Philippines: Events

New Year's Day is celebrated with great vigour and plenty of fireworks. On 9 January, the Black Nazarene Procession, the largest procession in the country, carries a life-size, black image of Jesus through the streets of Quiapo in Manila, and the procession happens again during Passion Week (the week following Palm Sunday at Easter). The Filipino version of Mardi Gras is the three-day Ati-Atihan, celebrated in Kalibo on Panay in the third week in January. On Good Friday, there are many crucifixion re-enactments throughout the country, which have become popular attractions, especially those at San Fernando (Pampanga) near Manila. Independence Day is celebrated on 12 June with military parades. During the week leading up to 1 November (All Saints' Day) Christian cemeteries throughout the archipelago are spruced up and given a fresh coat of whitewash; if you happen to be in Manila on All Saints' Day don't miss the huge party at the Chinese cemetery. There are local festivals taking place just about every week of the year somewhere in the Philippines.