
. * Feast of Santa Clara - Celebrated in
Pasay Pasay, officially the City of Pasay ( fil, Lungsod ng Pasay; ), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 440,656 people. Due to its location j ...
. Highlights include the Serenata and The Tiburin Race. Serenata is a series of rondalla and brass band concerts and a revival of open-air musical performances held at the Santa Clara patio, while the Tiburin Race is an exciting and thrilling horse-racing along Arnaiz Avenue. * Sambalilo Festival - Hat festival celebrated in Parañaque. * Lavandero Festival - As part of the week-long
Mandaluyong Mandaluyong, officially the City of Mandaluyong ( fil, Lungsod ng Mandaluyong), is a first class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 425,758 people. Loca ...
Day celebration, the unique festival focused on the city’s ancient tradition of washing clothes in the once clean and clear waters of the
Pasig River The Pasig River ( fil, Ilog Pasig) is a water body in the Philippines that connects Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay. Stretching for , it bisects the Philippine capital of Manila and its surrounding urban area into northern and southern halves. Its ...
. * Pamaypay ng Caloocan Festival - One of the highlights of
Caloocan Caloocan, officially the City of Caloocan ( fil, Lungsod ng Caloocan; ), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in Metropolitan Manila, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 1,661,584 people making it the fourth-most ...
Foundation Day, showcasing the use of the "Pamaypay"/fan as traditional tool to the surging heat as exhibited in techno-modern folk street dancing competition. * Itik-Itik Festival - "Duck" festival held every last Sunday of February in Kalawaan,
Pasig Pasig, officially the City of Pasig ( fil, Lungsod ng Pasig), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 803,159 people. It is located along t ...
in honor of Saint Martha.


March

* Malibay Cenaculo - A 10-day activity during
Semana Santa Holy Week ( la, Hebdomada Sancta or , ; grc, Ἁγία καὶ Μεγάλη Ἑβδομάς, translit=Hagia kai Megale Hebdomas, lit=Holy and Great Week) is the most sacred week in the liturgical year in Christianity. In Eastern Churches, w ...
commencing with daily performances of particular scenes from the Bible stories. Different scenes are performed by Cenaculistas of
Pasay Pasay, officially the City of Pasay ( fil, Lungsod ng Pasay; ), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 440,656 people. Due to its location j ...
. * Pasig Summer Music Festival - On this event, artists, and music lovers gather at the
Pasig Pasig, officially the City of Pasig ( fil, Lungsod ng Pasig), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 803,159 people. It is located along t ...
City Museum to listen and appreciate the music of classical artists. * Parade of Festivals - One of the highlights of
Muntinlupa Muntinlupa, officially the City of Muntinlupa ( fil, Lungsod ng Muntinlupa), is a 1st class Cities of the Philippines#Legal classification, highly urbanized city in the Metro Manila, National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the ...
's Cityhood Anniversary.


April

*
Manila International Auto Show The Manila International Auto Show is the Philippines’ biggest motor show in terms of visitor count, cars on display, and exhibitors. The show, previously known as The Manila International Motor Show, is an annual venue for car buyers and enthus ...
- the biggest motor show in the Philippines. *
Aliwan Fiesta Aliwan Fiesta is an annual event that gathers different cultural festivals of the Philippines in Star City Complex in Pasay wherein contingents compete in dance parade and float competitions. Organized by Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) together ...
- held annually in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, it is a celebration of Filipino culture through dance parades, floats, and pageants. Aliwan Fiesta is organized by the
Manila Broadcasting Company Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) is a radio and television network in the Philippines. MBC is currently owned by the FJE Group of Companies of Fred J. Elizalde, which also operates hotels and Pasay-based amusement park Star City. Its AM fl ...
together with the
Cultural Center of the Philippines The Cultural Center of the Philippines ( fil, Sentrong Pangkultura ng Pilipinas, or CCP) is a government-owned and controlled corporation established to preserve, develop and promote arts and culture in the Philippines.Presidential Decree No. ...
and the city governments of Pasay and Manila. It is one of the biggest summer events in the capital region. * Sunduan Festival - A colorful procession of 2 barangays in
Pasig Pasig, officially the City of Pasig ( fil, Lungsod ng Pasig), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 803,159 people. It is located along t ...
sharing one patron saint - Santa Rosa de Lima. * Ka-Angkan Festival - Ka-angkan is the Feast of Clans being celebrated during the foundation anniversary of
Marikina Marikina (), officially the City of Marikina ( fil, Lungsod ng Marikina), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 456,159 people. It is loca ...
. It is a great festival of the families that have made the city their home. *
Wanderland Music and Arts Festival Wanderland (commonly referred to as Wanderland Music and Arts Festival) is an annual outdoor music and arts festival held in the Philippines organized by Karpos Multimedia. It showcases international and local live music, and art installations. Hi ...
- an outdoor music and arts festival held annually at
Circuit Makati Circuit Makati is a riverfront redevelopment project by Ayala Land on the site of the former Santa Ana Race Track in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. The site located in the northwest portion of Makati, on the south bank of the Pasig River, ...
.


May

* Flores de Mayo - Also known as Santacruzan, it is a parade of the region's loveliest ladies depicting the search and discovery of Christ's Cross by Queen Helena and Constantine. Held all over the capital region month-long, schedule depends on the communities hosting the event. * Feast of Nuestra Señora de Guia - A fiesta in honor of one of the oldest Marian images in the Philippines - the La Nuestra Señora de Guia, patroness of seafarers and also known as Our Lady of Expectations. The main event of the fiesta is the Bota de Flores, a reenactment of a select group of young ladies and their escorts in sailor costumes of the procession returning the La Nuestra Señora de Guia to its reconstructed shrine in
Ermita Ermita is a district in Manila, Philippines. Located at the central part of the city, the district is a significant center of finance, education, culture, and commerce. Ermita serves as the civic center of the city, bearing the seat of city ...
in 1918.
Manila Music Festival
* San Roque Festival - Also known as Mano Po San Roque Festival, it includes street dancing and procession along the
Valenzuela Valenzuela may refer to: Places * Valenzuela, Paraguay * Valenzuela, Metro Manila, Philippines * Valenzuela, Spain * Valenzuela de Calatrava, Spain * Valenzuela, Louisiana Other uses * Valenzuela (surname), including a list of people with the n ...
's major thoroughfares in commemoration of the feast of San Roque. * Sunduan Festival - The traditional rites means literally "to pick up the girl at the house", it is held in La Huerta, Parañaque.


June

* Manila Day - Also known as ''Araw ng Maynila'', it is a yearly celebration of the city's founding anniversary featuring various cultural activities and fireworks display. * Feast of Saint John the Baptist - A celebration of San Juan's patron saint characterized by vigorous and boisterous streetdancing with "Basaan (dousing of water) and "Santong Tao" (live saints) parade. *
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul or Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul is a liturgical feast in honor, of the martyrdom in Rome of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul, which is observed on 29 June. The celebration is of ancient Christ ...
- held in
Makati Makati ( ), officially the City of Makati ( fil, Lungsod ng Makati), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. Makati is the financial center of the Philippines; it has the highest concentration ...
with performances of the Bailes de Arcos by daughters of past participants with impeccable reputations as homage to the Virgen dela Rosa for her kindness.
Philippine International Jazz and Arts Festival
- also known as the PI JazzFest and featuring live jazz music and concerts all around the city. *
Fête de la Musique The Fête de la Musique, also known in English as Music Day, Make Music Day or World Music Day, is an annual music celebration that takes place on 21 June. On Music Day, citizens and residents are urged to play music outside in their neighborho ...
- the region's largest musical event takes place each June and boasts a number of events spread all over the metropolis hosting over 150 musical acts, with well-known Filipino talents billed, as well as some huge international stars. * Subli-an sa Maynila - A cultural and religious event, this festivity is held in honour of the Holy Cross. The traditional dance ‘Subli’ is used as a ritual to honour the Holy Cross, accompanied by a vocal quartet.


July

*
Cinemanila International Film Festival The Cinemanila International Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Manila, Philippines. It was founded by Filipino filmmaker Amable "Tikoy" Aguiluz in 1999. The focus of the festival is on the cinema of the Philippines as well as Southea ...
- the biggest global film event in Manila. *
Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is a film festival in the Philippines held annually during the month August at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex and various cinemas. Its aim is the development and promotion of F ...
- a film festival held annually in at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex which features independent films. * Pasig Day - ''Araw ng Pasig'', it is a grand celebration of the
Pasig Pasig, officially the City of Pasig ( fil, Lungsod ng Pasig), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 803,159 people. It is located along t ...
day highlighted by different activities like the Mutya ng Pasig Pageant and Dancing Parade.


August

* Language Month and Birth Anniversary of
Manuel L. Quezon Manuel Luis Quezon y Molina, (; 19 August 1878 – 1 August 1944), also known by his initials MLQ, was a Filipino lawyer, statesman, soldier and politician who served as president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 until his de ...
- Celebrations held all over the month of August to honor the
Filipino language Filipino (; , ) is an Austronesian language. It is the national language ( / ) of the Philippines, and one of the two official languages of the country, with English. It is a standardized variety of Tagalog based on the native dialect, sp ...
and Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon, who was responsible for its foundation. Major events are held on August 19 in
Quezon City Quezon City (, ; fil, Lungsod Quezon ), also known as the City of Quezon and Q.C. (read in Filipino as Kyusi), is the most populous city in the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 2,960,048 people. It was fou ...
with a flag-raising and a wreath-laying ceremony and major celebrations held to honor the language. In addition, there are celebrations held in the same city in celebration of its establishment in 1939. * Anniversary of Cry of Pugadlawin - A historical event celebrated yearly with a civic parade at 6:00 am followed by a flag-raising and a wreath-laying ceremony in Quezon City. * Pinaglabanan Day - celebration of the
Battle of Pinaglabanan The Battle of San Juan del Monte also refers as ''"Battle of Pinaglabanan"'' took place on August 30, 1896. It is considered as the first major battle of the Philippine Revolution, which sought Philippine independence from Spain. The first bat ...
, a historic event in San Juan which sparked the Philippine Revolution of 1896. * 29 de Agosto -
Mandaluyong Mandaluyong, officially the City of Mandaluyong ( fil, Lungsod ng Mandaluyong), is a first class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 425,758 people. Loca ...
observes its First Cry of Revolution against Spaniards in 1896, with a special day of activities dedicated to the city's role in the independence struggle. A commemorative program and an evening of Kundiman are special activities for the occasion. * Nagsabado Festival - A re-enactment of the revolutionary action against the Spaniards led by Valentin Cruz and Andres Bonifacio in
Pasig Pasig, officially the City of Pasig ( fil, Lungsod ng Pasig), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 803,159 people. It is located along t ...
City in August 1896. The historic revolution happened to fall on a Saturday that's why the event is called "Nagsabado sa Pasig".


September

* Kalesa Festival - This cultural festival is held to pay tribute to the preservation of old fashioned horse-drawn carriages, locally known as
kalesa A kalesa or calesa is a two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage used in the Philippines. It is commonly vividly painted and decorated. It was a primary mode of public and private transportation during the Spanish colonial era of the Philippines, though i ...
. The celebration also features a lot of musical performances, dancing and singing.


October

* Feast of La Naval de Manila - A festival revolving around the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary of La Naval carved in 1533 and given as a gift to the Dominican Fathers. Borne on an elaborately decorated and well-lit carriage in the form of a ship, the venerated image is brought out of the church preceded by 26 images of the Dominican saints. The procession goes around the main streets of Sto. Domingo Church in
Quezon City Quezon City (, ; fil, Lungsod Quezon ), also known as the City of Quezon and Q.C. (read in Filipino as Kyusi), is the most populous city in the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 2,960,048 people. It was fou ...
''(also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of La Naval de Manila)'' and then returns to the church amidst applause until it reaches the altar pedestal. * Spanish Film Festival in Manila


November


Manila International Literary Festival

Manila Salsa Congress
* Feast of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios - held in
Malate Malic acid is an organic compound with the molecular formula . It is a dicarboxylic acid that is made by all living organisms, contributes to the sour taste of fruits, and is used as a food additive. Malic acid has two stereoisomeric forms (L ...
district, this festival is in honour of one of Manila's patron saints and features, among other events, a large-scale procession through the streets with a statue of the saint at the head.


December

*
Feast of the Immaculate Conception The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, also called Immaculate Conception Day, celebrates the sinless lifespan and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 8 December, nine months before the feast of the Nativity of Mary, celebr ...
- A revival of religious tradition with more than 80 images of the Blessed Virgin Mary from various parishes and provinces paraded around the streets of
Intramuros Intramuros (Latin for "inside the walls") is the historic walled area within the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. It is administered by the Intramuros Administration with the help of the city government of Manila. Present-day ...
in a Grand Marian Procession, held every First Sunday of December. *
Metro Manila Film Festival The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is an annual film festival held in Metro Manila, Philippines. The festival, which runs from December 25 (Christmas) through New Year's Day and into first weekend of January in the following year, focuses on ...
- an annual film festival which focuses on locally produced films. * Sapatero Festival - an annual shoe festival showcases the different shoes produced in the Shoe Capital of the Philippines,
Marikina Marikina (), officially the City of Marikina ( fil, Lungsod ng Marikina), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 456,159 people. It is loca ...
. * Marikina Christmas Festival - an annual Christmas festival in Marikina showcasing bazaars, amusement parks, concerts, night-out boding, fireworks display and food caravans in 3 key areas in the city,
Riverbanks Center Riverbanks Center (also known as Marikina Riverbanks/Marikina Riverbanks Center or simply Riverbanks) is an integrated development complex for shopping, recreational, business and commercial along Andres Bonifacio Avenue adjacent to Marikina River ...
,
Marikina River The Marikina River ( tl, Ilog Marikina) is a river in eastern Metro Manila, Philippines. It is the largest tributary of the Pasig River, with headwaters located in the Sierra Madre Mountains in Rodriguez, Rizal province. The Marikina River u ...
and Marikina city hall. * Pancit Malabon Festival - Also known as Luglugan Festival, it also commemorates the feast of Immaculate Concepcion,
Malabon Malabon, officially the City of Malabon ( fil, Lungsod ng Malabon), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 380,522 people. Located just nort ...
's patron saint. *UST Christmas Concert and
UST Paskuhan The Paskuhan is the culmination of the university wide Christmas activities of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. The annual tradition started in 1991. The programs of Paskuhan were held during the last week or last day before ...
- The
Christmas Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year ...
celebration of the
University of Santo Tomas The University of Santo Tomas (also known as UST and officially as the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, Manila) is a private, Catholic research university in Manila, Philippines. Founded on April 28, 1611, by Spanish friar Migue ...
. * Pakalog Festival - the annual New Year's celebrations held in Santolan, Pasig. It is one of the only places in Metro Manila that do not permit fireworks and firecrackers on New Year's Eve.


See also

*
List of festivals in the Philippines This is a list of festivals in the Philippines. The majority of festivals in the Philippines, locally known as "''fiestas''", may have their own ''peryas'' (trade fairs with temporary amusement parks). The origin of most early ''fiestas'' are roo ...
* List of sporting events in Metro Manila * Entertainment events at the SM Mall of Asia * Entertainment events at the Araneta Center


External links


Manila Events and Festivals
{{Metro Manila Annual events in the Philippines Metro Manila-related lists Tourist attractions in Metro Manila