Saturday, October 13, 2007
The culture of the Philippines reflects the complexity of the History of the Philippines through the blending of pre-Hispanic indigenous Austronesian civilizations and the culture of Spain, imparted during Spain's 377 year colonial rule of the islands. Spanish colonization of the Philippines, governed from Mexico, lasted for more than three centuries, thus there is a significant amount of Spanish-Mexican influence in many facets of the Filipino custom and tradition. Hispanic influence are most visible in literature, folk music, folk dance, language, food, art and religion. Most of the present celebrated religious traditions are a mixture of both Roman Catholic, Pagan and indigenous religious rituals. As an example, each year, towns from around the country hold major festivities known as Barrio fiestas which commemorate the patron saints of each town, villages or regional districts. The festival season is celebrated with church ceremonies, with street parades (in honor of the patron saints), with fireworks, with beauty and dance contests (for generations of old and new), and with cockfighting tournaments. These Fiestas are also observed in most countries that had been part of the Spanish Empire. American influence are evident in the use of English language and contemporary pop culture such as fast-food, music, movies and basketball. The Southern island of the country where most of the followers of Islam are located, celebrate their own customs and traditions. While Chinese Filipinos living in the country also follow their own cultural production.
source: Wikipedia
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