Festivals and religious practices form a vital part of the Filipino identity, deeply rooted in the nation’s faith and spirituality. These cherished celebrations hold stories of resilience and devotion, which deserve to be preserved and passed on. The CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Arts (CCP EPA), the country’s most comprehensive resource on arts and culture, plays a crucial role in documenting and sharing these narratives to honor the spiritual heritage of Filipinos.
“Filipino faith is intricately woven into our traditions, and preserving these sacred practices ensures their continuity for future generations,” says CCP president Kaye C. Tinga. “Through the CCP EPA, we celebrate and safeguard our religious heritage, keeping alive the enduring spirit and identity of our people. By documenting and sharing these stories, we ensure our culture transcends time and remains transformative.”
The CCP EPA highlights the spiritual significance of various religious celebrations, particularly those held in January, offering insights into their historical and cultural importance.
Tatlong Hari (Three Kings) or the Epiphany
The Epiphany commemorates the revelation of Jesus Christ to the three kings—Melchor, Caspar, and Balthazar.
- In Floridablanca, Pampanga, three men in regal attire walk alongside a procession of the Virgin Mary and attend mass.
- In Cavinti, Laguna, young boys dressed as kings parade on horses, showered with candies and coins, while young ladies accompany them.
- In Gasan, Marinduque, a theatrical play follows the morning mass in honor of the three kings.
Feast of the Black Nazarene
The Black Nazarene, with its dark complexion, has inspired various theories about its origin—some say it reflects the native Mexicans’ complexion, while others attribute it to a fire during its voyage to the Philippines. Regardless, its miraculous survival cemented its sacred reputation.
- The Augustinian Recollects brought the Black Nazarene to the Philippines in 1606, originally enshrined in San Juan Bautista Church in Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park).
- In 1787, it was transferred to Quiapo Church upon the request of Archbishop Basilio Sancho de Santa Justa.
The annual Traslacion on January 9 draws millions of devotees who follow the grand procession through the streets of Manila.
Feast of Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus)
The Santo Niño holds historical significance, believed to have been brought by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. The statue, dressed in traditional Spanish attire, symbolizes justice and divine power.
The Santo Niño’s arrival in Cebu inspired several festivals:
- Sinulog Festival (Cebu): A vibrant celebration featuring the iconic Sinulog dance performed every third Sunday of January, attracting millions to Cebu City.
- Dinagyang Festival (Iloilo): Introduced in 1967, this festival features tribal dances in elaborate costumes and highlights Ilonggo hospitality.
- Ati-Atihan Festival (Kalibo, Aklan): This pre-colonial festival celebrates the Atis’ welcoming of Malay settlers with music, dance, and vibrant rituals.
- Feast of Santo Niño de Tondo (Manila): A procession of wooden Santo Niño replicas accompanied by festive dances and blessings.
The CCP EPA: A Cultural Treasure
Researched by over 500 scholars and experts, the CCP EPA offers an unparalleled resource on Filipino art and culture.
- Its 12-volume print edition and digital counterpart (CCP EPAD) feature over 5,000 articles and hundreds of videos, documenting everything from dances to religious practices.
- Since its inception in 1994, the CCP EPA has been a vital tool in preserving Filipino culture and artistic achievements.
Subscribe to the CCP EPAD at epa.culturalcenter.gov.ph/encylopedia for as low as Php75/month or Php675/year. To purchase the CCP EPA print edition or USB, email epa@culturalcenter.gov.ph.
By documenting and sharing these cherished traditions, the CCP EPA ensures the Filipino identity remains vibrant and enduring for generations to come.
