Batangas Festivals

Filipinos are generally festive nation, and Batangas festival is one good example. Maybe because of the Spanish influence during the 16th – 18th century the Philippines was colonize by the Spaniards. According to the old Filipinos, the Spanish in the early days where the one’s who initiated the festive mood in the Philippines.

These festive celebrations do exist in the province of Batangas. In the month of May, most of the barrios do celebrate the barrio fiestas. I still remember when an employee of mine takes a vacation leave, because it was their barrio fiesta. This is a celebration that the batangueños can’t miss.

The fiesta should be celebrated rain or shine. And most of the people will make their own way to celebrate the event. If they don’t have the money, they are willing to take a loan, or sell their farm animals just to celebrate the one’s a year fiesta.

Most of the people, specially the old one’s believe that celebrating their patrons saint day, will give them luck. This is why they are willing to stake their last earned money for a one-day celebration.

If you have a chance to experience this fiesta, you will notice that everybody is invited. You don’t need to know your host to enter one’s house. They will accommodate you even this is the first time you have met. And treat you as a long time friend.

One Batangas festival I recommend you must experience is the Parada ng Lechon (roasted pig parade) in Balayan Batangas. This event is celebrated every June 24. This event coincides with the feast day of San Juan.

Balayan, Batangas Parada ng Lechon

Another religious festival that the batangueños is known for is the Tapusan in Alitagtag. The Tapusan honors the holy cross, and is celebrated May 31 every year. Although the same as the flores de mayo in other towns, the parade is one of a kind. Floats garlanded with flowers with image of the Virgin Mary, parade the streets of the town.

The Tinapay Festival (Bread Festival) in Cuenca, considered the bakers of Batangas province. It is held annually from February 7 to 13. The patron saint of Cuenca, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is being honored for abundant living and thanksgiving.

Fluvial Procession at Taal

Additional Batangas Festival

Salubong Festival – April 16 in the towns of Alitagtag and Bauan.

Anihan Festival – September 27 in Lobo.

Coffee Festival – December 11 to 16, in Lipa City

Sublian Festival - July 23 in Batangas City

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