Boracay events and festivals
New Years: is celebrated on the beach with sand castle building competitions and general partying. After dark, one is treated to fireworks display and the party mood usually lasts until the early hours of the day.
Ati Atihan Festival: celebrated on Jan. 2nd throughout the heavily Catholic regions of the Philippines, it is dedicated to honouring the baby Jesus (Santo Nino) but also reflects the pre-Christian traditions of the Ati people. Tribal groups paint themselves and dress in traditional costumes and march and dance to the beat of drums while carrying figures of baby Jesus and various saints. It’s a lively event for participants and spectators alike with obvious similarities to Mardi Gras traditions elsewhere.
Boracay International Funboard Cup: With it’s calm waters and beautiful setting, Boracay is the perfect place for this windsurfing competition. Held for 6 days in late January on Bolabog Beach, it’s been an annually attraction since 1988. A good time with free entrance for spectators, it has expanded over the years to include kiteboarding and attracts world class competitors of both sexes. It is a locally organized initiative that not only focuses on this non-polluting sport but through the banning of sales of bottled water and volunteer collection of trash, showcases efforts to minimize negative environmental impact.
Yapak Festival: Boracay Island is divided into 3 administration zones know as barangays, each one holding it’s own festival on Feb. 10th Through music, dance and parades the Boracaynons celebrate their traditional folklore and beliefs.
Sand Lantern Festival: With it’s amazing beaches, it’s no wonder that a unique Boracay event would develop around the artistic talents of building sand castles, locally known as sand lanterns. Held since 1999 on White Beach on March 30th/April 1st it now attracts participants from around the world but is open to all. Pre-registration is required and fees have tended to vary.
Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival: Dragon boats are ornate vessels around 15 meters long, characterized by adragon’s head and tail, powered by a 18 person crew, 16 paddlers, a coxswain in front and someone to steer behind. Based on a 2000 year-old Chinese tradition, this sport with both male and female teams has become international with Filipino teams establishing themselves as world class contenders. The Boracay festival in early May, first held in 2007, is now the largest annual international sporting event in the Philippines.
Boracay Food festival: A multiple day affair held in mid-May, it is a chance to try not only well known national dishes but also regional specialties from through out the Philippines. Music and dancing accompany the event showing the local appreciate of a good party is certainly not limited to the tourists.
