Five of the Best PH Festivals You Should Not Miss This May 2022

Filipinos are known to be cheerful individuals who love fun and lively gatherings, especially festivals or town fiestas. Festivals in the Philippines are rooted in culture and religion to commemorate a plentiful harvest and prosperity, as well as to market the local products of each town.

If you’re fascinated by the Philippine culture or simply enjoy the energy from the dancing crowds, these festivals are perfect for you.

Layag Festival (May 22 – 27)

One of the most meaningful festivities in the Philippines this May 2022 is the Layag Festival, which is annually celebrated by the locals of Rapu-Rapu in Albay.

Layag is a Tagalog word that means “to sail” and refers to a sailboat used by the early people of Rapu-Rapu as a means of transportation. The week-long celebration coincides with the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. For first-time visitors, expect the municipality to be filled with colorful boats, marching bands, parade floats in three-wheeled bikes, dance performances, beauty pageants, fireworks, and more

Kaogma Festival (May 21 – 27)

Another week-long festival this May 2022 is the Kaogma Festival which celebrates the founding anniversary of the province of Camarines Sur. Like other festivities in the country, Kaogma Festival features sports events, beauty pageants, socio-cultural exhibits, a procession, and a street parade.

It is dubbed as the “world’s hottest festival” because locals from the municipality of Pili serve the spiciest foods, thanks to the province's rich supply of chili peppers and other spices.

Abaca Festival (May 27-31)

Despite being prone to typhoons, the island province of Catanduanes is known to be the largest producer of abaca fiber in the Philippines.

The Abaca (or Abaka) Festival in Catanduanes this May will highlight the fiber industry and local products made by Catandunganons. During the five-day festival, locals and tourists may enjoy dance showdowns, abaca-inspired costume contests, trade fairs, fashion shows, tasty dishes, and more.

Sarung Banggi Festival (May 19 – 27)

Every second week of May, the Sarung Banggi Festival in Sto. Domingo, Albay is celebrated to honor the contributions of Potenciano Valladolid Gregorio. Each barangay showcases or interprets the immortal love song “Sarung Banggi” through street presentations and pulls out their Spanish-era costumes.

Some of the main events during the traditional festival include the Queen of Sarung Banggi competition, fire dancing, serenading, and more.

Butanding Festival (May 17 – 24)

Butanding Festival or the whale shark season is celebrated every May at Donsol, Sorsogon. The festivity is about thanksgiving, along with welcoming the return of Butandings. The return of whale sharks symbolizes harvest and prosperity among Bicolanos.

If you’re a fan of whale sharks, this is the season when you can interact with or watch them along the beaches of Donsol. Other activities include costume parades, eco-trips, holy procession, and traditional food offerings among others.