Lucban's Pride : Pahiyas Festival

The colorful Pahiyas Festival that we have known for years dated as far back in the 16th century when Catholicism is on the rise in Quezon province. As many have told, it started as a way of thanksgiving for a good harvest. And the bountiful offers were given to the Franciscan missionaries who brought Catholicism in the 1500s.

Since then, it already begun as a tradition among the Lucbanins until 1595 when the construction of the wooden church paved the way for the locals to bring their harvest to the church. It was believed that this rite must be done by the farmers in order to avoid bad luck, drought and famine. But this is actually done to celebrate the feast of San Isidro, patron saint of farmers. Through the years, they were showered with many blessings and harvest continued to be in uprising. Such time came when people have thought of displaying their harvest in front of their houses where the priest would come and bless them. Each year, the route of the priest blessing the harvest, vary for everyone to get a chance to participate.

So, get ready with your sneakers and rubber shoes as you trek the old streets of Lucban during this season. First thing one would notice is the “kiping.” This is a wafer made of rice and shaped into a tree leaf. It comes in colors of pink, green and yellow matched with richness of their harvested fruits that are then lined-up as decoration in front of a participating house. Another thing that can be made out of “kiping” is a chandelier that is also placed in each house. But what keeps you looking back at these creations is not just the color but the ingenuity and creativity of the people who keep reinventing concepts year after year.

Next best thing are the floats that are also seen in other towns of Quezon in celebration of San Isidro Festival. Fresh fruits and vegetables are everywhere and it has been a tradition that people pick them once they pass along your area.

Presently, the Pahiyas Festival has become the pride not only of Lucbanins but all Quezonians for consistently keeping the culture and religion alive. The bright colors of “kiping” transcend the beauty if this town, not to mention the friendly smiles and greetings you get to receive from one street to another.

Lucban is one of the most-visited places in Quezon Province especially during summer. It has continued to be the undeniable Summer Capital in Southen Tagalog for its inviting and cold weather. It was told in the myth that five men found Lucban Quezon during the 16th century in the persons of Marcos Tigla, Lucas Guimba, Lucas Galandang, Lucas Nanawa and Antonio Manduman. And it was in fact, Marcos Tigla who became the first “kapitan.” A year later, people flocked in this town not only because of its weather but also its places. One particular site is its church. It was built in 1630 by the order of Kapitan Lucas Martin. But in 1732, a huge fire hit this Roman Catholic church and none was left except for the convent. But years later, it was rebuilt and has remained to be sure spot for tourist until now for its nostalgic façade.