Antipolo City, also known as the country's "Pilgrimage Capital," is set to welcome devotees and tourists as the Maytime Festival 2026 begins.
Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro “Junjun” Ynares, III said the province’s most vibrant and anticipated celebration is a showcase of events promising a season filled with culture, faith, sports, and entertainment.
The festivities kicked off on Wednesday, April 29, at the Antipolo Sports Hub with the 5th ADLAI Drum & Lyre Competition at 8:00 am.
A crowd favorite, the annual Walk for Peace or the so-called Alay Lakad, will take place on April 30 at 7:00 p.m. Devotees of Nuestra Señora dela Paz Y Buenviaje (Our Lady of Antipolo) and Quiapo’s Jesus Nazareno will join the penitential walk from Quiapo Church to the Antipolo Cathedral.
The farewell Mass at Quiapo’s Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno-St. John the Baptist Parish will be officiated by Antipolo Bishop Ruperto C. Santos at 6 p.m. on April 30, prior to the Walk for Peace.
During the penitential walk, participants are encouraged to offer their every step for peace in the country and the whole world.
May 1 (Friday), the Arrival Mass will be held at 5:00 a.m. at the Antipolo Cathedral, officiated by Quiapo Church shrine rector and parish priest Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan.
The facade of the International Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (photo by Nel Andrade)
The main altar of the Antipolo Cathedral with the centuries old image of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage at the center (photo by Nel Andrade)
Later that d ay, the 9th Antipolo Mayor’s Mission Cup Taekwondo Championship will begin at 7:00 a.m. at the Antipolo Sports Hub.
Highlights on May 2 (Saturday) include the Mega Job Fair at Robinsons Place Antipolo at 8:00 a.m.
The much-awaited Grand Street Dancing and Float Parade follows at 4:00 p.m., starting from Sumulong Park and ending at Ynares Center. The parade will feature casts from GMA7’s Born to Shine and TV5’s A Secret in Prague.
The day concludes with the Street dancing Competition: The Final Salvo at 6:00 p.m. at the Ynares Center, with performances from GMA7 Sparkle Artists and PBB Collab 2.0.
The city government has advised motorists to plan ahead, as road closures and heavy traffic are expected on Saturday, May 2, during the Grand Float Parade.
The parade, featuring street dancing and inter-barangay float competition, will start at 3:00 p.m. at Sumulong Park and end at Ynares Center.
Maytime Festival Float Parade showcases television and movie celebrities (from Mayor Ynares' FB page)
Authorities warn of traffic congestion along the following roads from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.:
-P. Oliveros Street
-Gen. Luna Street
-C. Lawis Street
-Sto. Niño Street
-J. Sumulong Street
-L. Sumulong Memorial Circle
One lane of Circumferential Road will be converted to a two-lane road to accommodate motorists.
Residents and commuters are advised to plan ahead, consider alternative routes, and adjust travel times to avoid delays.
Other key dates for the month include:
-May 3 (Sunday): Chiropractic Mission, 8:00 a.m. at Ynares Events Center
-May 5 (Tuesday): Pagbubukas ng Ahunan sa Antipolo 2026 (Opening of the pilgrimage season) with processions and concelebrated Masses at the Antipolo Cathedral and Pinagmisahan Hills
-May 6 & May 20 (Wednesdays): Kadiwa ng Pangulo at Sumulong Park, 7:00 a.m.
-May 9 (Saturday): National Dog Mom’s Day, 3:00 p.m. at Paw Park, SM City Masinag
-May 16 (Saturday): Grand Sagala
-May 19 (Tuesday): United Flavors of Antipolo Cooking Competition, 4:00 p.m. at Sumulong Park
-May 23 (Saturday): Happy Paws Day at 1:00 p.m., Robinsons Place Antipolo Atrium; and Queen of Antipolo Coronation Night at 8:00 p.m., City Mall of Antipolo
-May 30 (Saturday): Padyak para sa Kalikasan bike ride at 7:00 a.m. from SM Center Antipolo Downtown to Government Center; Palengke Idol Grand Finals at 7:00 p.m., City Mall of Antipolo
-May 31 (Sunday): MusicLaban at 8:00 pm, City Mall of Antipolo
Church-related events aligned with the pilgrimage season will continue until July, when pilgrims and devotees coming from across the country pay homage to the centuries-old Virgin of Antipolo and visit other tourist destinations in the city and the province as part of their journey.
Mayor Ynares and the city officials invite residents and tourists alike to join the month-long celebration, which blends Antipolo’s deep religious traditions with modern entertainment, community service, and local talent.