January festivals to watch for

Street dance routines during the Dinagyang festivities are performed on designated stages for all to witness and participate.

New year, new adventures to conquer! January marks the beginning of everything we want to achieve for the year. For backpackers and leisure travelers, this is the moment when last year’s plans and preparations are finally starting to roll out.

More than the beauty of the Philippines, one main reason why tourists flock to the county is because of the different festivities. This entails experience (most especially for foreign tourists) since local communities encourage them to imbibe and experience Filipino culture and tradition.

For this month alone, three huge festivals are worthy to be attended and reveled in. Take a look at this list and experience the best of the Philippines at the start of the year.

Held every third Sunday of January, Sinulog honors Santo Niño, the child Jesus, who is the patron saint of the province of Cebu. Sinulog Festival in Cebu

This highly-anticipated occasion is a celebration to honor Santo Niño, the child Jesus, who is the patron saint of the province of Cebu. The Sinulog Festival is held every third Sunday of January. People from nearby provinces and within the country usually fly to Cebu to participate in this huge event. The festival is famous for the province’s colorful displays.

Participants are clad in flamboyant costumes while they dance to the beat of drums, trumpets and gongs. This event is a fête of the Filipino people’s pagan past and acceptance of Christianity.

Travel to Cebu and get up to 60 percent discount on selected hotels on travelbook.ph. You can also avail tour packages for as low as P1,500/pax. Hotels there include EON Centennial Soho Hotel, Palm Grass Hotel, Arterra Hotel and Resort, La Mirada Hotel, Voda Krsana each Resort, Dynasty Tourist Inn, Cebu Hotel Plus and Oftana Suites Main.

Considered as the mother of all Philippine festivals, Ati-Atihan is a cultural and religious festival which is also celebrated in honor of Santo Niño every third Sunday of January in Aklan.

Similar with the Sinulog Festival, Ati-Atihan Festival is also known to have dynamic and colorful street parades and performances. Participants wear ancient warrior regalia and have their arms and faces painted in black to signify the Ati who received help from the Malay datus when they faced challenges in the early years. Indeed, it is also a celebration of unity between two different nations.

Get up to 50 percent discount on selected Boracay hotels this January on travelbook.ph. Get up to 45 percent discount on transfers. Hotels include Savoy Hotel Boracay, Hampstead Boutique Hotel, Lime Hotel Boracay, JJ Resort and Spa, The Orchids Resort, 8Colors Beach House, Bora Sky Hotel, The Rose Pike @ Boracay, Niu Ohana East Bay Apartments and La Banca at Boracay.

Street dance routines during the Dinagyang festivities are performed on designated stages for all to witness and participate. Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo

The Dinagyang Festival is Iloilo’s version of the Ati-Atihan and is held every fourth Sunday of January. The celebration symbolizes the love of the people for and thanksgiving to Señor Santo Niño and the locals’ efforts to preserve Iloilo’s rich heritage, culture, devotion and tradition. The festivity includes dance competitions, street parties and fireworks display.

Everyone can enjoy the drum beats and active presentations of the performers. Interestingly, street dance routines are made on designated stages for all to witness and participate.

Book and get as much as 40 percent discount on travelbook.ph. Try the Isla Gigantes Eco-Adventure Tour now at 12 percent off. Participating hotels include Adhara Eco Boutique Resort, Goldberry Lite Hotel Iloilo, Top Star Hotel Iloilo and Solina Beach and Nature Resort.

Hotel discounts are valid until 31 January on travelbook.ph. Tour packages and transfers are under regular promo.