Bikol Fiesta Calendar by Tin Olaño

In this blog, I would like to give you a year-round glimpse of the colorful celebrations held in Bicolandia. May it be a town-based or regionally celebrated, it will not fail to amuse or inspire you. Be amazed! Be inspired! Come and be one in the Bikolnon Fiesta!

JANUARY

9                                                                                                        
 Our Lady of Prompt Succor Feast Day (Buhi,Camarines Sur)        

It is a feast day held by Buhinons to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. Her image is widely famous in the surrounding areas because of the many miracles she has made.                                                                                         

FEBRUARY

11                                                                                                         
Tinagba Festival (Iriga,Camarines Sur)                                               
A fiesta by Irigueños where they bring offerings in thanksgiving.       The fiesta coincides with the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes who is also honored as well on that day by the city people.                       

APRIL

6-8                                                                                                
Rodeo Masbateño                                                                        
A festival showcasing the agility, strength of cattle-raisers of      Masbate. It is nationally renowned for the "matador" style of     catching raging bulls.                                                                    

MAY

1-31                                                                                                 
Magayon Festival (Daraga, Albay)                                                 
A cultural and religious affair done to celebrate the feast of the     town's patron saint, Nstra. Sra. de la Porteria and the beauty of     Mayon Volcano.                                                                               

JUNE

19-21                                                                                                  
Pili Festival (Sorsogon City)                                                              
In this fiesta, the city of Sorsogon highlights the "majestic tree" of   Bikol. Being an indigenous plant of the region, Pili is commonly      associated with Bikol.                                                                        

JULY

21-25                                                                                             
Katalingkasan Festival  (Libon, Albay)                                         
A fiesta held to honor the town patron, St. James the Great.         Literally, it means freedom. The festival aims to promote local     culture and arts.                                                                             


AUGUST

1-8                                                                                                     
Mercedes Fishtival (Mercedes, Camarines Norte)                            
A celebration in thanksgiving for the bounty that Mother Nature     has provided the town. It also aims to promote the local beauty of   nature.                                                                                                


SEPTEMBER

Peñafrancia Festival
Undoubtedly, this is the Fiestas of all Fiestas of the Bikol Region.     Devotees flock to Naga City to pay homage to the Virgion of            Peñafrancia. Last 2010, Bikolanos have celebrated the Tricentenary of the Devotion to her.                                                                        

OCTOBER

22-24                                                                                                
Catandungan Festival (Virac,Catanduanes)                                     

A festival celebrated to mark the memory of the freedom of the     province from Albay.                                                                        

DECEMBER

18                                                                                                        
Pastores Bicol  (Legazpi City)                                                            
A festival rooted from Spanish traditions. It is a dance made to         commemorate the visitation of shepherds to Bethlehem on the birth of Christ. This is widely performed in Bikol,but Legaspi has            developed this to become a festival.