Festivals and Customs

Throughout the year, Filipinos observe many festivals. Their festivals celebrate good fortune and prosperity and also ward off harmful spirits. Many of these festivals continue to be observed by Filipinos who have relocated and have lived for many years away from their homeland.

In January	The Quiapo Fiesta is observed on the second Tuesday of the month On the third Tuesday the Ati-atihan Festival is celebrated in some areas of the Philippines
February, March and April	Lent - The forty day period preceding Easter Sunday, is celebrated. During Lent, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday (or Passion Sunday), and Good Friday are important days, culminating in the celebration of the Resurrection which is observed on Easter Sunday. See Link to Religious Belief - Christianity - Special Days
May	The celebration of Santacruzan
September	the Penafrancia Fluvial Festival is observed
December	Christmas and New Year's Day are important days to celebrate.

Customs

Filipino culture has two particularly important traits. One is hiya, which can be roughly translated as ''embarrassment'', ''shame'' or ''face''. It has been described as'' a kind of anxiety, a fear of being exposed, unprotected and unaccepted''. Having hiya means that people may feel very sensitive to social slight and as a result are very careful of the feelings of others.

Related to hiya is amor proprio, ''self esteem''. Loss of self-esteem can cause withdrawal.

Background | Festivals and Customs | Health and Social Care | Language | Religion