Thanksgiving Celebration Filipino Style

Philippine Festivals

In the Philippines, we don't have a national holiday dedicated for Thanksgiving Celebration the same way US and Canada has. But we do celebrate thanksgiving. In fact, we do it several times a year.

Across the archipelago, there are several dozens of festivals held each year. A certain province, a certain city or town has a yearly celebratory ritual dedicated for a patron saint, a famous product, a special skill or a special quality that is uniquely associated with the place.

Every January, a special day is set aside for the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo Church, Manila where  devotees of the famous miraculous Black Nazarene endure the scourging heat and the long procession just to have a glimpse or even touch the statue. We have the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City where Cebuanos dance along the street to the beat of the drums while shouting a praise, "Pit Senor! Viva Sto. Nino!" While the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City is held every fourth week of February to celebrate the flower season of the city of Pines. The Pahiyas Festival of Lucban, Laguna honors the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro. In the province of guimaras, they celebrate their famous golden mangoes through the "Manggahan sa Guimaras Festival". In Mindanao, General Santos City celebrates the Tuna Festival to give thanks for the contribution of tuna for the livelihood of the city.

A special mention for the Pasalamat Festival held in La Carlota City during the month of April to honor the god of Agriculture in Kanlaon Volcano. Pasalamat is thanksgiving in English. There are street dancing to the beat of the drums and a special pageant for the Pasalamat Queen.

Photo courtesy of www.koolbirks.com 

The list could go on and on. Different places, different names but in essence, the festivities is one and the same. It a celebration of thanksgiving.

These thanksgiving celebrations are held throughout the year in the Philippines. And everyone is invited to join the Filipinos' way of giving thanks.



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