This is a list of festivals in the Philippines. The majority of festivals in the Philippines, locally known as "fiestas", may have their own peryas (trade fairs with temporary amusement parks). The origin of most early fiestas are rooted in Christianity, dating back to the Spanish colonial period when the many communities (such as barrios and towns) of the predominantly Catholic Philippines almost always had a patron saint assigned to each of them. Originally encouraged by the Spanish to coincide with Christian holy days, early patronal festivals became vital instruments in spreading Christianity throughout the country.