CARLES, Iloilo — This coastal town known for its paradise islands is adding a spooky twist to its tourism offerings with the launch of the first Tigkalalag Festival from October 29 to November 1, 2026. The four-day celebration promises frightful fun for locals and travelers seeking an unforgettable Halloween experience.
A Festival for Every Kind of Thrill-Seeker
The Tigkalalag Festival offers a diverse lineup designed to appeal to different audiences. Families with young children can enjoy the Trick or Treat event on October 29 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Carles Municipal Hall. Little ghosts and goblins will go door-to-door for sweets in a safe, festive environment.
For horror enthusiasts, a Movie Night follows on October 29 at 6:00 PM. Lights go off and eyes stay glued to the screen for a chilling cinematic experience. Friends and families can gather for a night of screams and shared scares.
Zombie Walk Takes Over the Streets
October 30 brings the Zombie Walk, where participants don their most terrifying undead costumes and join a horde through Poblacion Carles main streets. Registration is free for walk-ins, but participants must be in zombie costume to join. The gathering starts at 5:00 PM.
Exciting prizes await the best-dressed undead. The Best Zombie Overall takes home P5,000, Best Zombie Costume wins P3,000, and Best Make-Up and Special Effect earns P2,000. This is a chance for creative souls to showcase their artistry while joining a community celebration.
Enter If You Dare: The Haunted House
From October 30 to 31, the festival presents "Enter If You Dare" at Timbok Park. Visitors step inside a house where no one lives, facing their fears in an immersive haunted attraction. The experience runs from 7:00 PM to 12:00 midnight.
Tickets are sold at the gate, priced at P20 for adults and P10 for children under ten. All proceeds fund a Christmas party for underprivileged children across different barangays in Carles. Every scream contributes to a worthy cause, making the scare even sweeter.
Night of the Living Beats Closes the Festival
The celebration culminates on November 1 with "Tigkalalag: Night of the Living Beats" at the Carles Municipal Gymnasium. Starting at 6:00 PM, this dance party promises a haunting celebration where music never dies. Attendees can dance the night away in their best Halloween attire.
This closing event provides a joyful end to the four-day festivities. It brings together the community and visitors for a shared celebration of music, movement, and merriment. The party atmosphere balances the earlier scares with pure entertainment.
Why Visit Carles This Halloween
Carles is already renowned for its stunning island destinations like Islas de Gigantes. Adding the Tigkalalag Festival to its calendar gives travelers another compelling reason to visit. The event showcases the town's creativity and community spirit while boosting local tourism.
For those without Halloween plans yet, this is the perfect opportunity to experience something new. Whether traveling from Iloilo City or nearby provinces, the festival offers a unique blend of fright and delight. Bring friends, prepare costumes, and prepare for screams of joy and horror.
