The Philippines is a vibrant and colorful country that gets even livelier and more exciting every time there is a festival. Some of the best festivals can be found in the Visayas region. During certain times of the year, these cities burst with a festive atmosphere – from the colorful décor lining the streets to people dressed up in bright and vibrant costumes, all adding to the celebratory mood.

One of the most noteworthy festivals is Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival every 4^th weekend of January. This colorful (literally) feast is in honor of the province’s patron saint, the child Jesus. This festival is the Iloilo’s version of the Ati-atihan and commemorates the conversion of the native Filipinos into Christians. During the festival, the performers’ bodies are painted black and accented with brighter hues. Iloilo is also home to the Maskara Festival, characterized by a street party in Bacolod City where people travel to have their faces hidden behind different kinds of colorful masks.

In the town of Kalibo in Aklan, the Ati-atihan festival is the most distinct of all celebrations. Held every second weekend of January, Ati-atihan is Panay Island’s most popular fiesta and also celebrates the child Jesus. It is similar to a mardi gras event that lasts for 3 days, here you can also can catch dancers with their black-painted bodies dressed in colorful traditional garb.

In Cebu, the liveliest and most anticipated celebration is Sinulog, a festival that honors the child Jesus, too, who is actually the patron saint of the island. It is also held on the third Sunday of January and it consists of performers dressed in elaborate costumes while dancing to rhythms imitating the current of a river. Both Catholic and non-Catholics are welcome to enjoy the festivities of Sinulog.

Islands of paradise

Welcome to Asia’s best selection of tropical islands, the Visayas group in the Philippines. Experience the mouthwatering travel possibilities these numerous islands offer, from world class diving to stunning beaches, luxury resorts, friendly Filipino hospitality and endless coconut palms. We have the best of the Visayas covered here.

Plan your travels and update yourself on travel in the Visayas with this blog from an expert resident of Boracay and the Philippines. We plan to soon upgrade this into a full tourist info site with more than 100 pages and plenty of stunning pictures on the Visayas. Let us reveal the best of these islands.

From popular Boracay, across Panay and Negros to Bohol and Cebu we have the popular places covered. And then there’s the out of the way gems in Southern Leyte, the West coast islands of Samar, even the Romblons and sweet little Siquijor. Discover the individual flavours and highlights of each island right here.