Events in Manila

With dancing, festivities and great food, Manila's vibrant events calendar has plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in Filipino culture.

Bulaklakan Festival (January)

Each year on New Year's Day, Metro Manila hosts an annual procession of flowers and costumes, since Bulaklakan literally means parade of flowers. It traditionally features street dancing and huge parades of students from different Muntinlupa schools wearing bright costumes that resemble different types of flowers.

Feast of the Black Nazarene (January)

Every January, the streets of old Manila come alive with devout crowds of people who aim to touch the revered religious statue of the famous Black Nazarene.

Chinese New Year (February)

The city welcomes the new Chinese lunar year in February with feasting, fireworks and processions in the Chinatown area. Chinese New Year is looked forward to by Filipinos and is a time of happiness and jubilation that is shared with loved ones. If you're lucky enough to be visiting Manila at the time of Chinese New Year, you'll witness some of the traditions including filling red envelopes with money, dragon and lion costumed dancers in the streets, red lanterns and plenty of delicious food.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December)

December is when the city hosts numerous religious festivals. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is one of these revivals of religious tradition, and features more than 80 images of the Blessed Virgin Mary from numerous parishes and provinces, displayed around the streets of the Intramuros. This festival features the Grand Marian Procession which is held on the First Sunday of December each year.