Summer
Summer is the best time to go on island hopping and put on your favourite two piece swim wear. In addition, summer fun is not complete without beach activities, barbecue, partying, cold beer and meeting new friends. Indeed, the joy of summer is incomparable, something that will always be treasured.
Jamaican Nights
Mactan Island, Cebu is the place to be if you want to fulfil your tropical fantasy. It is the home of world class scuba diving spots, fine beach resorts and the yearly summer activity, Jamaican Nights.
Since its first launching in 1996, it is now one of the much anticipated summer events in Cebu. Accordingly, the Department of Tourism (DOT), acknowledge Jamaican Nights as one of its annual summer celebrations. Each year Jamaican Nights Productions, showcase activities like male and female bikini competition, fashion show, live bands and all night dancing for local and international party goers.
Jamaican Air
Moreover, the tremendous effect of this one-of-a-kind beach party is spread throughout the country evidenced by the participation of the country’s no. 1 magazine for men, FHM. Hence, if you are into hot and steamy summer partying, Jamaican Nights is the event to be!
Kudos to the organizers for letting Cebuano experience a hotter summer each year.
Holy Week
Holy week is an important Catholic celebration in the Philippines. Just like the other parts of country, Cebu observe the occasion with prayers and church activities.
Palm Sunday marks the celebration of Holy week, where Cebuanos bring palm leaves during masses. These blessed palm leaves are brought back to their homes to protect them from evil forces. Other than that, processions are held on Good Friday and re-enactment of the sufferings of Christ in the cross. Then, the Roman Catholic occasion is ended with the celebration of Easter Sunday, the rising of Jesus Christ.
2006 Bantayan Island HolyWeek Procession
During Holy week, the island of Bantayan, Cebu is crowded with local and foreign visitors. During the Spanish era, the island was granted with a papal exemption where residents are allowed to eat meat during Holy week. Thus, only in Philippines and only in Bantayan, Cebu where you can experience the Lenten season celebrated with lechon.
All Saints & All Souls Day
Being the centre of Christianity in the country, All Saints & All Souls Day is important occasion to Cebuanos. November 1, is a special day for the Catholic Saints to be remembered through prayers, flower offerings and prayer. Also, masses are held in different public and private cemeteries in Cebu. With time, the custom has changed people during All Saints day would go to their loved ones’ graves. The occasion is like a birthday celebration, where relatives would gather in front of the grave with food, flowers, candles and music.
Furthermore, it is one of the busiest events in the calendar that buses and public jeepneys are hard to find. It is a common scene to witness people walking instead of spending hours waiting for available public jeepneys. Countless vendors are visible within cemeteries, from flower vendors to candles, candies and water vendors.
On the other hand, Halloween parties are organized by radio stations and disco bars for the party people. Special treats such as Halloween costume contests, window display and activities are also offered in major Cebu shopping malls.
Christmas Events
Cebuanos celebrate the Christmas season with lavish decorations and fun-filled activities. Family members abroad would come home for family reunions and family gatherings. As early as September, people start to decorate their houses with lanterns (known to Filipinos as parol) and Christmas carols are played in radio stations. Plus, the month of October is the start of the M Lhuiller giant Christmas tree construction at Fuente Osmeña. You can truly feel the Christmas fever in Cebu through live bands and parties in different night spots.
the giant christmas tree in Fuente
One interesting street in Cebu to find varying designs of nativity (belen) is V. Rama. Every year, “Pasko sa V. Rama” allow nativity designers to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship. “Pasko sa Sugbu” (Christmas in Cebu) is another belen competition, participated by different barangays in Cebu. Most of all, Cebuanos love to attend the 9 days of Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi every dawn. Despite the noisy firecrackers, crowded streets and heavy traffic, Cebuano Christmas is indeed a Merry Christmas!
