November is an exciting time to explore the Philippines.
The rainy season is beginning to ease in many destinations, the weather is becoming cooler, and communities are slowly preparing for Christmas. At the same time, towns and provinces across the country are celebrating local traditions, patron saints, harvests, arts, history and Indigenous culture.
Some of the best-known Philippine festivals in November include the Higantes Festival in Angono, the colorful Pintaflores Festival in San Carlos City, the Adivay Festival in Benguet, the Sandurot Festival in Dumaguete, and the Kalimudan Festival in Sultan Kudarat.
But the November calendar goes far beyond these major events.
There are celebrations dedicated to bamboo, fishing, surfing, local arts and provincial foundation anniversaries. There are also candle-lighting traditions connected with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, cultural gatherings involving Indigenous communities, historical commemorations and town fiestas honoring Catholic patron saints.
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Why November Is a Great Month for Philippine Festivals
November is a transitional month in the Philippines.
It begins with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, two important occasions when Filipino families visit cemeteries, light candles, offer prayers and remember departed loved ones. This explains why some of the earliest November celebrations are connected with candles, lights and remembrance.
As the month continues, the focus shifts toward arts, local history, harvests and provincial anniversaries. Some communities celebrate their Indigenous heritage, while others promote important products such as bamboo, fish and agricultural crops.
November festivals generally fall under several themes:
Faith and remembrance
The Festival of Lights in Sagada, Banaag Festival in Iloilo and Tumba Festival in Batangas take place at the beginning of the month, when many Filipinos honor departed family members.
Arts and creativity
Angono, known for its strong artistic identity, celebrates both the Angono Arts Festival and Higantes Festival. Baguio also hosts arts-related events during the month.
Indigenous culture
Adivay, Helobong, Kalimudan and P’yagsawitan highlight the traditions, identities and thanksgiving practices of different communities.
Local history
Negros Day, El Cinco de Noviembre, the Cry of Santa Barbara and provincial foundation celebrations remind visitors that festivals can also preserve important historical stories.
Agriculture and livelihoods
Some events celebrate harvests, bamboo, fishing and local products. Examples include the Kawayanan Festival, Santa Ipon Festival and P’yagsawitan Festival.
Most Popular Festivals in November
Here are some of the most recognizable and culturally interesting November festivals in the Philippines.
1. Higantes Festival
Location: Angono, Rizal
Wikipedia-listed schedule: November 22 to 23
Honoree: Saint Clement
The Higantes Festival is one of the most visually recognizable celebrations in the Philippines.
Its main attractions are the enormous papier-mâché figures called higantes. These colorful giants are paraded through the streets of Angono, accompanied by performers, musicians, devotees and members of the community.
Some higantes are designed to look funny or exaggerated, while others represent local personalities, occupations or cultural themes. Creating them requires considerable skill, which is fitting for a town closely associated with Filipino artists.
The festival is held in honor of Saint Clement, the patron saint of fishermen. Visitors may encounter religious activities alongside the famous giant parade.
Wikipedia lists the festival from November 22 to 23. However, the full celebration may include programs held before or after those dates, so check Angono’s official schedule before visiting.
2. Pintaflores Festival
Location: San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
Wikipedia-listed schedule: November 3 to 5
Honoree: Saint Charles Borromeo
The Pintaflores Festival brings together colorful flowers, body painting, dance and religious devotion.
The name combines the ideas behind pinta, referring to painted designs, and flores, meaning flowers. Performers commonly appear in brightly colored costumes decorated with floral elements and artistic patterns.
The celebration honors Saint Charles Borromeo, whose feast day is observed on November 4. Wikipedia separately lists the San Carlos City Fiesta on the same date.
Street performances are among the most anticipated activities. Dancers use costumes, body paint and flower-inspired decorations to tell stories about the city and its community.
Wikipedia places Pintaflores from November 3 to 5, making it one of the earliest major festivals of the month.
3. Adivay Festival
Location: La Trinidad and other parts of Benguet
Wikipedia-listed schedule: November
Main theme: Benguet’s culture and Indigenous traditions
Adivay is one of the most important provincial celebrations in the Cordillera Administrative Region.
The festival brings together the different communities and ethnolinguistic groups of Benguet. It celebrates Indigenous culture, traditional practices, local products and the province’s identity.
Visitors may encounter cultural performances, agricultural exhibits, sports competitions, trade fairs and gatherings representing Benguet’s municipalities. The celebration also provides an opportunity for communities to strengthen relationships and share their traditions.
Wikipedia describes Adivay as a celebration of the culture and traditions of Benguet’s ethnic tribes. Benguet Foundation Day, which is listed separately on November 23, is closely connected with the province’s November festivities.
4. Sandurot Festival
Location: Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Wikipedia-listed schedule: November 9 to 15
Sandurot Festival is one of Dumaguete City’s major cultural celebrations.
The festival reflects the welcoming character of the city and the coming together of people from different places and backgrounds. Dumaguete has long attracted students, travelers, professionals and residents from neighboring islands, helping create its diverse community.
Festival programs can include cultural performances, street dancing, music, competitions and activities celebrating Dumaguete’s history and identity.
Wikipedia lists Sandurot from November 9 to 15. As with many local festivals, the full program may change annually.
5. Helobong or Helubong Festival
Location: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Wikipedia-listed schedule: November 9 to 15 or the second week of November
Helobong Festival is associated with the cultural traditions of Lake Sebu, a destination known for its Indigenous communities, mountain scenery, waterfalls and cultural heritage.
The event offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate local dances, music, clothing, crafts and community traditions. It is especially meaningful because Lake Sebu is home to communities whose identities are closely connected with the area’s natural environment and ancestral practices.
Wikipedia lists the celebration under both the spellings Helobong and Helubong and places it during the second week of November.
6. Kalimudan Festival
Location: Isulan, Sultan Kudarat
Wikipedia-listed date: November 21
Main theme: Tribal and cultural gathering
Kalimudan Festival is listed by Wikipedia as a tribal fiesta in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
The celebration provides a venue for the province’s different communities to present their customs, dances, clothing and traditions. It reflects Sultan Kudarat’s cultural diversity and the continuing importance of community gatherings.
Depending on the annual program, visitors may encounter street dancing, cultural presentations, agricultural exhibits and provincial competitions.
Wikipedia places Kalimudan on November 21, although the wider provincial celebration may last longer than one day.
7. Tan-Ok ni Ilocano Festival of Festivals
Location: Ilocos Norte
Wikipedia-listed schedule: Third week of November
Tan-Ok ni Ilocano is a festival of festivals featuring presentations from the cities and municipalities of Ilocos Norte.
Instead of representing only one town, the event gathers contingents from across the province. Each participating community can showcase its history, customs, products and cultural identity through music, dance and elaborate performances.
For visitors, this format makes the celebration especially interesting. You can experience different Ilocano traditions without traveling to every municipality separately.
Wikipedia describes Tan-Ok as a showcase of the traditions and cultures of Ilocos Norte’s cities and towns and calls it an expression of Ilocano pride.
8. Angono Arts Festival
Location: Angono, Rizal
Wikipedia-listed schedule: November 5 to 25
The Angono Arts Festival runs for much of November and helps establish the festive atmosphere leading to the Higantes Festival.
Angono is strongly associated with visual art, music, craftsmanship and creative expression. During the festival period, visitors may find exhibitions, workshops, performances and community activities involving local artists.
The long schedule means travelers do not necessarily need to visit only during the Higantes parade. Arriving earlier in November may still give them an opportunity to experience Angono’s creative culture.
Wikipedia lists the Angono Arts Festival from November 5 to 25.
9. P’yagsawitan Festival
Location: Maragusan, Davao de Oro
Wikipedia-listed schedule: November 18 to 25 or the third week of November
P’yagsawitan Festival combines cultural performances with harvest thanksgiving.
According to the Wikipedia list, the event includes presentations by Indigenous groups and rituals expressing gratitude for the harvest. This gives the festival both cultural and agricultural significance.
Maragusan is surrounded by mountain scenery and farming communities, making the thanksgiving theme especially appropriate for the destination.
Travelers interested in Indigenous traditions and rural celebrations may find P’yagsawitan particularly meaningful.
10. Santa Ipon Festival
Location: Santa, Ilocos Sur
Wikipedia-listed schedule: November 25 to December 25
Main theme: Thanksgiving and the catching of ipon
Santa Ipon Festival begins in late November and continues until Christmas Day.
The celebration highlights the catching of ipon, a small seasonal fish connected with the local community’s livelihood. It is presented as a thanksgiving event, showing how a natural resource can become an important part of a town’s identity and festival tradition.
Because the celebration extends into December, visitors should check which dates feature its largest activities, such as fairs, performances or community programs.
Complete List of Festivals in November in the Philippines
The following calendar follows the names, dates and locations appearing in Wikipedia’s November section.
Several entries do not contain detailed notes. Rather than inventing information, these are identified simply as local festivals, fiestas or commemorations.
Month-Long and Variable-Date November Festivals
| Festival or event | Wikipedia-listed schedule | Location | Main detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adivay | November | La Trinidad, Benguet | Celebrates the culture and traditions of Benguet’s ethnic communities |
| P’yagsawitan Festival | Third week; also listed as November 18–25 | Maragusan, Davao de Oro | Includes Indigenous performances and harvest thanksgiving rituals |
| Kawayanan Festival | Third week | Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur | Celebrates bamboo as an important local product |
| Crown Festival | Third week | Taytay, Rizal | Local festival |
| Tan-Ok ni Ilocano Festival of Festivals | Third week | Ilocos Norte | Provincial showcase of municipal and city traditions |
| Binabayani Festival | Last week | Masinloc, Zambales | Dance presentation reenacting conflict involving Aetas and Christians |
| Pas’ungko s’g Mis Occ | Month-long | Misamis Occidental | Provincial celebration |
Adivay, Tan-Ok and P’yagsawitan are among the strongest cultural events in this group. The exact schedules of week-based festivals naturally change from year to year.
Festivals From November 1 to 5
Festival of Lights
Date: November 1
Location: Sagada, Mountain Province
The Festival of Lights appears at the beginning of Wikipedia’s November calendar. Its date coincides with All Saints’ Day, when Filipino communities remember departed loved ones through prayers, candles and cemetery visits.
Banaag Festival
Date: November 1
Location: Anilao, Iloilo
Banaag Festival is another November 1 celebration. The Wikipedia table does not provide additional information about its main activities.
Grand Perangat Festival
Date: November 1 to 10, with a highlight on the second Saturday
Location: Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental
Wikipedia describes Grand Perangat as a provincial festival and a highlight of Misamis Occidental’s founding-anniversary celebration.
Tumba Festival or Candle Festival
Date: November 2
Location: San Luis, Batangas
Tumba Festival is also called the Candle Festival. Its November 2 schedule connects it with All Souls’ Day and Filipino traditions of remembering the dead.
Pintaflores Festival
Date: November 3 to 5
Location: San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
This colorful festival honors Saint Charles Borromeo and features flower-inspired designs, painted performers and festive presentations.
San Carlos City Fiesta
Date: November 4
Location: San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
The city fiesta takes place within the Pintaflores celebration and coincides with the feast of Saint Charles Borromeo.
Kansilay Festival
Date: November 5 to 13
Location: Silay City, Negros Occidental
Kansilay Festival is a multi-day celebration in Silay City. The Wikipedia calendar provides its dates and location but no additional description.
Angono Arts Festival
Date: November 5 to 25
Location: Angono, Rizal
This long-running celebration highlights Angono’s creative identity and leads into the town’s famous late-November festivities.
Negros Day
Date: November 5
Location: Negros Occidental
Negros Day is a province-wide historical observance.
El Cinco de Noviembre or Kansilay Festival
Date: November 5
Location: Bago, Negros Occidental
This November 5 event commemorates an important episode in Negros history. Wikipedia lists it using the name El Cinco de Noviembre together with Kansilay Festival.
The presence of several Negros Occidental events around November 5 reflects the historical importance of that date in the province.
Festivals From November 6 to 15
| Festival or event | Date | Location | Main detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bagat Festival or Araw ng Sibagat | November 6 | Sibagat, Agusan del Sur | Municipal celebration |
| Helobong or Helubong Festival | November 9–15 or second week | Lake Sebu, South Cotabato | Cultural celebration |
| Sandurot Festival | November 9–15 | Dumaguete City | Major city cultural festival |
| Visayas-Mindanao Drum and Bugle Corps | November 9–15 | Cagayan de Oro or the Mindanao area | Musical competition or gathering |
| Taw-anay Gugma | November 11 | Dumalag, Capiz | Local celebration |
| Kalag-Kalag Festival | November 13 | Cebu City | Festival listed in Cebu City |
| Pandag-Kitab Oriental Mindoro | November 14 | Calapan City | Provincial festival |
| Founding Anniversary of Occidental Mindoro | November 15 | Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro | Provincial foundation commemoration |
The period from November 9 to 15 is especially active, with cultural celebrations in Dumaguete and Lake Sebu as well as provincial activities in Mindoro.
Festivals From November 17 to 21
La Union Surfing Invitational or Surfing Festival
Date: November 17 to 19
Location: San Juan, La Union
The La Union Surfing Festival celebrates one of the province’s best-known tourism activities.
San Juan is a popular surfing destination, and the event brings attention to the local surfing community. Visitors should confirm whether an official invitational or festival is being held during their year of travel because surfing events can depend on conditions and organizers.
Kahilwayan Festival or Cry of Santa Barbara
Date: November 17
Location: Santa Barbara, Iloilo
Kahilwayan Festival is associated with the Cry of Santa Barbara, an important local historical commemoration.
Urukay Festival
Date: November 18 to 19
Location: Anini-y, Antique
Urukay Festival is listed as a two-day local celebration in Anini-y.
Baguio Arts Festival
Date: November 18
Location: Baguio City
The Baguio Arts Festival is one of several Cordillera arts and cultural events included in the November calendar.
Inilusan
Date: November 20 to 25
Location: Mambusao, Capiz
Inilusan is listed twice in the Wikipedia table with exactly the same dates and location. It is included only once in this guide to avoid duplication.
Pinnakan Festival
Date: November 20 to 25
Location: Luna, La Union
Pinnakan Festival is a multi-day celebration in the coastal municipality of Luna.
Kalimudan Festival
Date: November 21
Location: Isulan, Sultan Kudarat
Wikipedia identifies Kalimudan as a tribal fiesta. It celebrates the cultures and communities of Sultan Kudarat.
Festivals From November 22 to 25
| Festival or event | Date | Location | Main detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higantes Festival | November 22–23 | Angono, Rizal | Honors Saint Clement and features giant papier-mâché figures |
| Guinakit of Maguindanao | November 22 | Rio Grande de Mindanao | Boat parade |
| Cordillera Festival | November 22 | Baguio City | Regional cultural celebration |
| Kabkaban Festival | November 23–29 | Carcar, Cebu | Multi-day local festival |
| Benguet Foundation Day | November 23 | Benguet | Provincial foundation celebration |
| Santa Ipon Festival | November 25–December 25 | Santa, Ilocos Sur | Thanksgiving celebration featuring the catching of ipon |
This is one of the busiest portions of the month. Higantes attracts visitors to Rizal, while Northern Luzon hosts the Cordillera Festival, Benguet Foundation Day and the beginning of Santa Ipon Festival.
Festivals From November 26 to 30
Feast of Santa Catalina
Date: November 26
Location: Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro
This local religious feast honors Santa Catalina.
Paruparo Festival
Date: November 26
Location: Dasmariñas, Cavite
The Paruparo Festival is one of Cavite’s November celebrations. Paruparo means butterfly in Filipino, giving the festival a colorful and visually appealing identity.
Wikipedia lists the date and location but does not provide further details about the celebration.
Panangedayew
Date: November 27
Location: Dagupan City
Panangedayew is listed as a November 27 celebration in Dagupan.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Date: November 29 to December 8
Location: Puerto Princesa City
This religious celebration begins in November and continues until the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.
Day-ang Di Onga Festival
Date: November 30
Location: Baguio City
Wikipedia describes Day-ang Di Onga as a day-long event featuring young Cordillerans and celebrating life.
Annual Pinatubo Trek: A March to Peace and Tranquility
Date: November 30
Location: Capas, Tarlac
This event involves a trek connected with Mount Pinatubo and carries the theme of peace and tranquility.
November Festivals by Region
Luzon
November offers a particularly strong festival calendar in Luzon.
Notable events include:
- Festival of Lights in Sagada
- Tumba Festival in San Luis, Batangas
- Angono Arts Festival
- Higantes Festival in Angono
- Pandag-Kitab in Oriental Mindoro
- Occidental Mindoro Foundation Anniversary
- La Union Surfing Festival
- Baguio Arts Festival
- Cordillera Festival
- Benguet Foundation Day
- Adivay Festival
- Santa Ipon Festival
- Paruparo Festival in Dasmariñas
- Tan-Ok ni Ilocano
- Binabayani Festival
- Annual Pinatubo Trek
Northern Luzon’s November calendar is especially rich in Indigenous culture, arts, provincial anniversaries and outdoor events. Southern Luzon offers arts, religious fiestas and local celebrations.
Visayas
The Visayas also has several important November celebrations:
- Banaag Festival in Anilao, Iloilo
- Pintaflores Festival in San Carlos City
- Kansilay Festival in Silay
- Negros Day
- El Cinco de Noviembre
- Sandurot Festival in Dumaguete
- Taw-anay Gugma in Capiz
- Kalag-Kalag Festival in Cebu
- Kahilwayan Festival in Santa Barbara
- Urukay Festival in Antique
- Inilusan in Mambusao
- Kabkaban Festival in Carcar
Negros Occidental is particularly busy during the first week, while Iloilo, Cebu, Antique and Capiz hold celebrations later in the month.
Mindanao
November festivals in Mindanao include:
- Grand Perangat Festival in Misamis Occidental
- Bagat Festival in Agusan del Sur
- Helobong Festival in Lake Sebu
- Visayas-Mindanao Drum and Bugle Corps
- Kalimudan Festival in Sultan Kudarat
- Guinakit of Maguindanao
- P’yagsawitan Festival in Davao de Oro
- Kawayanan Festival in Pagadian
- Pas’ungko s’g Mis Occ
These events highlight provincial anniversaries, Indigenous culture, harvest thanksgiving, bamboo products and river traditions.
Best November Festivals for Different Travelers
For colorful parades and street performances
The Higantes Festival and Pintaflores Festival are strong choices.
Higantes is famous for its towering papier-mâché figures, while Pintaflores offers flower-inspired costumes, painted performers and energetic cultural presentations.
For arts and creativity
Consider visiting:
- Angono Arts Festival
- Baguio Arts Festival
- Cordillera Festival
- Higantes Festival
Angono and Baguio are especially appealing for travelers interested in galleries, creative communities, performances and public art.
For Indigenous culture
Look into:
- Adivay Festival
- Helobong Festival
- Kalimudan Festival
- P’yagsawitan Festival
- Tan-Ok ni Ilocano
- Day-ang Di Onga Festival
Visitors should remember that some dances, clothing and ceremonies may carry cultural or spiritual significance. Observe respectfully and ask permission before taking close-up photographs.
For history
The most interesting options include:
- Negros Day
- El Cinco de Noviembre
- Kahilwayan Festival or Cry of Santa Barbara
- Benguet Foundation Day
- Occidental Mindoro Founding Anniversary
These events connect present-day festivities with provincial identity and historical memory.
For nature and outdoor activities
Consider the:
- La Union Surfing Festival
- Annual Pinatubo Trek
- Festival of Lights in Sagada
- Santa Ipon Festival
Outdoor events may be affected by weather, wave conditions or safety advisories, so checking current announcements is essential.
Tips for Attending a November Festival
Verify the current festival dates
Wikipedia’s list includes fixed dates, date ranges and schedules based on particular weeks or Saturdays.
A festival listed during the “third week” will not necessarily begin on the same date every year. Local governments may also move the main parade to a weekend to accommodate more spectators.
Check the weather forecast
November is generally more comfortable than the peak rainy months, but tropical cyclones and heavy rain are still possible.
Pack a compact umbrella, a light rain jacket, sunscreen and footwear suitable for both wet and dry conditions.
Reserve accommodations early
Book ahead when attending popular celebrations such as Higantes, Pintaflores, Adivay or Sandurot.
Hotels near central plazas, churches and parade routes can fill up, especially when the main festival dates fall on a weekend.
Prepare for road closures
Street parades and religious processions often require temporary traffic changes.
Arrive early, identify alternative transportation routes and be prepared to walk from designated drop-off areas.
Bring cash and small bills
Festival markets, food stalls, tricycle drivers and small souvenir vendors may not accept cashless payments.
Small bills make purchases and transportation payments easier.
Respect religious and cultural activities
Some celebrations include solemn Masses, processions, Indigenous rituals or activities remembering the departed.
Avoid blocking participants, interrupting ceremonies or using flash photography in sensitive situations.
Support local products
Buy food, crafts and souvenirs directly from farmers, artists, fisherfolk and community vendors.
This is especially meaningful during festivals celebrating bamboo, fishing, arts and agricultural harvests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular festival in the Philippines in November?
The Higantes Festival in Angono, Rizal, is one of the most widely recognized November festivals. It is famous for its giant papier-mâché figures and is held in honor of Saint Clement.
When is the Higantes Festival?
Wikipedia lists Higantes Festival from November 22 to 23. The annual program may include activities outside those dates, so check Angono’s official announcements.
Where is the Pintaflores Festival celebrated?
Pintaflores Festival is celebrated in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, from November 3 to 5 according to Wikipedia. It honors Saint Charles Borromeo.
What is Adivay Festival?
Adivay is Benguet’s celebration of the cultures and traditions of its Indigenous communities. Wikipedia places it generally within November.
Are all November entries traditional festivals?
No. The list also contains town fiestas, provincial foundation anniversaries, historical commemorations, arts events, surfing competitions and an annual trek.
Why does the list contain Inilusan twice?
The Wikipedia November table repeats Inilusan with the same November 20-to-25 dates and Mambusao, Capiz location. This guide treats it as one unique celebration.
Are the dates guaranteed to be accurate every year?
No. Wikipedia warns that the page is incomplete and needs updating because some fiestas may have changed dates or may no longer be celebrated. Always verify the schedule directly with local organizers.
Final Thoughts
November is a wonderful month for experiencing Philippine culture.
You can watch towering giants parade through Angono, enjoy the colorful performances of Pintaflores, learn about Indigenous culture during Adivay and Helobong, join Dumaguete’s Sandurot celebration or explore the history behind Negros Day and the Cry of Santa Barbara.
The month also offers smaller events that reveal the unique identity of local communities. Some celebrate bamboo, fishing and harvests. Others honor patron saints, recognize provincial anniversaries or provide young people and artists with opportunities to present their talents.
These celebrations remind us that Philippine festivals are more than colorful costumes and street dancing. They preserve stories, strengthen communities, express gratitude and allow traditions to be passed from one generation to another.
The Wikipedia list is helpful for discovering these events, but it should not be treated as the final annual calendar. Dates, venues and programs may change because of weather, local decisions or other circumstances.
Before traveling, check the latest announcements from the official tourism office, local government, parish or festival organizer. With proper planning, a November festival trip can become one of the most memorable ways to experience the creativity, hospitality and cultural diversity of the Philippines.
Note: This guide follows the November section of Wikipedia’s List of Festivals in the Philippines. The page contains 45 rows for November, including one duplicated Inilusan entry, giving us 44 unique listed festivals, fiestas and commemorative events.
Wikipedia also warns that its Philippine festival calendar is incomplete and needs updating. Some events may no longer be celebrated in the same way, while others may have changed dates. Use this article as a starting point, but verify the current schedule with the official local government, tourism office, parish or festival organizer before making travel plans.
