Every September, the town of Naujan in Oriental Mindoro celebrates one of the province’s most interesting fiestas—a celebration that brings together Catholic tradition, local culture, fishing communities, and the natural treasures of Naujan Lake.
The Naujan Fiesta 2026 falls on September 10, 2026, in honor of the town’s patron saint, San Nicolas de Tolentino or St. Nicholas of Tolentino.
But the celebration is not only about the religious feast.
September 10 is also associated with the town’s DaBaLisTiHit Festival, a uniquely Naujeño festival inspired by the freshwater fish species of Naujan Lake and the people whose livelihoods depend on the lake.
For 2026, Oriental Mindoro’s official tourism calendar specifically lists the DaBaLisTiHit Festival on September 10, 2026 at the Naujan Municipal Grounds.
So if you’re planning a trip to Oriental Mindoro this September, Naujan is definitely one town to put on your calendar.
Here’s a complete guide to the Naujan Fiesta and DaBaLisTiHit Festival 2026, including the dates, meaning of the festival, patron saint, what to expect, Naujan Lake, transportation, accommodations, and travel tips.
Content
Naujan Fiesta 2026 Quick Information
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Celebration | Naujan Town Fiesta / Pistang Bayan |
| Festival | DaBaLisTiHit Festival |
| Location | Naujan, Oriental Mindoro |
| Main Date | September 10, 2026 |
| Day | Thursday |
| Patron Saint | San Nicolas de Tolentino / St. Nicholas of Tolentino |
| Main Festival Venue | Naujan Municipal Grounds |
| Festival Theme | Naujan Lake, freshwater biodiversity, fishing heritage and environmental awareness |
| Province | Oriental Mindoro |
| Main Gateway | Calapan City |
The provincial tourism calendar confirms that DaBaLisTiHit is celebrated every September 10, with the next celebration scheduled for September 10, 2026.
When Is Naujan Fiesta 2026?
The main Naujan Town Fiesta is on September 10, 2026.
This date coincides with the Catholic feast of St. Nicholas of Tolentino, the patron saint of Naujan.
Provincial records have consistently identified September 10 as Naujan’s town fiesta date, as well as the date of the DaBaLisTiHit Festival.
Older local accounts also describe the celebration as the San Nicolas de Tolentino Festival or Pistang Bayan, with fiesta-related activities traditionally beginning during the first week of September. These have included religious observances as well as agricultural, industrial, and tourism-related activities.
Naujan Fiesta 2026 Schedule
As of August 2026, the clearest confirmed public information is:
September 10, 2026 – DaBaLisTiHit Festival
Venue: Naujan Municipal Grounds
The official Oriental Mindoro tourism calendar already lists this as the next scheduled celebration.
The Municipality of Naujan also appears to be actively preparing for the 2026 celebration. A municipal procurement notice published in August 2026 specifically referred to meals and snacks for “various activities for Dabalistihit Festival 2026.”
That suggests there will be several activities connected with the festival, although a complete day-by-day public schedule has not yet been clearly posted.
If you’re traveling specifically for the fiesta, I would plan to be in Naujan by September 9, then stay through September 10.
What Is the DaBaLisTiHit Festival?
This is where Naujan’s fiesta becomes particularly interesting.
DaBaLisTiHit may sound like an unusual festival name at first, but every part of the word represents a freshwater fish associated with Naujan Lake.
According to the official Oriental Mindoro tourism guide:
- Da – Dalag
- Ba – Banak
- Lis – Banglis
- Ti – Tilapia
- Hit – Hito
Together, they form:
Da-Ba-Lis-Ti-Hit
The festival uses colorful costumes, props, dances, and performances to represent these freshwater species and the communities surrounding Naujan Lake.
It’s actually a clever festival concept because it immediately connects the celebration with the town’s geography and livelihood.
Instead of creating a festival theme that could belong anywhere, Naujan created something that is closely tied to its most famous natural landmark.
What Does DaBaLisTiHit Festival Celebrate?
At its heart, DaBaLisTiHit celebrates three important things:
Naujan Lake.
The fishing communities that depend on it.
The importance of protecting the lake for future generations.
The Philippine Statistics Authority’s Oriental Mindoro publication explains that the festival recognizes freshwater species found in Naujan Lake while also dramatizing the dignity of fisherfolk and their role in Naujan’s economic development.
That environmental message makes DaBaLisTiHit different from many Philippine festivals.
You still get the performances, costumes, music, and street dancing people expect from a fiesta.
But underneath all of that is a reminder:
Naujan Lake is not simply a tourist attraction. It is part of the town’s livelihood, ecosystem, and identity.
Naujan Lake and the Story Behind the Festival
You really cannot understand DaBaLisTiHit Festival without talking about Naujan Lake.
The official Oriental Mindoro tourism guide describes Naujan as home to the largest freshwater lake in Mindoro and an important habitat for migratory birds.
The lake is also the centerpiece of the Naujan Lake National Park.
The national park was established through Presidential Proclamation No. 282 in 1956, originally covering areas in Naujan, Pola, and Victoria.
Today, the protected landscape extends into several municipalities around the lake.
It is an ecologically important wetland and provides habitat for fish, birds, plants, and other wildlife.
For local communities, however, the lake is much more personal than that.
People fish here.
Families depend on it.
Communities have grown around it.
That relationship explains why DaBaLisTiHit focuses so heavily on freshwater species and fishermen.
Why Naujan Lake Is Important
Naujan Lake is one of Oriental Mindoro’s most important natural assets.
The area has been recognized internationally as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. DENR has also highlighted the lake’s biodiversity and its importance as a breeding and migratory area for waterbirds and shorebirds.
That makes the conservation message of DaBaLisTiHit particularly relevant.
When dancers represent fish species during the festival, they’re not simply wearing costumes for entertainment.
Those species represent an actual ecosystem.
And when the festival highlights fishermen, it also acknowledges the people whose lives are directly connected to that ecosystem.
San Nicolas de Tolentino: Patron Saint of Naujan
While DaBaLisTiHit provides the cultural side of the celebration, the religious heart of the Naujan Fiesta remains the devotion to San Nicolas de Tolentino.
His feast day is celebrated on September 10.
Provincial government historical records identify San Nicolas de Tolentino as Naujan’s patron saint and September 10 as the town fiesta date.
The local San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish is located in Poblacion II, Naujan.
Parish references likewise identify September 10 as its annual feast day.
For many Naujeños, the fiesta is therefore both:
a religious thanksgiving celebration, and
a cultural celebration of the town and Naujan Lake.
That combination is common in Philippine fiestas, where Catholic feast days and local cultural traditions gradually become intertwined.
Religious Activities During Naujan Fiesta
Visitors should remember that September 10 is first and foremost an important religious date for many local residents.
Traditional fiesta activities may include:
- novena prayers;
- Masses;
- parish activities;
- thanksgiving celebrations; and
- other devotional gatherings honoring San Nicolas de Tolentino.
Exact Mass schedules and religious activities for 2026 should be confirmed directly with the parish closer to the fiesta.
If you’re visiting as a tourist, joining a fiesta Mass can give you a much better appreciation of the celebration.
You get to see the part of the fiesta that existed long before concerts, contests, and street dancing became major attractions.
DaBaLisTiHit Street Dancing
One of the most recognizable elements of DaBaLisTiHit is its street dancing.
The current tourism description specifically highlights dancers using props and costumes inspired by freshwater species from Naujan Lake.
Imagine schools or community groups moving through the streets in costumes inspired by fish, water, plants, fishermen, and the lake environment.
The performances are colorful, but they also tell a story.
The costumes represent the lake.
The choreography can represent fishing and community life.
The overall presentation reminds spectators of the importance of Naujan Lake to the municipality.
Festival Highlights
The Oriental Mindoro tourism office currently lists these themes among the festival’s main highlights:
- freshwater fish celebration;
- street dancing;
- lake conservation awareness;
- fishing heritage; and
- cultural costumes.
So for photography and videos, the cultural presentations are probably the event to watch.
DaBaLisTiHit vs. Sayaw Lahi Festival
If you search older Philippine festival guides online, you may also encounter the name Sayaw Lahi Festival connected with Naujan.
Older tourism references describe Sayaw Lahi as a September 10 celebration featuring native dances performed in the streets by schools and barangay communities.
Other historical references use San Nicolas de Tolentino Festival or Pistang Bayan.
So why are there several names?
Festival branding can change or evolve over the years.
For the current 2026 celebration, the important thing to know is that the official Oriental Mindoro tourism calendar now specifically identifies DaBaLisTiHit Festival as Naujan’s September 10 festival.
For SEO purposes, it still makes sense to mention the older terms because travelers may search for:
Naujan Fiesta
Naujan Pistang Bayan
Sayaw Lahi Festival
San Nicolas de Tolentino Festival Naujan
DaBaLisTiHit Festival
But for 2026, DaBaLisTiHit Festival is the name I would use prominently.
What to Expect During Naujan Fiesta 2026
A municipal fiesta in Mindoro has a different atmosphere from a massive metropolitan festival.
It feels more local.
Families come home.
Relatives visit.
Food is prepared.
Local organizations hold activities.
Government offices and community groups participate.
Businesses become busier.
Temporary stalls may appear around the town center.
And of course, the church remains one of the main focal points.
For DaBaLisTiHit, you can also expect the festival identity to focus strongly on Naujan Lake and fishing culture.
The complete official 2026 lineup should still be checked closer to September 10, but visitors can reasonably watch for cultural performances, community programs, religious activities, and festival presentations.
Visit Naujan Lake While You’re Here
If you’re traveling for DaBaLisTiHit, I strongly recommend adding Naujan Lake to your itinerary.
After all, it is the inspiration behind the festival.
Going to the fiesta without seeing the lake would be a little like attending a harvest festival without seeing the farms surrounding the town.
Oriental Mindoro’s tourism office promotes several Naujan Lake-related attractions, including the lake itself and a Naujan Lake Boardwalk and Bicycle Lane.
The boardwalk provides another way to appreciate the landscape outside the busy fiesta atmosphere.
A simple itinerary could be:
Morning
Visit Naujan Lake and enjoy the scenery.
Afternoon
Return to the town proper and explore the fiesta area.
Evening
Attend community programs, church activities, or festival events.
That gives you both sides of Naujan—the natural destination and the cultural celebration.
Other Things to Do in Naujan
Naujan has more attractions than many visitors realize.
The province’s official tourism database currently lists numerous destinations within the municipality, including nature areas, waterfalls, beaches, parks, and accommodations.
Naujan Lake
This is obviously the priority.
The lake is one of Mindoro’s defining natural landmarks and the inspiration for DaBaLisTiHit Festival.
Naujan Lake Boardwalk and Bicycle Lane
For travelers who want a relaxing experience, the boardwalk area provides opportunities for walking, biking, and enjoying views of the lake.
Naujan Town Plaza
If you’re attending the fiesta, you’ll probably spend time around the town proper anyway.
The plaza is a good place to observe the local atmosphere during the celebration.
333 Steps
Oriental Mindoro’s tourism directory also lists 333 Steps as a mountain and hiking attraction in Naujan.
Beaches and Coves
Naujan also has coastal destinations such as Buloc-Buloc Cove, while the provincial tourism database lists several other beach and island destinations within the municipality.
So if you have two or three days, you can easily turn a fiesta visit into a broader Naujan trip.
Where Is Naujan?
Naujan is a municipality in Oriental Mindoro, on the northeastern side of Mindoro Island.
It is one of the province’s largest municipalities and is known especially for Naujan Lake.
Provincial historical records describe Naujan as having been recognized as a municipality in 1905. They also identify Naujan Lake and several natural and historical sites among the area’s notable attractions.
For most visitors coming from Luzon, the easiest gateway is Calapan City.
How to Get to Naujan Fiesta 2026
From Manila
For most travelers, the usual route is:
Manila → Batangas Port → Calapan City → Naujan
Take a bus or private vehicle from Metro Manila to Batangas Port.
From Batangas, board a ferry or RoRo vessel to Calapan.
The official Oriental Mindoro tourism guide estimates the Batangas-to-Calapan ferry trip at roughly two to three hours for RoRo services, depending on the vessel.
From Calapan, continue by jeepney, van, bus, or private vehicle toward Naujan.
From Batangas
Go directly to Batangas Port and take a ferry bound for Calapan City.
Calapan is the province’s main transportation gateway.
Once you arrive, transfer to land transportation going toward Naujan.
From Calapan City
Naujan is connected with Calapan and the other municipalities of Oriental Mindoro through the province’s road network.
Public utility vehicles operate between municipalities, while tricycles are commonly used for shorter local trips.
During September 10, expect the town proper to be busier than usual, so give yourself additional travel time.
Bringing a Car to Naujan
One advantage of traveling through Batangas is that RoRo vessels make it possible to bring a private vehicle to Mindoro.
If you’re traveling with family or planning to explore Naujan Lake and other parts of Oriental Mindoro, having your own vehicle can make the trip more flexible.
Just expect heavier traffic around the town proper during major fiesta events.
Where to Stay for Naujan Fiesta 2026
You have two practical options.
Stay in Naujan
Staying within Naujan puts you closer to the fiesta.
Oriental Mindoro’s tourism database lists several accommodation options in the municipality, including hotels, resorts, and dormitory-style lodging.
This is the better option if you want to stay late for evening programs.
Stay in Calapan City
Calapan has a much wider range of accommodation options.
You can stay in the city and travel to Naujan for the festival.
This may work better for travelers who also want easier access to Batangas-bound ferries before or after the trip.
During fiesta week, book accommodations early—especially if you’re traveling as a group.
What to Eat in Naujan
Considering the theme of DaBaLisTiHit, freshwater fish is an obvious place to start.
Local dishes may feature fish associated with the lake and surrounding communities.
Depending on availability, look for dishes using:
- dalag;
- tilapia;
- hito;
- banglis;
- other freshwater fish; and
- locally grown vegetables.
This is one of those trips where eating local food actually helps you understand the festival better.
DaBaLisTiHit isn’t an abstract name.
The fish represented in the celebration are connected with food, livelihood, and daily life.
Best Time to Visit Naujan Fiesta
For the best overall experience, consider arriving on:
September 9, 2026
Then stay through:
September 10, 2026
This gives you time to settle in, visit the church, explore the town, and be ready for the main festival events the following day.
If your schedule allows an extra day, use it for Naujan Lake and other nearby attractions.
A simple three-day trip could look like this:
September 9
Arrival in Oriental Mindoro
Travel to Naujan
Visit the town proper and parish
Check the latest fiesta program
September 10
Attend Naujan Fiesta
Watch DaBaLisTiHit Festival activities
Join or observe religious events
Explore fiesta stalls and community programs
September 11
Visit Naujan Lake
Explore nearby attractions
Return to Calapan or continue your Oriental Mindoro trip
Weather in Naujan in September
September is part of the rainy season in many parts of the Philippines, including Mindoro.
That doesn’t mean it will rain all day, but showers and thunderstorms are possible.
Bring:
- a compact umbrella;
- light rain jacket;
- comfortable footwear;
- waterproof protection for your phone;
- extra shirt; and
- drinking water.
For outdoor festival activities, always check local weather advisories on the day itself.
This is especially important if your itinerary includes Naujan Lake or coastal destinations.
Travel Tips for DaBaLisTiHit Festival 2026
Arrive Early
Street celebrations and town-center activities can mean heavier traffic.
If there’s an event you really want to watch, arrive well before the scheduled start.
Check the Final 2026 Schedule
Although September 10 and the municipal grounds are already listed officially, exact event times may still change.
Check updates from the Municipality of Naujan and Oriental Mindoro tourism offices before traveling.
Carry Cash
Have enough cash for tricycle fares, food stalls, small stores, and other local expenses.
Respect the Religious Side of the Fiesta
Festival performances may be lively, but remember that the occasion also honors San Nicolas de Tolentino.
Dress and behave appropriately when visiting the church.
Don’t Leave Without Seeing Naujan Lake
This is probably my biggest recommendation.
Once you understand that DaBaLisTiHit comes from the lake and its fish species, seeing Naujan Lake gives the entire celebration more meaning.
Support Local Products
Look for locally made souvenirs and products.
Oriental Mindoro tourism listings include local souvenir outlets as well as products made by community groups in Naujan.
Why DaBaLisTiHit Festival Is Worth Experiencing
There are plenty of festivals where the main attraction is street dancing.
What makes DaBaLisTiHit different is the story behind the dancing.
The festival turns the ecosystem of Naujan Lake into a cultural performance.
The fish become costumes.
The lake becomes the theme.
The fishermen become part of the story.
And conservation becomes part of the message.
At the same time, the traditional fiesta honoring San Nicolas de Tolentino keeps the celebration connected with Naujan’s religious heritage.
You end up with a festival that represents several sides of the community at once:
faith, livelihood, nature, culture, and local identity.
For me, those are often the most interesting Philippine fiestas—the ones where you can understand something about the town simply by understanding the festival.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naujan Fiesta 2026
When is Naujan Fiesta 2026?
The main Naujan Fiesta is on September 10, 2026, which falls on a Thursday.
When is DaBaLisTiHit Festival 2026?
The official Oriental Mindoro tourism calendar lists DaBaLisTiHit Festival on September 10, 2026 at the Naujan Municipal Grounds.
Who is the patron saint of Naujan?
Naujan’s patron saint is San Nicolas de Tolentino, also known as St. Nicholas of Tolentino.
What does DaBaLisTiHit mean?
It is formed from the names of freshwater fish associated with Naujan Lake:
Da – Dalag
Ba – Banak
Lis – Banglis
Ti – Tilapia
Hit – Hito
What does DaBaLisTiHit Festival celebrate?
The festival celebrates the freshwater biodiversity of Naujan Lake, fishing heritage, fisherfolk, and the importance of protecting the lake.
Is there street dancing?
Yes. Street dancing with fish-inspired costumes and props is one of the festival’s defining features.
Is Naujan Fiesta the same as DaBaLisTiHit Festival?
They are connected but represent slightly different aspects of the celebration.
The Naujan Fiesta or Pistang Bayan is the broader town and religious celebration honoring San Nicolas de Tolentino.
DaBaLisTiHit Festival is the cultural festival associated with the September 10 celebration.
What happened to Sayaw Lahi Festival?
Older tourism guides associate Sayaw Lahi Festival with Naujan’s September 10 festivities.
However, the current official Oriental Mindoro tourism calendar identifies DaBaLisTiHit Festival as Naujan’s September 10 festival for 2026.
Where will DaBaLisTiHit Festival 2026 be held?
The current official listing gives the venue as the Naujan Municipal Grounds.
Is Naujan Lake worth visiting?
Absolutely, especially if you’re attending DaBaLisTiHit.
The entire festival concept is closely tied to Naujan Lake, its fish species, local fishermen, and environmental conservation.
How do I get to Naujan from Manila?
The most common route is:
Manila → Batangas Port → Calapan City → Naujan
Ferries and RoRo vessels connect Batangas with Calapan, while public transportation connects Calapan with Naujan.
Can I stay in Calapan and visit Naujan for the day?
Yes.
Calapan can serve as a convenient base, particularly if you want a wider selection of accommodations and easier access to ferry services.
For September 10, just leave early to allow for fiesta traffic.
Final Thoughts
The Naujan Fiesta 2026 and DaBaLisTiHit Festival gives travelers a good reason to explore a part of Oriental Mindoro that sometimes gets overshadowed by Puerto Galera.
The main celebration happens on September 10, 2026, honoring San Nicolas de Tolentino while also showcasing a cultural festival built around one of the province’s greatest natural treasures—Naujan Lake.
And I think that connection is what makes the celebration memorable.
DaBaLisTiHit isn’t simply a catchy festival name.
Every part of the word refers to fish.
Those fish represent the lake.
The lake supports communities.
And those communities come together every September to celebrate their patron saint, culture, livelihood, and hometown.
If you’re planning an Oriental Mindoro trip in September 2026, consider spending September 10 in Naujan.
Watch the festival.
Visit the church.
Try the local food.
And before heading home, make time for Naujan Lake.
Once you’ve seen the lake for yourself, you’ll understand why it became the heart of DaBaLisTiHit Festival.
Naujan Fiesta 2026: September 10, 2026
Festival: DaBaLisTiHit Festival
Patron Saint: San Nicolas de Tolentino
Venue: Naujan Municipal Grounds
Location: Naujan, Oriental Mindoro
Note: September 10 and the DaBaLisTiHit Festival venue are listed in the current Oriental Mindoro tourism calendar. Individual program times and the complete multi-day 2026 fiesta schedule may still be updated by local organizers, so travelers should verify the latest announcements before their trip.
