Merry-making In Tattoos And Masks

From Aparri to Jolo, the country has an array of fascinating merry-making that tourists should never miss. Why? Because these high-energy activities are a fun way to learn about the culture of Filipinos.  Any of these celebrations are worth the attention of every holiday-maker.

The Visayan region is no exception. Its dynamic festivals have drawn countless visitors, both local and foreign alike to the area that these are now acclaimed worldwide as major Philippine tourist attractions. Here are just two of them:

1. Pintados-Kasadyahan Festival

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Tacloban City takes pride in this important cultural-religious celebration that commemorates the Spaniards' perception of the natives when they first set foot in the place – weapon-clad warriors having bodies decorated with tattoos all over.  Their armors were said to have been previously heated in open fire.

The festival got its name from the very same people whose bodies were totally covered in tattoos – they were called the 'pintados'. The month-long event starts from the feast day of Señor Santo Niño and culminates on the 29th day of June. The inclusion of the Leyte Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals, Pintados Festival Ritual Dance Presentation, and the Pagrayhak Grand Parade add to the merry-making, color, pomp and pageantry of the event.

2. MassKara Festival

Bacolod City has its own Festival of Smiles taken from its own nickname as the City of Smiles. Literally a Festival of Masks, this is a joyous celebration of music, food and wine, held every year on the week closest to October 19th, the Charter Inauguration Anniversary of the city of Bacolod.

Holiday-makers from all sectors of society join the masquerade party wearing smiling-faced masks, colorful costumes, with matching peculiar accessories. They dance on the streets to the infectious rhythm of the Latin musical beat in an impressive display of coordination, gaiety, mastery, and endurance.

Featured in the activity are street carnivals, food feasts, sports and music events, various competitions,  garden and agricultural shows, among others, as well as the much-awaited search for the Festival Queen.

The numerous islands of the Visayas play host to an assortment of festivals that are noteworthy to all travelers. Apart from that, the region is likewise teeming with stunning Philippine beach holidays that are at par with the world's best.