🌻 March Festivals in the Philippines: Sunflowers, Traditions & Holy Week Events

March is a vibrant month in the Philippines, filled with rich cultural festivals, colorful celebrations, and solemn religious observances. Whether you’re a traveler seeking local experiences or simply love discovering Filipino traditions, March offers an exciting lineup of festivals to explore.

🌻 Ligao Sunflower Festival — March 24 | Ligao City

Celebrate Ligao City's anniversary with bright sunflower-themed street dancing around the scenic Kawa-Kawa Natural Park. This festival showcases the region's natural beauty and joyful spirit.

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🦀 Alimango Festival — March 22 | Lala, Lanao del Norte

Highlighting the abundance of crabs, this festival features a grand crab-themed street parade, crab races, contests for the biggest crab, and an agri-trade fair. Perfect for seafood lovers and culture buffs alike!

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🎭 UNESCO-ITI World Theater Week — March 21–27

A week-long celebration of theatre arts promoting cultural heritage and community empowerment through performance. Witness the power of storytelling to unite people and celebrate diversity.

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🏝️ Island Garden City of Samal Festival — First Week of March

Marking Samal’s founding anniversary, this week-long festivity honors the island’s vibrant culture, community achievements, and natural beauty.

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🎉 Anibina Bulawanun Festival — March 8 | Compostela Valley Province

An eight-day multi-themed festival celebrating agricultural bounty, mineral resources, local governance, and cultural traditions. Don’t miss Al-law Ng Kalomonan (Tribal Day) on March 7.

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✝️ Holy Week (March–April)

Experience profound Filipino faith during Holy Week, featuring:

• Palm Sunday: Churchgoers bring palms to commemorate Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem.
• Visita Iglesia (Holy Thursday): Visiting seven churches for reflection.
• Good Friday: Reenactments of Christ’s passion, including local rituals.

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🎭 Moriones Festival — Holy Week | Marinduque

Penitents don colorful Roman soldier costumes and parade the town. Witness the dramatic reenactment of Longinus’ story on Good Friday — a unique blend of faith and folklore.

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⚔️ Centurion Festival — Holy Week | General Luna, Quezon

Believed to be the origin of Marinduque’s Moriones Festival, this colorful event celebrates local religious traditions with theatrical street performances.

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🕯️ Ang Pagtaltal — Good Friday | Jordan, Guimaras

A solemn procession featuring flagellants and devotees dressed in biblical attire, culminating at the Balaan Bukid Shrine.

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🐉 Pangalap Ritual — Good Friday | Nueva Valencia

Participants crawl through the Catilaran cave chanting prayers, seeking blessings and supernatural protection from evil spirits.

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🔮 Witches Festival — Holy Week | Siquijor

Known for its mystical heritage, Siquijor’s Witches Festival involves herbal rituals, chanting, dancing, and exclusive dawn ceremonies, showcasing the island’s unique cultural identity.

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🪃 Kaamulan Festival — March 23 to April 13 (Cancelled due to COVID-19) | Malaybalay, Bukidnon

A grand celebration of Bukidnon’s seven indigenous tribes through street dancing, traditional sports, concerts, rodeo events, and trade fairs.

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💡 If you plan to visit during March, expect a mix of lively celebrations and deep spiritual experiences. Check local schedules as some events may shift or get canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.