August 2024 Festivals in the Philippines 

August has a lot in store for you, festival-wise. Let’s see what festivals you can participate in for the rest of the month. 

📍 Pangapog Festival (August 1-7) 

The Pangapog Festival is a significant cultural celebration held annually in Samal Island, Davao del Norte. It is a heartfelt expression of gratitude from the Sama people, the indigenous inhabitants of the island, for a bountiful harvest.  

This festival is a vibrant showcase of Sama culture, featuring traditional games, dances, and music. It is a time for the community to come together, strengthen bonds, and preserve their heritage. The festival also highlights the islanders’ deep connection to the sea and their reliance on its resources.  

At the core of the Pangapog Festival is a thanksgiving ritual performed by a babaylan (shaman), offering prayers and blessings for a continuous flow of abundance. This spiritual aspect underscores the importance of nature and ancestral spirits in the Sama worldview.

Beyond the cultural performances, the festival also features local delicacies, showcasing the rich flavors of Samal Island. It is a time for visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s warm hospitality and experience the genuine joy of the Sama people.

Recommendation: Pearl Farm Beach Resort for PHP 8,000/night.

📍 Palu-Palo Festival (August 4-5) 

The Palu-Palo Festival is a vibrant cultural celebration held annually in Basco, Batanes. It commemorates the bravery and resilience of the Ivatans, the indigenous people of Batanes, who used “palu-palo” or sticks to defend their island against foreign invaders.

This festival is a showcase of Ivatani culture, featuring traditional dances, music, and crafts. Participants don colorful costumes made from indigenous materials, reflecting the island’s unique heritage. The festival also includes historical reenactments, highlighting the Ivatans’ courageous past.

The Palu-Palo Festival offers visitors a glimpse into the idyllic life in Batanes. With its stunning natural landscapes and warm hospitality, the festival provides a truly unforgettable experience.

Recommendation: Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge for PHP 7,000/night.

📍 Mercedes Kadagatan Festival (August 1-8)

The Mercedes Kadagatan Festival is a vibrant annual celebration held in the coastal town of Mercedes, Camarines Norte. This festival pays homage to the town’s rich maritime heritage and its dependence on the sea as a source of life and livelihood.

The Kadagatan Festival showcases the town’s culture and traditions through colorful street dancing competitions, featuring participants dressed in costumes inspired by marine life. The festival also includes boat races, fishing contests, and other water-based activities that highlight the community’s deep connection to the ocean.

The Kadagatan Festival serves as a platform to promote marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the marine ecosystem and ensuring its abundance for future generations.

Recommendation: Bagasbas Lighthouse Hotel for PHP 3,500/night.

📍 Tig-Aw Festival (August 5-12)

The Tig-Aw Festival is an annual thanksgiving celebration held in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, in honor of the town’s patroness, Saint Clare of Assisi. This vibrant festival showcases the rich culture and heritage of the region through colorful street dancing competitions, captivating cultural performances, and lively community events.

The festival celebrates the agricultural bounty of the region with the Tig-Aw Farmers’ Festival. This component recognizes the hard work and dedication of farmers who contribute significantly to the local economy.

At the heart of the festival is the Yalu-Raya Grand Street Dancing Competition, where participants don colorful costumes and dance to the rhythm of energetic music. The festival also features a Special Program in the Arts Dance and Musical Night, highlighting the talents of local artists and performers.

Recommendation:Villa Caceres Hotel in Naga City for PHP 4,000/night.

📍 Kadayawan Festival (August 7-18)

The Kadayawan Festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration held annually in Davao City, Philippines. It is a thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and a celebration of life, culture, and nature’s gifts. The name “Kadayawan” comes from the Davaoenyo word “madayaw,” meaning “good,” “beautiful,” or “valuable.”  

This festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of Davao’s 11 tribes through stunning street dancing competitions, where participants wear vibrant costumes and dance to the rhythm of traditional music. The Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan is a highlight of the festival, featuring a spectacular parade of colorful floats adorned with local flowers and produce.  

Kadayawan is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of Davao’s identity and a testament to the city’s vibrant spirit.

Recommendation: Seda Abreeza Hotel for PHP 5,500/night.

📍 Higalaay Festival (August 28) 

The Higalaay Festival is an annual celebration held in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, every 28th of August, coinciding with the feast day of St. Augustine, the city’s patron saint. The name “Higalaay” means “friendship” in Cebuano, reflecting the city’s moniker as the “City of Golden Friendship.”  

This vibrant festival is a week-long celebration filled with colorful parades, cultural performances, and exciting events. It showcases the city’s rich heritage, warm hospitality, and thriving community spirit. From street dancing competitions to religious processions, the Higalaay Festival offers something for everyone.  

The event also serves as a platform to promote Cagayan de Oro as a tourist destination, highlighting its natural beauty, adventure opportunities, and investment potential.  

Recommendation: Limketkai Luxe Hotel for PHP 6,000/night.

📍 Ibalong Festival (August 12-30)

The Ibalong Festival is a vibrant celebration held annually in Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines. Rooted in the epic tale of Ibalong, it is a grand spectacle that brings to life the legendary exploits of the Bicolano heroes: Baltog, Handyong, and Bantong.

Through colorful street parades, dramatic performances, and intricate costumes, the festival reimagines the epic battles between the heroes and mythical creatures. The streets of Legazpi come alive with the energy and passion of the Bicolano people as they pay homage to their rich cultural heritage.

Apart form these epic reenactments, the Ibalong Festival also highlights the region’s natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality. It is a time for the community to come together and celebrate their shared identity.

Recommendation: The Oriental Legazpi for PHP 5,000/night.

Save for later!  Follow Watatrip on Facebook , Instagram , and TikTok to get updated on the latest newest about our upcoming travel app. for more travel updates!