Festive Cavite
Playing a big part in Philippine history, Cavite is known as a place rich in heritage. Fast forward to today, the province has since progressed to become one of the most competitive and sought after location in terms of business and those seeking homes outside busy and congested Metro Manila. Aside from Cavite’s bustling economy, various tourist spots, and well-preserved history, there is this cultural heritage that Cavitenos are proud to celebrate all-year round.
First Quarter Festivities
Starting with the Mardicas Festival in the municipality of Ternate every 18th of January, this Sto. Nino fluvial parade that continues in the streets of the municipality and ends in the churchyard. During this festival, marching band music provides the beat for the Karakol and street dancing in colorful costumes by the locals.
The first three days of February showcase nightly cultural presentations, song and dance competitions at the plaza, band parade, street dancing, and a variety show in the town of Silang. Known as the Sumilang Festival, this celebration is the locals’ way of thanking the Lord and celebrating a bountiful harvest.
Later on the same month, the Municipality of Amadeo treats coffee lovers with their very own Pahimis Festival or “Coffee Festival”. Amadeo, known as the “Coffee Capital of the Philippines”, holds this occasion as way of thanksgiving of abundant harvest of coffee in the municipality. This event is highlighted by a trade fair, street dancing, beauty pageant, and coffee convention. Free-flowing coffee is offered to everybody during this occasion, while the town’s best and finest coffee and coffee-based products are on exhibit in this three-day celebration. Coffee lovers, mark your calendar as this three-day event happens every February 22 to 24.
Closing the month’s celebration is Tanza’s Lohitor Festival every 28th of February. “Lohitor”--- an acronym for “lobo” (balloon), “higante” (giant), and “toro” (bull) showcases a grand street dancing, parade of bands, and other colorful activities for the feast of Tata Usteng (Saint Augustine), the town’s patron saint.
March celebrations include Kabutenyo Festival and Muscovado Festival. Kabutenyo Festival is an event celebrated in General Mariano Alvarez every 13th of the month to celebrate the municipality as “The mushroom capital of Cavite.” During this occasion, various activities are held including street dancing, a trade fair, and a culinary contest with mushroom as the main ingredient. On the other hand, Magallanes celebrates Muscovado--- a product of sugarcane juice with strong molasses flavor. Magallanes is an agriculture-based municipality and their primary source of income is sugar cane farming.
Second Quarter Festivities
The Wagayway Festival in Imus City is celebrated every May 24th to 28th, and commemorates the victory of the Battle of Alapan that paved way for the first Philippine Republic to unfurl the Philippine Flag on May 28, 1898.
In June, the whole province observes a two-week long event, the Kalayaan Festival, through a series of events to celebrate the Philippine Independence Day season. Cavite City hosts the Regada Festival for three days from June 22 to 24, comprised of games, street dancing, photo exhibit, trade fair, concert and water splashing. This is in honor of St. John the Baptist.
Third Quarter Festivities
Maragondon celebrates The Philippines’ Bamboo Month through its Kawayan Festival every September 7. Street dances, colorful outfits, and variety bamboo products are often featured during this event. Bacoor’s Tahong festival, on the other hand, is annually held on September 29. Part of its activities are exhibits of cuisines with tahong as the main ingredient, culinary contests, and beauty contests.
Fourth Quarter Festivities
Every October, Tinapa Festival is celebrated in the town of Rosario to promote and perpetuate its image as the place where smoked fish called “Tinapang Salinas” originates.
The City Government of General Trias Town Fiesta honors the city's Patron Saint and saint of animals and ecology, St. Francis of Assisi, or “Tata Kiko”, every 4th of October. Aside from the usual parade, procession, and concert, there is also a pet blessing or "pabialahay".
The colorful Paru-Paro Festival is celebrated in the City of Dasmarinas every 26th of November.
Indang also has its share of festivals, beginning November 30 to December 2. During Indang Day, the Irok Festival is celebrated through a float parade, street dancing, sports activities, and lantern contest made out of irok leaves. The grand parade is held in the town plaza.
Capping off the year-long festivities is General Trias’ Valenciana Festival from December 11 to 13, to celebrate its cityhood and founding anniversary. The occasion showcases the local delicacy of Gen. Trias which is called “Valenciana”, a Filipino Paella-like rice dish.
Explore Cavite. It has a lot more to offer than what we expect!