Intramuros Shines with Culture and Community in the First-Ever Summer Festival

Summer 2025 will see the historic Walled City of Intramuros opening its gates to not just history lovers, but to families, music fans, wellness enthusiasts, and curious wanderers looking for something exciting to do. On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Intramuros Administration (IA) will celebrate its 46th founding anniversary by launching the first-ever Intramuros Summer Festival—a full day of Filipino culture, creativity, and community spirit.

A New Tradition for Intramuros

The Intramuros Summer Festival is not just a one-off event. The IA views it as the beginning of an annual tradition that breathes new life into the historic district. With summer in full swing, this festival is expected to draw large crowds, benefiting both local businesses and providing cultural enrichment for all. From sunrise to sunset, Intramuros will transform into a vibrant celebration of everything Filipino.

A Day Full of Events

The main events will unfold at Plaza Moriones in Fort Santiago, with festivities spilling throughout the entire district. The day kicks off with a burst of energy as the Pambansang Fitness Coaches ng Pilipinas, Jim and Toni Saret, lead a Zumba session at 7:30 AM. From 8 to 9 AM, a colorful parade will light up the streets featuring student performers from Intramuros-based schools, dressed in traditional and creative costumes. At the same time, the University of Santo Tomas Health Service will offer free health screenings and dental services to the local community until noon.

For families with children, the Centro de Turismo Intramuros will host storytelling sessions at 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM, led by Jeralyn “Ate Posh” Develos from Ang Pinoy Storytellers, who will bring Filipino folklore and values to life.

Bringing History to Life

Casa Manila will become a Living Museum at 2 PM and 3 PM, as reenactors from IA and Historia Viviente Manila stage scenes from the Spanish colonial era. This unique experience will allow visitors to blur the line between past and present, offering a deeper connection with Filipino history.

The Sinag Concert: A Musical Finale

To cap off the celebration, the highly anticipated Sinag Concert will light up Plaza Moriones from 6 to 10 PM. With performances by popular bands like Itchyworms, Over October, and Earl Agustin, this concert will be a true celebration of Filipino music in all its forms. The concert will be hosted by Sephy Francisco and Boobay, with performances from student talents from Intramuros-based schools as front acts.

Cultural Market and Food

Throughout the day, the streets of Intramuros will be filled with the sights, smells, and tastes of Filipino culture. A pop-up market stretching along Gen. Luna Street, Fort Santiago, and the Riverwalk will feature regional delicacies and handmade crafts from local vendors, providing visitors with a taste of Filipino artistry and culinary traditions.

Intramuros Passport: A New Way to Explore

A key highlight of the festival is the launch of the Intramuros Passport, a new initiative by IA to promote cultural tourism. For just ₱350, the passport grants access to five major heritage sites: Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego, Casa Manila, Museo de Intramuros, and Centro de Turismo Intramuros. It’s a practical and symbolic way to explore the rich history of Intramuros while supporting heritage preservation.

A Year-Long Celebration

The Intramuros Summer Festival is just the beginning. IA has an exciting calendar of events lined up for the rest of the year. These include the Grand Santacruzan in May, featuring Miss Universe Asia Pacific Chelsea Manalo; the Likha Fair in June, led by the Office of the First Lady; and the Fiesta de Intramuros in September. Ongoing programs like the Dalaw at Sayaw cultural shows, Centro Entablado performances, and Pasyal Aral educational tours will continue to bring cultural vibrancy to Intramuros.

A Vibrant Future for the Walled City

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time fan, the Intramuros Summer Festival offers something for everyone. It’s proof that the Walled City is not just a monument to the past, but a vibrant part of the present, full of life, culture, and community.

For more details, schedules, and updates, follow the Intramuros Administration on social media or visit www.intramuros.gov.ph. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration.