Colorful Festivals to Enjoy in Siquijor Part 3

Planning a trip? Those who love to travel know the essence of all travel is about you and your enjoyment. Travelers know that the destination is a major part of planning a trip, experiencing and delving deeper into unfamiliar places, people and culture are paramount.

Expand your horizons and set your sight to the Philippines, an off the beaten path travel site! An undiscovered paradise made of thousands of islands and white sand beaches all around! A tiny dot in the map of the world, and yet a haven for travelers, backpackers, retirees and even passersby.

It offers awesome tourist attractions, magnificent beaches, hot spring resorts, colorful festivals, hundreds of scenic spots and world-class hotels and facilities. Not to mention the tropical climate, the affordable prices as well as the friendly and hospitable, English-speaking people! You will be glad you came, and we’re sure, you WILL come back for more FUN in the Philippines!

COLORFUL FESTIVALS IN SIQUIJOR

In the Philippines, like in Spain, we celebrate Fiesta. Fiesta is when a town or a certain area honours and celebrates its patron saint’s day. Here’s some information on the Siquijor Fiesta.

The day begins with a mass held for all in the town church, followed by a variety of traditions. It is characterized by a flourish of colours and cheerful music demonstrated through street parades, dances and other street performances. Some may say it is a massive party where everyone is invited to join and celebrate.
During this time, you will see many people open their homes and offer buffets of food that have been in the making for days. It is the perfect time for Filipino families to hold their family reunions, where family members from all over the country (and sometimes even from overseas) will come to gather.
There will be many street vendors passing through the town just for fiesta, and town dances (or discos) where even the eldest will be seen dancing and living it up.
Visperas is the day before Fiesta, on this day many will be preparing for their fiesta day, with some even having open house already. The days will be warm, and everyone may be scarce during the mornings after having stayed up late enjoying the festivities. You will hear children’s laughter everywhere, and see the smiles of all. It is truly a spectacular experience, one where you will feel a part of the people and delight in the culture that is found in a Fiesta.
Fiesta is actually only one day, but the celebrations preceding it make it a complete festival calendar, with activities such as basketball tournaments and ‘who has the most beautiful garden’ competitions being held weeks in advance. It is a very organized calendar of events by the community, and is a great time to look forward to.
If ever you get the chance to be here during a fiesta on Siquijor, you can experience Fiesta too. Whether it be by watching the street parades, performances, and beauty pageants or having a go at dancing at the town square or basketball court (which has been transformed overnight into an awesome dancing arena). The following is a list of some of the main festivals here in Siquijor, including our very own Barangay’s patron saints day. Read More: https://www.cocogrovebeachresort.com/special-events/siquijor-fiestas/

Lubi Festival

Photo from: http://www.choosephilippines.com/go/festivals/4218/visayas-may-festivals

Healing Festival

Photo from: http://www.choosephilippines.com/do/festivals/4148/holy-week-activity-siquior-healing-festival

Many healers from Visayas and Mindanao gather every Good Friday to showcase the different indigenous, traditional healing alternatives. I was bewildered to have met different folkhealers and fortune tellers. I got my fortune foretold then.

The sight of different herbal preparations and potions (gayuma/lumay) truly bemused me.

Just like other travelers and tourists, we were there not just for the festival, but to explore the relaxing and quiet island. Read More: http://trekero.blogspot.com/2012/09/siquijor-more-than-just-mystical.html