Philippines: Islands, Volcanoes, and Culture with Remote Lands
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- Travelogues
November to April and it is dry season in the Philippines, the weather is hot and humid. The best time to visit this green archipelago nation known for its pristine beaches and laid back life is December to February when the temperature is a little cooler, usually somewhere between 21 and 30 °C (70-86 °F). A popular hit with visitors is the Surman Festival in Baler, Auroa, during the third week of February, a mardi-gras style celebration replete with dancing, street parades, floats and the eating of the local delicacy surman, or sticky rice cakes in banana leaves. April plays host to the Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival, a local version China's competitive and much famed dragon boat racing.
February-April
This week-long celebration is one of the few ethnic cultural festivals in the country. Held in Malaybalay, it commemorates the anniversary of the establishment of Bukidnon as a province and honors the culture of the tribal groups in the region. Traditional tribal costumes are worn and the people perform their native dances in the streets.
Location Malaybalay, Philippines
March-April
This week-long festival takes place throughout Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Locals dress in colorful Roman armor and costumes and parade in the streets. Stories are reenacted and on Good Friday, the men march through the streets, whipping themselves to reflect the suffering of Christ in order to absolve themselves of sins.
Location Marinduque, Philippines
March-April
This traditional religious ritual takes place annually on Good Friday. In a rice field outside the city of San Fernando, repentant sinners are tied and nailed to a cross with stainless steel, disinfected nails, in a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Christ. Penitents take part in order to cleanse themselves of their sins.
Location San Fernando, Philippines
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