Boracay Island Celebrates Hari Raya: A Call for Peace and Cultural Understanding

On March 21, 2026, Boracay Island will mark a historic cultural milestone as it hosts its first Hari Raya celebration, with the main observance taking place at Boracay Newcoast. Organized in collaboration with Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) and the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), the initiative reflects Boracay’s growing role as a destination that welcomes diverse cultures and faith traditions—while offering a timely message of peace in a world where dialogue and understanding are increasingly needed.

Hari Raya, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is a significant occasion in the Muslim faith that marks the conclusion of Ramadan. The celebration is traditionally observed through communal prayers, gatherings, and festive meals shared among families and communities.

For Boracay, hosting the celebration represents more than a cultural event—it is a reminder that travel destinations can serve as spaces where people reconnect with shared values of respect, compassion, and coexistence.

Boracay Mayor Frolibar Bautista said the initiative reflects the island’s vision of welcoming cultures from around the world with openness and mutual respect.

“Our vision for Boracay is to be a place where people of different cultures and faiths feel equally welcome. When communities come together to share traditions and stories, we build bridges of understanding. In times when many parts of the world are facing conflict, moments like this remind us that dialogue, respect, and friendship remain powerful forces for peace,” he said.

The celebration will take place within the scenic coastal spaces of Boracay Newcoast, where guests can experience a day of cultural performances, family-friendly summer activities, and community gatherings that highlight the festive spirit of the season. Dedicated spaces will also allow Muslim guests to observe moments of prayer and reflection, preserving the spiritual essence of the occasion.

Food will play a central role in the gathering, with a festival dinner curated by renowned Filipino Halal chef Chef Tahir Malikol, presenting dishes inspired by Halal culinary traditions and the celebratory flavors associated with the end of Ramadan.

For Sonny Alvaro, Cluster General Manager of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts in Boracay, initiatives like this demonstrate how travel can help nurture cultural understanding.

“Travel has always been one of the most meaningful ways for people to understand one another. When destinations create spaces where traditions are respected and communities feel welcome, tourism becomes more than a journey—it becomes an opportunity to celebrate humanity’s shared values,” Alvaro said.

Boracay Newcoast’s hospitality community has also been strengthening its readiness to welcome Muslim travelers. Within the township, Savoy Hotel Boracay and Belmont Hotel Boracay have both earned recognition as Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAE) and are supported by a certified Halal kitchen that ensures meals prepared for guests follow Halal standards. The township is also home to Marhaba Beach, recognized as the country’s only dedicated Muslim-friendly beach space, offering a comfortable and respectful environment for Muslim families and travelers. Meanwhile, Chancellor Hotel Boracay, Boracay Newcoast’s newest property, is also progressing toward the same MFAE accreditation as it continues to introduce facilities that support mindful and culturally considerate travel.

Guests who wish to experience the celebration are invited to avail of Hari Raya stay packages, which include overnight accommodation and festival dinner access on March 21. These are available at Belmont Hotel Boracay, a family-friendly beachfront hotel (www.belmonthotelboracay.com | +63 917 867 2515); Savoy Hotel Boracay, a vibrant lifestyle hotel known for its lively social spaces (www.savoyhotelboracay.com.ph | +63 917 828 4663); and Chancellor Hotel Boracay, the township’s newest eco-conscious hotel for mindful travelers (www.chancellorboracay.com | (036) 286 1300).

Travelers and families are encouraged to reserve early and be part of this gathering that celebrates faith, culture, and the shared hope for peace along the white sand shores of Boracay Island.