Festivals in Ormoc

Every province, indeed practically every town in the Philippines has a fiesta, and among the most colorful are Ormoc Citys festivals. The next time youre in Leyte, be sure to take part in these thrilling events.

Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul

This Ormoc festival is commemorated not just in this city, but in the entire province.

The fiesta is held on the 28th and 29th of June every year, and is marked, as is most of these events, by a mixture of religious solemnity and celebrations, with a Catholic mass held in the morning and followed by a procession of images of the saints, and culminating in dancing and singing.

The Buyogan Festival

If you only have time to attend one Leyte Ormoc festival, it might as well be the Buyogan Festival, which consistently ranks as one of the best fiestas in the Philippines.

Held every 18th of August in the small town of Buyogan, the main attraction of this event are the colorful and strikingly beautiful attire worn that simulate the appearance of the honeybee. Not only are the costumes made to look like the creature but the movements are also simulated by the dancers, the result being one of the most stunning festivals in the province.

The Feast of the Lady of Fatima

Every 13th of May, the people take time out to celebrate the Feast of the Lady of Fatima, one of the revered saints of the city.

This Ormoc festival has characteristics that are similar to those of other religious fiestas in the Philippines. The Catholic faithful commence the event by attending mass and witnessing the procession, which usually begins at a church.

Sunduan ha Carigara

Another festival near Ormoc City worth checking out is that of the Sunduan ha Carigara festival, which for a time was the capital of Leyte.

The event takes place on Easter Sunday, meaning it is a movable feast (it occurs on March or April). As part of the event involves the commemoration of the resurrection of Christ, the atmosphere is that of joyous celebrations, notably that of the boat parade, which also depicts the history of Carigara.

The Sanggutan Festival

The Sanggutan fiesta, which occurs on May 18 in Barguo, is an event recounts the process of making the tuba, or coconut red wine.

There are several features in the Sanggutan festival, and among them are the dancing of men and women, clad in the attire of coconut wine maker. The dominant color is red, and the overall atmosphere is that of sheer festivity and thanksgiving.

Pintados Festival

If you are in Ormoc, be sure to visit the nearby city of Tacloban to witness the Pintados Festival, one of the most famous fiestas in Leyte.

The Pintados Festival is a gala of the history of the ancient inhabitants of the land. The dancing actually tells the stories of their conquests and victories in war. The fiesta also reflects the love and worship of the people for mother nature. Of course, all the participants are painted, simulating the tattoos that the olden ones used to have.

Ormoc Charter Day

The city was inaugurated on June 21, 1947 and there is a festival held yearly to mark this special occasion.

There are several features in this fiesta, and among the highlights are cultural presentations showcasing the best of Leyte and Ormoc history, folklore and culture. The people commemorate the day by performing local dances, and showcasing the best in local handicraft.

Ormoc festivals and fiestas are quite a sight to behold, and once you take part in one event, you will definitely want to come back and participate in some more.