May 15, 2023   |   Exaweb Corp

A Complete Traveler’s Guide To Enjoying Colorful Bohol Festivals

Introduction

Festivals or fiestas are colorful and lively celebrations in the Philippines. According to an article by Asia Pacific Career  Development Association, festivals were first introduced to us by Spaniards during the mid-1500s as a way for our ancestors to adapt to the culture they wanted to bring in.   Spaniards introduced Christianity to the Philippines, assigning patron saints to each town and encouraging the locals to throw festivities yearly to praise and celebrate saints for all they’ve done. In the process, Filipinos also asked for more blessings to come.   Since then, each city has thrown big festivals every year as part of our tradition. However, we adapted and adjusted some things. Instead of dedicating the festivals solely to a saint, these fiestas are now used to promote the local products of the cities and honor their history.   Even foreigners and Filipinos from other regions make an effort to travel and visit places like Bohol to witness the beauty of our culture. So, if you plan to attend Bohol festivals soon and are wondering where to stay at, Modala Beach Resort can help you. We are located in Panglao, Bohol, and we offer some of the best hotel rooms in the city.  

Bohol’s Colorful Festivals

There are various colorful festivals in Bohol, each with its unique history. The Sandugo Festival is celebrated at Tagbilaran City every July. It commemorates the treaty of friendship between Bohol chieftain Datu Sikatuma and Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. This features trades and agricultural fairs, a flower and garden show, beauty pageants, and many performances.   Hudyaka Festival is another famous festival in Panglao, Bohol. It is celebrated every August by the people of Panglao to honor their patron saint, Saint Augustine. This is a huge dance festival that locals and foreigners look forward to every year.   In addition, Boholanos also celebrate Bolibong Kingking Festival every May in Loboc. This feast is celebrated with performances using drums and gongs in front of their patron saint, our Lady of Guadalupe. It is filled with cultural dance to celebrate Loboc’s traditions and folklore.   There are many more festivals celebrated in Bohol, and it is up to you which one interests you the most. But, overall, all these fiestas are celebrated through dancing, performing, wearing colorful attire, having marching bands, and of course, preparing local dishes that the city specializes in.    

Things To Do When Attending Philippine Festivals

If it is your first time attending a Philippine festival, there are some things that you should remember. This guide will allow you to enjoy the festivities better and return to your accommodation safely after a whole day of dancing, eating, and watching performances.  

Learn About the Festival’s Origins

We know it is fun to attend festivals impulsively or just to have fun with your friends and family members, but remember that fiestas are no ordinary parties. They are done to honor patron saints and ask them for another fruitful year to come. Moreover, they are great opportunities for the locals to promote products and services that can only be found in their area.   Knowing a festival’s origin is the least you can do to give respect to the locals who made an effort to make the whole fiesta as beautiful and festive as it is. Moreover, it is always great to learn about places and festivals while simultaneously experiencing them.  

Book an Accommodation Ahead

Festivals are best attended with companions so that you can enjoy the festivities as a group. This is also why many Bohol resorts offer rooms you can share with your family or friends.   Given this, it is recommended that you book an accommodation at least two weeks or a month ahead of the festival you want to attend. Many tourists flock to the island to witness the rich culture in the area and book rooms for themselves. If you do not secure a place as soon as possible, you might end up canceling the trip because you can’t find a room to stay in.  

Familiarize Yourself With the Place 

Hundreds of tourists and all the locals will surely come out to enjoy various Bohol festivals. If you do not familiarize yourself with the place, especially the route back to the beachfront where you are staying in Bohol, you might get lost in the crowd.   A day before the festival, it is best to explore the island and check spots where you can meet up if it gets too crowded. Moreover, it is vital to know where police stations and hospitals are for your own safety.  

Bring Extra Cash 

Bohol is an urbanized city, which means you can use credit or debit cards in malls and a few establishments. However, we recommend bringing extra cash during festivals in case of emergencies.   Furthermore, many vendors sell local products around the area during fiestas and only accept cash as payment. So, it is best if you have some prepared.  

Pack Your Essentials

Festivals are lively gatherings. You must expect many attendees to enjoy themselves, dancing and partying from morning to evening. Therefore, it is your responsibility to bring your essentials so you are ready for anything that may happen.   Pack some water to avoid getting dehydrated, and bring some food you can snack on when you get hungry. If you have medications you strictly need to take, make sure to bring and take them as needed. In addition, we recommend that you bring your fully charged mobile phones so that you won’t lose contact with your family or friends in case you get lost.    

Where To Stay in Bohol During Festivities?

If you are wondering where to stay in Bohol during festivities, Modala Beach Resort has you covered. Our beachfront hotel is located on Panglao Island, where you can easily access the town to attend the Hudyaka Festival and other celebrations.   After joining the festivities, you can head to your room to relax and enjoy the beach’s scenic view. We also house a restaurant that offers the best dishes in town, so you do not need to worry about bringing food and beverages yourself.   In addition, you can enjoy our amenities and different land and water activities a day after attending the festival to make the most of your Bohol trip.    

Conclusion

A festival is an excellent way to learn about different towns and cities, including their history, patron saints, and other traditions. Moreover, it helps the locals promote the dishes, products, tourist spots, and other special services that can only be found on their island.   The next time you attend a Bohol festival, follow the tips mentioned above and book your accommodation with Modala Beach Resort. Our majestic beachfront hotel will surely complete your whole Bohol experience.   For inquiries about our hotel rooms, amenities, and other offerings, feel free to contact our team!