Festivals in Manila, Philippines

Maundy Thursday, which is the day before Good Friday, is a popular Christian holiday in countries such as the Philippines. It is a regular non-working holiday in the Philippines

One of the major religious festivals in January centres on a life-sized wooden statue of Jesus with dark skin. This unique portrayal of Christ was brought to Manila from Mexico centuries ago and is now enshrined in Quiapo. On the day of the feast, devotees go to the basilica in this district and parade the image around town.

This Catholic festival lasts for the entire month, and is held in honor of the Virgin Mary. Numerous religious events and rituals take place during the festival, culminating with the Santa Cruzan parade in Rizal Park on the last day of May

One of the most unique and prestigious events in Manila’s calendar is this international music festival focusing on organ music. The week-long festival takes place at St Joseph’s Church, with events centering on its famous Bamboo Organ. Performances of sacred music from all periods fill the air during the event.

Fête de la Musique: more than 150 bands covering every musical genre converge on Manila to play their music on seven different stages at one venue on a single night. This music extravaganza is one of the largest concerts on the planet, and regularly attracts a wealth of global talent

Araw ng Maynila (Manila Day): this city pride day is observed all over Manila. A four-day food festival runs along the seawall of Roxas boulevard, where cafés from around the city put up booths selling food. There is also a national talent contest, music concerts and other fun events.

Religious ritual for the Holy Cross has developed into a traditional dance form known as Subli. This indigenous Manila dance is accompanied by four choral voices, each with its own special meaning within the song. Catching a performance of this magical art form is well worth the effort

one of the more important religious festivals in the city happens each year in Quezon. St Domingo Church holds a nine-day novena to honor Our Lady of the Rosary with a long and impressive procession through the city. This is one of the most attended events in Manila, making it a real spectacle worth seeing

The Philippines is predominantly Catholic, and subsequently Christmas is one of the main events of the year. Churches all over Manila put on impressive displays of pageantry and the population gets festive in spirit. Expect plenty of goodwill and kindness from the residents of the city during the Christmas season