Ohhh yes — if there’s one thing the people of Majayjay, Laguna know how to do (besides preserving centuries-old churches and hiking to waterfalls that’ll make your bones sing), it’s throwing a celebration. Not just the kind with streamers and food — I’m talking full-on, heart-thumping, soul-stirring festivals that wrap you in history, culture, and a whole lotta love.
So if you’re planning a visit — or you just want a taste of authentic Filipino tradition — here are the Majayjay festivals you should NEVER skip. Let’s dive into the color, the music, the meaning, and the magic.
Festivals of Majayjay: Celebrations You Shouldn’t Miss
1. Feast of Saint Gregory the Great (April 9)
Let’s start with the big boss — the town’s patron saint.
This ain’t your average town fiesta. Held every April 9, the Feast of St. Gregory the Great turns the sleepy center of Majayjay into a spiritual and social explosion. Think church bells ringing, vibrant processions, locals in full traditional wear, and — of course — food that would make your grandma weep with joy.
But beyond the festivities, there’s depth here. The mass held in St. Gregory the Great Parish Church (which is over 400 years old) draws people from all over Laguna and even Metro Manila. It’s more than ritual — it’s a homecoming.
Don’t miss:
- The grand procession in the evening
- “Pahiyas-style” decorations on some homes
- Free food from generous households (if you’re lucky)
Anihan Festival (Usually November)
Now this is Majayjay in full agricultural glory.
The Anihan Festival celebrates harvest time — a tribute to the farmers, the land, and the traditions that have kept the town thriving since the Spanish era. Think of it as a thanksgiving party with a whole lot of heart (and rice).
The town plaza transforms into a showcase of local produce — kamote, gabi, bananas, coconuts — arranged in stunning displays that double as art pieces. There are also parades, cultural dances, farm games, and performances by students and elders alike. It’s local pride in its purest form.
Pro tip: Bring cash — local stalls sell homemade goodies like puto, suman, nilupak, and handcrafted souvenirs. Plus, farmers love to chat — ask them for growing tips or even stories about Majayjay back in the day.
Sayaw sa Kalye (Street Dancing Competition)
Held as part of the St. Gregory Fiesta or Anihan Festival, this one is pure energy on the street. Local schools and community groups put together amazing choreographed dances in full costume, inspired by agricultural traditions, folklore, and native songs.
This is not just for entertainment — it’s a way to pass down culture through rhythm and movement. And boy, do they go all in. Expect bamboo props, woven baskets, colorful native fabrics, and powerful footwork.
Don’t blink: Some of the routines only last a few minutes, but they’ll stay in your memory for years.
Paskuhan sa Majayjay (December)
Now if you’re in town around December, you’ll get to witness a softer but equally magical celebration — Paskuhan sa Majayjay, or the town’s Christmas festivities.
The plaza glows with parol (lantern) displays, there are choral competitions, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and local food stalls pop up like mushrooms after rain. You might even see nativity skits and community gift-giving events.
It’s cozy. It’s spiritual. It’s community at its best.
Holy Week Rituals (March or April – variable dates)
This one’s less “festival” and more spiritual pilgrimage, but if you want to witness Majayjay’s soul in full bloom, come during Holy Week.
People from all over flock to St. Gregory the Great Church for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. The processions are solemn but stunning — candle-lit, silent, powerful. Some families dress up in traditional mourning clothes, and religious images are carried around town in beautifully decorated carrozas (floats).
It’s a time for reflection, for slowing down, and for connecting with generations past who walked the same roads barefoot in faith.
Barrio Fiestas (All Year Round!)
Each barangay (village) in Majayjay also celebrates its own mini-fiesta — sometimes with cockfights (still legal in many rural areas), basketball tournaments, karaoke contests, or even beauty pageants on makeshift stages lit by hanging bulbs.
These are intimate, chaotic, and deeply fun. You’ll be fed. You’ll be cheered on in a “bring me” game you didn’t know you were in. You might even be invited to dance.
What Makes Majayjay’s Festivals Special?
Let’s be real — almost every town in the Philippines has fiestas. But Majayjay hits different. Maybe it’s the backdrop of ancient churches. Maybe it’s the fog rolling in from Banahaw. Maybe it’s the people — warm, open, and fiercely proud of their heritage.
Here, festivals aren’t about money or showing off. They’re about remembrance, ritual, and community.
Tips if You’re Planning to Attend:
- Book early during peak festival dates — even homestays get filled quickly.
- Bring cash — not all vendors have GCash or ATMs nearby.
- Pack comfy clothes and an umbrella (sun or rain, you’ll need it).
- Respect traditions. If you’re not Catholic, you’re still welcome — just observe solemn events with respect.
- Talk to locals. They’re your best guides — and they’ll probably feed you too.
Final Thoughts: Come for the Fun, Stay for the Feeling
Majayjay’s festivals aren’t about spectacle. They’re about soul. They remind you what it feels like to belong, even if you’re just visiting. To witness something old yet ever-renewing. Something loud, colorful, and sacred all at once.
FAQs:
1. What is the main festival in Majayjay, Laguna?
The main festival in Majayjay is the Feast of Saint Gregory the Great, celebrated every April 9 in honor of the town’s patron saint. It includes a grand procession, street parades, church services, and various cultural performances.
2. When is the Anihan Festival held?
The Anihan Festival usually happens in November, depending on the harvest schedule. It’s a thanksgiving celebration dedicated to local farmers and agricultural abundance, featuring parades, crop displays, and traditional games.
3. Are the festivals in Majayjay open to tourists?
Yes! Tourists are welcome and encouraged to join. Just be respectful during religious activities, especially processions and Holy Week rituals. It’s a great opportunity to immerse in authentic Filipino culture and hospitality.
