Olongapo Events and Festivals

Sto Nino Festival: also known as Sinulog, this important and colourful festival held in honour of the Child Jesus (Sinto Nino) culminates in a grand procession during which more than 200 images of Jesus are carried through the city streets. In addition to the religious procession held on Saturday, there is a large, non-religious parade held the following day.

Chinese New Year: as with everywhere in the world where Chinese have formed communities, the lunar new year celebration is held with much festivity in Olongapo. This event is the highlight of the Chinese calendar, with events continuing for three days or more. The new year is welcomed in with fireworks, lion dances, family get-togethers and feasts.

Senakulo: Holy Week processions and religious plays are held in Olongapo, as they are in most every Philippine community. The rituals are based on Christ's suffering and death, and in some cases re-enactments of the passion and his crucifixion are simulated.

Dinamulag Mango Festival: this annual, week-long celebration was initiated to promote Zambales’ mango industry. Dinamulag is a word derived from the Zambal language, and refers to the mango variety that’s predominantly grown in the province, which is considered by many to be the most delicious variety native to the Philippines.

Santacruzan: in commemoration of the discovery of the ‘true cross’ by St Helena, a procession call the Santacruzan is held. Actors take the parts of Reina Elena, King Constantine as a small boy, and others represent the Blessed Virgin and various other biblical characters. The festivities are preceded by a nine-day Novena, offering up prayers to the Holy Cross.

Independence Day: re-enactments of the proclamation of Philippine independence are held across the nation. Parades and celebrations are held in the streets of even the smallest communities throughout the country. In Olongapo, as in many larger cities, military parades are the order of the day.

Tourism Week: the last week in September sees a nationwide celebration of all things Filipino, in an elaborate promotion geared to bring in even more tourists to all parts of the country. Sponsored by the National Tourism Authority, all provinces feature activities that can be enjoyed by visitors. In addition, most major hotels, resorts, restaurants and shopping complexes offer special packages and promotions at this time.

Ulo ng Apo Festival: Olongapo celebrates the city’s remarkable history each year during the Ulo ng Apo Festival, held in October. The highlight is the Mardi Gras, which features well-known celebrities from Manila, live bands and dancing in the streets. Local government and businesses join in sponsoring this immensely popular event.

Binabayani: every year in late November, the local version of the well-known Ati-Atihan is held. The centrepiece is a dance of war between Aetas and Christians that’s performed on San Andres Day. San Andres is the patron of Masinloc, a small town in the region. Local residents believe that re-enacting this dance will ensure a bountiful harvest.

Christmas: many Filipinos are Christian and celebrations of Christmas occur throughout the country. The Christmas season begins with musical events at many local venues and outdoor carolling. As Christmas Day approaches, families gather and prepare traditional foods for feasts. Daily church services are held for the nine days leading up to and including Christmas. On many city streets, you’ll see life-sized nativity scenes, known as belen.