FESTIVALS

Catanduanes, like many provinces in the Philippines, celebrates a variety of fiestas and
festivals throughout the year, each showcasing the vibrant culture and traditions of the
region. One of the most prominent celebrations is the Catandungan Festival, typically
held in the capital town of Virac. This festival, usually observed in the month of
October, is a grand showcase of the province's rich heritage through colorful street
parades, cultural performances, beauty pageants, trade fairs, and culinary showcases
featuring local delicacies. It serves as a platform for locals to exhibit their talents in
music, dance, and arts, while also attracting visitors from across the country to
experience the beauty and hospitality of Catanduanes. Additionally, various barangays
and municipalities in Catanduanes hold their own fiestas to honor their patron saints,
featuring processions, religious rituals, feasting, and community gatherings. These
fiestas are deeply rooted in religious tradition and are significant occasions for locals
to come together in celebration and unity.
 CATANDUNGAN FESTIVAL
The Catandungan Festival is an annual celebration held in the
province of Catanduanes in the Philippines. It is a significant
event that highlights the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and
natural beauty of the province. The festival typically takes place
in the capital town of Virac and lasts for several days.
During the Catandungan Festival, various activities and events
are organized to showcase the diverse talents and creativity of
the people of Catanduanes. These activities may include
colorful street parades featuring vibrant costumes, elaborate
floats, and traditional dances. There are also cultural
presentations, art exhibits, culinary showcases featuring local
delicacies, and beauty pageants.
The festival serves as a platform for locals to express their pride
in their cultural identity and to promote tourism in the province.
It attracts visitors from other parts of the Philippines and
abroad who come to experience the unique sights, sounds, and
flavors of Catanduanes.
 FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Catanduanes boasts a diverse culinary landscape with an abundance of fresh ingredients
sourced from both land and sea. Seafood takes center stage in local cuisine, with favorites
like grilled or fried fish, shrimp sinigang (a sour soup), kinunot (shark meat cooked in
coconut milk), and ginataang suso (sea snails in coconut milk) showcasing the province's
coastal bounty. Coconut, a staple ingredient, lends its rich flavor to many dishes, including
laing (taro leaves cooked in coconut milk), Bicol express (pork cooked in coconut milk and
chili peppers), and ginataang langka (young jackfruit in coconut milk). Native delicacies
such as binamban (fermented rice cake), kakanin (rice-based snacks), and pancit bato (a
type of noodle dish) highlight local traditions and flavors. Fruits like mangoes, bananas,
pineapples, and lanzones add tropical sweetness to dishes and beverages, while coconut
water and locally made fruit juices offer refreshing options. Street food stalls offer a variety
of snacks like fish balls, squid balls, kwek-kwek (quail eggs), and banana cue (caramelized
bananas), providing a taste of local flavors on the go. With its fresh ingredients, vibrant
flavors, and rich culinary heritage, Catanduanes offers a delightful dining experience for
both locals and visitors alike.
 MAN MADE TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
1. Bato Church (St. John the Baptist Church): Located in the
town of Bato, this centuries-old church showcases Spanish
colonial architecture and is known for its historical significance
and religious heritage.
2. Maribina Falls: While the waterfall itself is a natural wonder, the
man-made amenities around it, such as picnic areas and
viewing decks, enhance the visitor experience.
3. Binurong Point: This scenic viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas
of the Pacific Ocean and rolling hills. The man-made pathways
and viewing decks provide easy access to the stunning
panoramic views.
4. Bote Lighthouse: Standing tall in the municipality of Baras, this
picturesque lighthouse offers panoramic views of the coastline
and surrounding areas, making it a popular spot for sightseeing
and photography.
5. Balacay Point: Another stunning viewpoint, Balacay Point,
provides sweeping views of the rugged coastline and turquoise
waters below. Man-made structures like viewing decks and
gazebos allow visitors to relax and take in the scenery.
6. Virac Town Plaza: This central plaza in the capital town of Virac
serves as a hub for community events, gatherings, and recreational
activities. It features landscaped gardens, fountains, and statues,
making it a pleasant spot for leisurely strolls.
7. Puraran Beach Resort: While the beach itself is a natural
attraction known for its excellent surfing waves, the resort facilities,
including accommodations, restaurants, and recreational activities,
enhance the visitor experience.
8. Mamangal Beach Resort: This beach resort in the town of Bato
offers a range of amenities for visitors, including cottages,
restaurants, and water sports facilities, providing a relaxing seaside
getaway.
9. Batag Beach Resort: Nestled along the coast of Baras, Batag
Beach Resort offers accommodations, dining options, and
recreational activities against the backdrop of scenic coastal
views.
10. Viga Church (St. James the Greater Parish Church): Another
historical church, the St. James the Greater Parish Church in Viga,
showcases Spanish colonial architecture and serves as a cultural
and religious landmark in the municipality.
BATO CHURCH AND BOTE LIGHTHOUSE
VIRAC TOWN PLAZA
 NATIONAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Catanduanes, a captivating province in the Philippines, boasts a plethora of tourist
attractions that cater to various interests. At the top of the list is Binurong Point, renowned
for its sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline, offering both
breathtaking scenery and adventurous hiking trails. Puraran Beach, with its majestic waves,
attracts surfers and beach lovers alike, providing an idyllic setting for relaxation and water
sports. Inland, Maribina Falls offers a tranquil oasis amidst lush greenery, inviting visitors to
cool off in its refreshing waters. The historic Bato Church, with its magnificent Spanish
colonial architecture, stands as a testament to the province's rich cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, Balacay Point and Bote Lighthouse offer panoramic views of the coastline,
perfect for sightseeing and photography enthusiasts. For those seeking adventure, Luyang
Cave beckons with its underground chambers and natural formations, while Talisoy Beach
presents a paradise of powdery white sand and vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.
Completing the list, the Virac Town Plaza serves as a peaceful haven, where visitors can
unwind amidst landscaped gardens and serene fountains.
BINURONG POINT
PURARAN BEACH
LUYANG CAVE
THANKYOU
very much