Tagbilaran Festivals and Feasts: A Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Tradition

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Welcome to the vibrant world of Tagbilaran City's festivals and feasts!

Immerse yourself in a tapestry of colors, music, dance, and traditions as you journey through the diverse celebrations that define the cultural landscape of this enchanting Philippine province.

From the Ubi Festival and Sandugo Festival to the solemnity of the Lenten season, Bohol offers a rich tapestry of festivities that showcase the island's deep-rooted heritage and religious devotion.

Join us as we delve into the lively and meaningful celebrations that make Bohol a captivating destination for cultural exploration and joyful revelry.

Tagbilaran City celebrates various festivals and feast days in each of its barangays from January to December. Here is a simple list of festivals in Tagbilaran, Bohol, along with their respective dates:

1. Ubi Festival: January 15-19
2. Town of Tagbilaran Foundation Day: February 9
3. Blood Compact Festival: March 16
4. Lenten Festival: Varies (Good Friday and throughout Lent)
5. Feast of San Vicente Ferrer: April 3
6. Feast of Saint Joseph, the Worker: May 1
7. Flores de Mayo Festival: May 1-31
8. Feast of the Sta. Cruz: May 3
9. Feast of San Isidro Labrador: May 15
10. Feast of the Holy Trinity: June 10
11. Feast of San Antonio de Padua: June 13
12. Charter Day: July 1
13. Sandugo Festival: July (month-long celebration)
14. Feast of the Sta. Cruz: July 16
15. Bohol Day: July 22
16. Feast of San Roque: August 16
17. Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary: August 22
18. Feast of the Birhen Sa Barangay: September 3
19. Alay Lakad (Walk-for-a-Cause): October (date varies)
20. Feast of Birhen Sang Barangay: September 11
21. Feast of Sta. Cruz: September 13
22. Capt. Salazar, Guerillas and Veteran’s Day: October 22
23. Carlos P. Garcia Day: November 4
24. Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: December 12

Please note that some festival dates may vary slightly each year, so it's recommended to check for any updates or changes closer to the desired time of visit.

1. Tagbilaran Ubi Festival:

Celebrated from January 15 to 19, the Ubi Festival pays homage to the humble ubi, ube or a purple yam that is a staple crop in Bohol. The festival showcases various activities such as cooking contests, street dancing, exhibits, and cultural presentations, all centered around the versatile and delicious ubi.

2. Town of Tagbilaran Foundation Day:

Observed on February 9, the Town of Tagbilaran Foundation Day commemorates the establishment of Tagbilaran City, as a town once known as San Jose de Tagbilaran. The celebration typically includes a series of events such as parades, sports competitions, beauty pageants, concerts, and cultural shows, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the city.

3. Blood Compact Festival:

Held on March 16, the Blood Compact Festival commemorates the historic event of the blood compact or Sandugo between Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna of Bohol. The festival features reenactments, street dances, cultural presentations, and other activities that highlight this significant moment in Philippine history.

4. Lenten Festival

The Lenten Festival takes place during the season of Lent, with the most important events occurring on Good Friday. This religious festival includes processions, passion plays, and other religious rituals that depict the suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Activities include the “Visita Iglesia”; processions of the “Stations of the Cross”, the “Santo Entiero” held every Good Friday, and the “La Soledad”, a special procession in honor of the sorrowing Mother of God every evening of Good Friday. Pilgrimage to Elley Hill is observed by some of the faithful during the Lenten season. It is a time of deep religious observance and reflection for the Catholic community in Bohol.

5. Tagbilaran Feast of San Vicente Ferrer

Celebrated on April 3, the Feast of San Vicente Ferrer honors the patron saint of as a town once known as San Jose de Tagbilaran (as well as Valencia, Bohol). The festivities include religious processions, traditional dances, cultural shows, and community gatherings. It is a time for the locals to express their devotion to San Vicente Ferrer through prayer, thanksgiving, and joyful celebrations.

6. Feast of Saint Joseph, the Worker

Held on May 1, the Feast of Saint Joseph, the Worker, is a celebration of the patron saint of workers and of the City. Aside from a special Mass and procession, other activities include a motorcade and a fluvial parade on the day itself. Nine days prior to the actual feast day and in consonance with the 9-day Novena to Saint Joseph, nightly entertainment are held and includes the yearly search for Miss Tagbilaran. Labor Day activities are likewise held on this day.

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7. Flores de Mayo Festival

Taking place throughout the month of May, the Flores de Mayo Festival is a colorful and joyful celebration in honor of the Virgin Mary. It involves daily processions, flower offerings, beauty pageants, and cultural performances by young participants dressed in traditional attire. The festival showcases the devotion and love for the Blessed Virgin Mary among the faithful.

8. Tagbilaran Feast of the Sta. Cruz

Celebrated on May 3, the Feast of the Sta. Cruz (Holy Cross) is a religious observance that honors the symbol of the cross as a significant emblem of faith. Special church services, processions, and veneration of the cross are held to commemorate this day.

9. Feast of San Isidro Labrador

Observed on May 15, the Feast of San Isidro Labrador pays tribute to the patron saint of farmers and laborers. It is a time to offer prayers and blessings for a bountiful harvest. The festival includes agricultural exhibits, farm-related contests, and processions to honor San Isidro Labrador.

10. Feast of the Holy Trinity

Celebrated on June 10, the Feast of the Holy Trinity is a religious feast dedicated to the Holy Trinity—God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Special church services, processions, and religious activities are held to honor and reflect on the mystery of the Holy Trinity.

11. Feast of San Antonio de Padua

Held on June 13, the Feast of San Antonio de Padua honors the beloved patron saint of lost things and miracles. Devotees participate in processions, novenas, and religious rituals, seeking the intercession of San Antonio de Padua for their intentions.

12. Tagbilaran Feast Charter Day

Celebrated on July 1, Charter Day marks the anniversary of the cityhood of Tagbilaran. The day is commemorated with various activities such as parades, cultural presentations, sports events, and civic activities that highlight the achievements and progress of the city.

13. Sandugo Festival

Spanning the entire month of July, the Sandugo Festival is one of Bohol's most significant cultural events. It commemorates the blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The festival showcases vibrant street dances, historical reenactments, beauty pageants, sports competitions, and a grand parade, celebrating the rich heritage and cultural diversity of Bohol.

14. Tagbilaran Feast of the Sta. Cruz

Celebrated on July 16, the Feast of the Sta. Cruz (Holy Cross) is a religious feast dedicated to the veneration of the Holy Cross. Special church services, processions, and devotional activities take place to honor the significance of the cross in Christian faith.

15. Tagbilaran Bohol Feast Day

Observed on July 22, Bohol Day commemorates the founding anniversary of the Province of Bohol. It is a day to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of the province through various activities such as parades, cultural presentations, beauty pageants, and community gatherings.

16. Tagbilaran Feast of San Roque

Celebrated on August 16, the Feast of San Roque honors the patron saint of the sick and the protector against epidemics. Devotees participate in processions, religious services, and prayers to seek the intercession of San Roque for good health and protection against diseases.

17. Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Observed on August 22, the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a religious feast that honors the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a symbol of her love, compassion, and devotion. Special church services, processions, and devotional activities are held to express reverence and seek the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

18. Tagbilaran Feast of the Birhen Sa Barangay

Celebrated on September 3, the Feast of the Birhen Sa Barangay (Virgin of the Barangay) is a religious feast dedicated to the veneration of the Virgin Mary. It is a time for the communities in different barangays (villages) to gather and offer prayers, processions, and novenas to honor the Birhen Sa Barangay.

19. Alay Lakad (Walk-for-a-Cause)

Alay Lakad is a charitable event held in October (date varies) where participants walk to raise funds for a cause or to support community projects. It is a collective effort to promote solidarity, charity, and social responsibility.

20. Feast of Birhen Sang Barangay

Observed on September 11, the Feast of Birhen Sang Barangay (Virgin of the Barangay) is a religious feast celebrated in different barangays (villages) in Bohol. It involves processions, novenas, and religious activities to honor and seek the intercession of the Virgin Mary.

21. Tagbilaran Feast of Sta. Cruz

Celebrated on September 13, the Feast of Sta. Cruz (Holy Cross) is a religious feast dedicated to the veneration of the Holy Cross. Special church services, processions, and devotional activities take place to honor the significance of the cross in Christian faith.

22. Capt. Salazar, Guerillas and Veteran’s Day

Commemorated on October 22, Capt. Salazar, Guerillas and Veteran's Day pays tribute to the local heroes, guerilla fighters, and veterans who fought for freedom and independence during World War II. Ceremonies, parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and other commemorative activities are organized to honor their bravery and sacrifice.

23. Carlos P. Garcia Day

Celebrated on November 4, Carlos P. Garcia Day honors the birth anniversary of Carlos P. Garcia, the eighth President of the Philippines and a native of Bohol. This day serves as a tribute to his contributions to the country's history and development through ceremonies, wreath-laying, and other commemorative events.

24. Tagbilaran Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Observed on December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a religious feast that honors the apparition of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego in Guadalupe, Mexico. Special church services, processions, and devotions are held to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe and seek her intercession.