The Most Colorful Philippine Festival

     The month of May in the Philippines is the season of festivals. Different provinces celebrate to carry the traditions that had been passed from generation to generation to commemorate the rich harvest that was belived to be blessed by saints. The advent of  festivals shows the rich culture of Filipinos and warmly welcome different tourists from different places in the country and around the world. One festival that was considered outstanding of all and that is the Lucban's Pahiyas Festival.
   
     I have heard alot of this wonderful event and seen posters and photos of it.  People who have been there and experienced the event shared their testimonies about their unforgettable memories of the pahiyas festival.  Out of curiosity and excitement, I decided to go there to experience it my self and a constant traveler tagged along with me.  Well,  brace yourself for a long trip it was a 5 hour travel from Manila.

Mt.  Banahao

     Located at the foot of Mt. Banahao, is a small town of  Lucban. Every 15th of May,  the freindly people celebrate the so-called Pahiyas festival.   This is a harvest feast celebration in honor of San Isidro Labrador; The patron saint of farmers of the Philippines.   It was said to be that in this event, you can experience  the most unique kind of festival,  see the colorful kipings ( leaf life waffers made from rice,), savor the delicious pancit hab hab, taste the flavorful lucban longanisa ( sausage) and enjoy the beauties, adorned water buffalos, giants and marching band in the grand parade.

Image of San Isidro Labrador 

     Pahiyas means "Decor" and during the festival, residents adorn their houses with different fruits, vegetables,  handicrafts and off course the kipings.  The kipings is the most expedient adornement that come with different  bright colors. The festival is not complete without the attractive kipings.   As we walked along  every street of  Lucban,  we were very amazed on how the residents decorated their houses.  It's nice to now how creative Filipinos can be.

      One of the main events of the Pahiyas festival is the procession of the  Image of San Isidro Labrador.   The image of the saint is carried through all the streets of the town along with devotees that concludes at the Lucban church.  Another main event is the grand parade of marching bands,  water buffalos, giants and the beauties.

Parade of the marching band

Parade of the water buffalos

Parade of the giants

Parade of the beauties

     The church of Lucban is another attraction of the town it is also a historical landmark.   It is known as one of the oldest catholic churches in the country.  The church has been standing there since the 14th century and will continue to stand for another century.

    I really enjoyed the festival at Lucban.  I'm glad I had a chance to experience the wonderful event.   I will always remember the warm friendly people, the colorful adorments and the spectacular grand parade.  It was truly a lavish festival and the place is worth revisiting.  See you next year.