If you’re planning a trip to Camiguin this September, there is another celebration worth knowing about aside from the island’s famous Lanzones Festival later in the year.
Mambajao, the capital municipality of Camiguin, celebrates its annual town fiesta every September in honor of San Nicolas de Tolentino.
For 2026, the celebration is expected to once again run from September 1 to September 10, with the main feast day falling on September 10, 2026.
And this isn’t just a one-day religious celebration.
Mambajao’s fiesta traditionally stretches for around ten days, with barangay presentations, sports competitions, cultural performances, school activities, pageants, concerts, parades, religious events and other community celebrations happening before the actual feast day.
The municipality is also preparing for what is being referred to in 2026 procurement records as the 171st Mambajao Town Fiesta.
So if you’re visiting Camiguin in early September, here’s everything you need to know about the Mambajao Town Fiesta 2026.
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Mambajao Town Fiesta 2026 at a Glance
Celebration: Mambajao Town Fiesta 2026
Location: Mambajao, Camiguin
Expected dates: September 1–10, 2026
Main fiesta day: September 10, 2026
Patron saint: San Nicolas de Tolentino
2026 celebration: 171st Mambajao Town Fiesta
Main religious celebration: Feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino
Province: Camiguin
Region: Northern Mindanao
The complete day-by-day Mambajao Fiesta 2026 schedule of activities has not yet appeared on the municipality’s publicly searchable pages as of August 21, 2026, so individual event dates and performers should still be considered pending until the LGU releases its official calendar.
What is clear, however, is that preparations for the 171st Mambajao Town Fiesta are already underway. Online procurement notices issued in August specifically reference purchases for the 171st celebration, including fiesta supplies and fireworks.
When Is the Mambajao Town Fiesta 2026?
The Mambajao Town Fiesta is traditionally celebrated from September 1 to September 10, culminating on the feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 10.
The Municipality of Mambajao previously described the celebration as a ten-day fiesta held from September 1 to 10.
That schedule continued in 2025, when the Philippine Information Agency reported that the 170th Mambajao Town Fiesta officially ran from September 1 to September 10.
For 2026, the key dates fall on:
September 1, 2026 – Tuesday
Expected beginning of the town fiesta celebrations
September 10, 2026 – Thursday
Feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino and main fiesta day
If you’re traveling specifically for the fiesta, I’d consider being in Mambajao sometime between September 7 and 10. The final few days tend to be among the busiest because they lead directly into the patronal feast.
Who Is the Patron Saint of Mambajao?
Mambajao celebrates its fiesta in honor of San Nicolas de Tolentino, or Saint Nicholas of Tolentino.
His feast is observed every September 10, which explains why Mambajao’s celebration culminates on that date.
San Nicolas de Tolentino was an Augustinian priest from Italy who lived during the 13th and early 14th centuries. He became particularly associated with prayer for the faithful departed and is traditionally regarded as an intercessor for the souls in purgatory.
Devotion to San Nicolas spread widely through Augustinian missions, including communities in the Philippines.
Mambajao is far from the only Philippine town that celebrates him.
September 10 is actually one of the busiest fiesta dates in the country, with communities in Iloilo, Negros, Surigao and other provinces also holding San Nicolas de Tolentino celebrations.
But in Mambajao, the devotion has become deeply connected with the municipality’s identity and annual fiesta traditions.
Why Is It Called the 171st Mambajao Town Fiesta?
The 2025 celebration was officially identified as the 170th Mambajao Town Fiesta.
Current procurement notices for 2026 now refer specifically to the 171st Mambajao Town Fiesta.
That makes the 2026 celebration another milestone in a tradition that has continued for generations.
Don’t confuse this with Mambajao Charter Day, which is another municipal celebration.
Mambajao marked its 171st Charter Day in July 2026, including civic and government activities. The Philippine Information Agency reported that Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo delivered his State of the Municipality Address during the July celebration.
So in 2026, you’ll see references to both:
171st Mambajao Charter Day – July 2026
and
171st Mambajao Town Fiesta – September 2026
They are separate celebrations.
Mambajao Fiesta 2026 Schedule of Activities
As of August 21, the complete official 2026 fiesta calendar has not yet been widely published or indexed online.
That means it would be premature to list specific concert performers, pageant dates or parade times as confirmed.
But previous editions give us a very good idea of what visitors can expect.
During the 2025 celebration, the fiesta opened on September 1 with the LGU Night Presentation at the Municipal Grounds, featuring performances showcasing Mambajao’s heritage and traditions.
The Philippine Information Agency had earlier announced that the September 1–10 celebration would include performances from barangays, student groups and a public concert.
Previous Mambajao fiestas have also included:
- Religious novena and Masses
- Processions
- Barangay presentations
- LGU Night
- School presentations
- Drum and lyre competitions
- Dance competitions
- Sports tournaments
- Food bazaars
- Civic and cultural programs
- Parades
- Miss Mambajao
- Concerts
- Bands and live entertainment
- Community nights
- Variety shows
- Parties and entertainment programs
The 2022 celebration, for example, featured sporting events, drum and lyre competitions, dancesport, religious processions, concerts, rave parties, parades, variety shows and Miss Mambajao.
The 2023 edition similarly began with sports competitions, a food bazaar, novena and Mass, student dance competitions and LGU Mambajao Night.
So while the exact 2026 lineup may change, visitors can expect a combination of faith, culture, sports and entertainment.
What Happens During the Mambajao Town Fiesta?
What I like about celebrations such as Mambajao’s is that they still feel very much like a traditional Filipino town fiesta.
This isn’t simply a street-dancing festival created for tourists.
For residents, the celebration is connected to faith, family, community and hometown pride.
Religious Activities
At the heart of the fiesta is the celebration of San Nicolas de Tolentino.
Expect religious activities such as novena Masses leading to September 10, special Eucharistic celebrations and possibly a religious procession depending on the official parish schedule.
September 10 remains the most important religious date.
Even with concerts and competitions happening around town, the patronal feast remains the reason behind the celebration.
Barangay Nights and Cultural Performances
Mambajao’s barangays are usually heavily involved in the fiesta.
Different groups get opportunities to perform and participate in community events.
These programs are a good way for visitors to see Camiguin culture beyond the island’s beaches and tourist attractions.
The 2025 LGU Night, for example, featured performances intended to showcase the heritage and traditions of Mambajao.
Sports Competitions
Sports have increasingly become a major part of Mambajao’s community and tourism activities.
Basketball and other local competitions are common during Philippine fiestas, but Mambajao has also been integrating sporting events into its wider tourism strategy.
The municipal tourism office has previously emphasized events combining culture, sports and tourism as a way of encouraging participation and attracting visitors.
Concerts and Nightly Entertainment
This is usually one of the most searched parts of any fiesta schedule.
Who is performing?
What night is the concert?
Are there celebrity guests?
Those details for Mambajao Fiesta 2026 should become clearer once the LGU publishes the complete calendar.
Previous celebrations have included live bands, public concerts, parties and entertainment shows, so it’s reasonable to expect nighttime activities again in 2026.
Just wait for the official announcement before making travel plans around a specific performer.
Miss Mambajao
Beauty pageants remain a familiar tradition in many Philippine fiestas, and Mambajao is no exception.
Miss Mambajao has traditionally been one of the notable fiesta events.
During the 2023 celebration, candidates for Miss Mambajao were presented during LGU Mambajao Night.
The 2022 municipal fiesta program likewise included Miss Mambajao among its major activities.
If the pageant returns as part of the 2026 lineup, expect the LGU to release candidate profiles and final event details closer to the celebration.
Mambajao Fiesta vs. Lanzones Festival: Are They the Same?
No.
This is probably one of the most important things for first-time visitors to understand.
Mambajao Town Fiesta
When: September
Where: Mambajao municipality
Patron: San Nicolas de Tolentino
Main feast: September 10
The Mambajao Town Fiesta is primarily the annual patronal and municipal celebration of Mambajao.
Lanzones Festival
When: Usually October
Where: Camiguin Province
Theme: Camiguin’s famous lanzones fruit and provincial culture
The Lanzones Festival is the much larger celebration associated with Camiguin as a province.
It tends to receive significantly more national tourism attention.
So if you visit Camiguin in September, you’re attending a celebration focused particularly on Mambajao and San Nicolas de Tolentino.
Visit again during Lanzones season and you’ll experience a different festival.
Where Is Mambajao?
Mambajao is the capital and largest population center of Camiguin, the small island province off the northern coast of Mindanao.
For most tourists, Mambajao is already the center of a Camiguin trip.
Many resorts, restaurants, transportation services and tourist facilities are found in or around the municipality.
The town is also convenient because Camiguin Airport is located in Mambajao.
That makes the fiesta relatively easy to incorporate into a normal Camiguin vacation.
You can spend the morning exploring the island and return to the poblacion later for fiesta activities.
How to Get to Mambajao for the Fiesta
There are two common ways to reach Camiguin.
By Air
The easiest option is to fly directly to Camiguin Airport in Mambajao when flights are available from your point of origin.
From the airport, your hotel or accommodation may arrange transfers, or you can use local transportation.
Because you’re already in Mambajao, getting to fiesta venues around the poblacion is relatively straightforward.
Via Balingoan and Benoni Port
Another popular route is traveling through Balingoan, Misamis Oriental.
From Balingoan Port, ferries cross to Benoni Port in Mahinog, Camiguin.
From Benoni, you can continue by van, multicab, jeepney or other local transport toward Mambajao.
Travel times, sailing schedules and fares can change, so check the latest ferry information before your trip.
Things to Do in Mambajao While You’re There
One major advantage of attending this particular fiesta is that you’re already staying in one of Camiguin’s main tourism areas.
You don’t have to choose between a festival trip and a sightseeing trip.
You can easily do both.
White Island
Probably Camiguin’s most recognizable attraction, White Island is an uninhabited white sandbar off the coast of Mambajao.
On a clear day, you get beautiful views of Camiguin and its volcanic landscape from the sandbar.
Morning trips are usually popular because temperatures are cooler and sea conditions may be more favorable.
Katibawasan Falls
Katibawasan Falls is another popular Mambajao attraction.
The tall waterfall drops into a natural pool surrounded by vegetation, making it an easy nature stop while you’re staying around town.
Ardent Hot Spring
At the foot of Mt. Hibok-Hibok is the well-known Ardent Hot Spring area.
Its development and facilities have undergone changes over the years, so check the current operating status before visiting.
Mt. Hibok-Hibok
For adventurous travelers, Mt. Hibok-Hibok is one of Camiguin’s most important natural landmarks.
A proper climb requires more planning than a casual tourist stop, so arrange necessary guides and permits beforehand.
Camiguin Food Trip
Fiesta week is also a great excuse to explore local restaurants, cafés and food stalls.
And because this is a Filipino fiesta, expect food to play an important role not only at public events but inside homes.
Families traditionally prepare dishes for relatives and visitors, making fiesta season one of the liveliest times to experience local hospitality.
Where to Stay for Mambajao Fiesta 2026
Mambajao has the largest concentration of accommodations in Camiguin, ranging from simple homestays to beachfront resorts and boutique hotels.
If the main purpose of your trip is the fiesta, consider staying:
Near the poblacion if you want easy access to evening programs, the church and municipal activities.
Around Yumbing if you also want convenient access to resorts, restaurants and White Island jump-off areas.
Because September isn’t normally as busy as Lanzones Festival season, accommodation availability may be better than in October.
Still, the final days of the town fiesta can attract returning residents and visitors, so booking early is a good idea.
What Is the Weather Like in Camiguin in September?
September can bring warm weather, humidity and occasional rain.
Because the Philippines is in the tropical cyclone and rainy season, weather conditions can change quickly.
This doesn’t necessarily mean your trip will be rainy all day. You can still get sunny periods and good sightseeing conditions.
But for fiesta travel, bring:
- Light and comfortable clothing
- Umbrella
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Sun protection
- Water bottle
- Waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables
Outdoor parades and concerts can also be postponed or adjusted because of bad weather, so check LGU announcements on the day itself.
Is September a Good Time to Visit Camiguin?
Yes, particularly if you want to see a side of Camiguin that tourists visiting only for beaches may miss.
The Mambajao Town Fiesta gives you a chance to combine the island’s natural attractions with a genuine community celebration.
You could spend your morning at White Island, visit a waterfall in the afternoon and then watch a fiesta presentation or concert in town at night.
It’s also a different experience from visiting during the Lanzones Festival.
Lanzones brings a much bigger provincial festival atmosphere.
Mambajao’s September fiesta feels more closely connected to the town, its patron saint, residents and returning families.
Mambajao Town Fiesta 2026 Travel Tips
Come Before September 10
Don’t arrive only on the main feast day if you want to experience the complete celebration.
Many of the most entertaining activities may happen during the days leading up to September 10.
Watch for the Official Schedule
Once the municipality releases the complete calendar, look specifically for:
Opening activities
Miss Mambajao
Drum and lyre competition
Civic parade
Barangay nights
Sports finals
Concerts
Religious procession
September 10 Mass schedule
Fireworks or closing activities
Expect Traffic Near Main Venues
Major programs may cause congestion around the municipal grounds, church and poblacion.
Walking short distances may sometimes be easier than trying to bring a vehicle directly to an event venue.
Respect Religious Activities
Remember that despite all the entertainment, Mambajao Fiesta remains a celebration honoring San Nicolas de Tolentino.
If you’re attending Mass or religious processions, dress appropriately and avoid blocking devotees while taking photos.
Combine It With a Camiguin Trip
If you’re traveling from Manila, Cebu or elsewhere in Mindanao, staying several days makes much more sense than visiting only for the fiesta.
Camiguin has enough attractions to easily fill three to five days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mambajao Town Fiesta 2026
When is Mambajao Fiesta 2026?
Mambajao traditionally celebrates its town fiesta from September 1 to September 10, culminating on September 10.
What day is Mambajao Fiesta in 2026?
The main feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino falls on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Who is the patron saint of Mambajao?
The patron saint is San Nicolas de Tolentino, whose feast is celebrated on September 10.
Is the Mambajao Fiesta 2026 schedule already available?
Preparations for the 171st Mambajao Town Fiesta are underway, but as of August 21, 2026, a complete publicly searchable day-by-day LGU calendar has not yet been found. Individual event schedules should be verified once the municipality publishes its official program.
What number town fiesta is Mambajao celebrating in 2026?
Available 2026 procurement notices identify it as the 171st Mambajao Town Fiesta.
Is Mambajao Fiesta the same as Lanzones Festival?
No. Mambajao Town Fiesta is held in September in honor of San Nicolas de Tolentino. Lanzones Festival is a separate provincial celebration usually held in October.
How long does Mambajao Fiesta last?
Recent official celebrations have run for approximately 10 days, from September 1 to 10.
Where is the fiesta held?
Activities are held at different venues around Mambajao, with many civic programs traditionally centered around the Municipal Grounds and poblacion. Religious celebrations are centered on the local Catholic community and San Nicolas de Tolentino devotion.
Are there concerts during Mambajao Fiesta?
Previous fiestas have included concerts, bands and nighttime entertainment. The performers and concert schedule for 2026 should be confirmed through the official fiesta calendar once released.
Is September 10 a holiday in Mambajao?
A fiesta does not automatically create a special non-working holiday. Any suspension of work or classes should be based on an official national or local announcement applicable to Mambajao.
Final Thoughts
The Mambajao Town Fiesta 2026 is one celebration to watch if you’re traveling to Camiguin this September.
Expected to run from September 1 to 10, the festivities lead to the Feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 10 and continue a tradition now entering its 171st celebration.
While Mambajao may be better known to tourists as the gateway to White Island, Mt. Hibok-Hibok, waterfalls and other Camiguin attractions, the fiesta shows a different side of the municipality.
For residents, it’s about faith and community.
For families, it’s a time to come home and celebrate.
And for travelers, it’s an opportunity to experience Camiguin beyond the typical tourist itinerary.
The full Mambajao Fiesta 2026 schedule, including concerts, competitions, pageants, parades and other major activities, is still worth watching for as September approaches.
But one date is already easy to remember:
September 10, 2026 – the Feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino and the heart of Mambajao’s annual town fiesta.
