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Friday, November 02, 2012

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon

It was our first time to experienced Pahiyas Festival the colorful feast celebrated every 15th of May.

History of the Pahiyas, the Untold Story

An old history book of Lucban, entitled “Kasaysayan at Tala ng Bayan ng Lucban, Quezon (Pantaleon Nantes, 1952) mentioned three major feasts celebrated in Lucban not only by Catholics but even by the Aglipayan, Protestants, Adventist and other religious sect. Prayers were offered, masses and processions were held, parade around town with marching bands, games, balls, contest and other fiesta activities.

First is the town fiesta held every August 19 in honor of the patron saint San Luis Obispo ng Tolosa. Second is on December 8, feast of the Immaculate Conception and because the image is housed at the municipal building until today, the town mayor together with the municipal council and employees were leading the celebration. Third is the feast of San Isidro de Labrador which falls on May 15. This celebration is quite different from the other two as houses where the procession will pass were adorned with different plants, fruits and other farm produce.

The feast of San Isidro, to the Lucbanins in the past, is known to be just that, the feast of San Isidro. So when the day nears, you would hear people asking “San Isidro na sa inyo, punta kami.” (Its San Isidro in your place, we would come.) or “Daan ba sa inyo ng San Isidro?” (Is San Isidro, referring to the procession, passing by your house?) or words to that effect. Generally, San Isidro is referred to as the saint and the feast itself. The feast is celebrated only by the people of Lucban, simple and without any accompanying events to amplify its significance.

Colors of Kiping

Pahiyas wouldn't be complete without the kiping, the most important element of the festival. It is from these leaf-like wafers, which are adorned and arranged to form all sorts of shapes like arangya (chandeliers), orchids and flowers, that makes the Pahiyas one of the most colorful festivals in the Philippines.

Kiping is made from ground rice flour so it is edible. It can be fried or roasted and looks like kropeck when done. It's like tacos from Spain - thin, crunchy, brittle and delicate to handle. And how does it tastes? It's tasteless so syrup or vinegar must be on the side for dipping.

Experience the colors, sights, foods and shopping at the Lucban San Isidro Pahiyas Festival.