Pahiyas Festival: Discover Its Meaning and History

The Pahiyas Festival is a traditional and cultural festival that has its roots in the Philippines. On May 15th, the feast day of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers, there is a yearly celebration. The origin is to honor and thank the patron saint for a bountiful harvest.

According to local folklore, the first Pahiyas Festival occurred in Lucban, Quezon, in the Philippines in the 1500s. The villagers decorate their homes and streets with colorful displays of fruits, vegetables, and rice cakes (kakanin). It is to express their gratitude for the bountiful harvest. Participants from the Philippines and other countries come to experience the Pahiyas festival.

The Pahiyas Festival is now one of the most important cultural events in the Philippines and attracts thousands of visitors each year. It celebrates the local community’s traditions, culture, and faith and is a colorful and vibrant expression of the region’s vibrant spirit.

The History of the Pahiyas Festival

Pahiyas Festival began as a pagan festival, but over time it transformed into the colorful, cheerful spectacle that we know today. The Art Club of Lucban’s president, Fernando Cadelia Naawa, launched the festival in its current form in 1963.

The word “payas,” which means decorations, is whence the celebration gets its name. In the month before the Pahiyas festival, the villagers decorate their homes. The origin originates from the 15th-century harvest custom showcasing rich harvests inside your home. Then the priest would go to each home in the community and bless each harvest.

Locals utilize fruits, vegetables, and kipings to decorate their homes. Some people go so far as to create their farmer dolls to display. Then, a contest takes place to determine who has the most vibrant and lovely decorations.

A second-class municipality in Quezon, Lucban is bordered to the east by the province of Laguna, to the south by Tayabas, and the north by Sampaloc. However, it is near several cities with plenty of transportation options. Lucena and Tayabas in Quezon, Calamba, and Sta. Cruz in Laguna is the option.

Pahiyas Festival By Public Transportation.

From Manila, there are various ways to go to Lucban. Most adjacent cities have vans, buses, or jeeps.

1. Take a bus to Lucena City from Cubao, EDSA-Kamuning, or EDSA-Buendia. The travel time is 4-5 hours. Fare starts a 225 Php.

2. Travel to Lucban by jeepney from the Lucena Grand Terminal. The fare is around 30Php, and the travel time is 30-45 minutes.

Pahiyas Festival By Private Car

1. South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

2. If you leave Calamba, you’ll travel through several Laguna communities such as Los Banos, Bay, Pila, Sta. Cruz, Pagsanjan, Cavinti, and Luisiana until you reach Lucban. The travel time is around 2.5-3 hours.

3. When using Sto. You’ll travel through Tiaong, Candelaria, and Sariaya in Quezon, Alaminos, and San Pablo in Laguna, and Alaminos and San Pablo in Laguna. Follow the Tayabas-Lucban Road when you arrive in Tayabas. The travel time is around 3.5-4 hours.

Parking places near the parade route (and the town proper) are available. To get about, you can either walk or use a motorcycle.

Reminder for Pahiyas Festival: 

Attending the Pahiyas Festival can be a fun experience. It is essential to arrive early to the Pahiyas Festival to avoid crowds and get the best viewing spots. In addition, wear comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for the occasion, as the Festival is full of visitors.

Staying hydrated is essential, especially in the day’s heat. The Pahiyas festival is colorful, so bring a camera to capture sights and memories. Most importantly, please take advantage of the chance to talk to the people and discover more about their customs and culture. 

It is advisable to check traffic conditions and plan your journey accordingly, as you can experience congestion during the Pahiyas Festival.

See Celebrations of Pahiyas Festival

The Pahiyas Festival highlight is the parade of “Kalas.” It occurs when people attempt to remove decorations from homes, and the owners try to prevent it. Nevertheless, the residents of Lucban look forward to the fun events. 

Farmers display their outstanding agricultural products during the event, including rice, pepper, and radish. In addition, you may find well-known “Anok” decorations (miniatures) constructed of fruits, vegetables, and longganisa sausage everywhere. Huge kiping flowers in vibrant colors like fuschia and yellow are called arangya.

The Pahiyas Festival big parade, which includes people, carabaos, and inanimate objects, starts at midday. Brass bands and couples sporting organic attire, and you can see accessories during the parade. Additionally, you may anticipate tons of pancit habhab and a vast paper mache.

With parades and creative crafts, the Pahiyas Festival has also made Lucban a popular tourist destination. The locals leave their produce to the priest for them to be blessed and as part of the commercial activities.

In conclusion, the Pahiyas Festival is a celebration with color, vibrant displays, traditional activities, and religious rituals. Pahiyas Festival is a celebration of the faith and devotion of the local people.

Some tips to help you fully enjoy the Pahiyas Festival:

• Check the dates: Make sure to check the dates in advance and plan your trip accordingly.

• Plan your transportation: You can reach the Pahiyas Festival by car, bus, or train. If you’re coming from Manila, bus options go directly to Lucban, Quezon. If you’re driving, be prepared for traffic and parking challenges.

• Book accommodation: There may need more accommodation during the Pahiyas Festival, so booking in advance is best. You can choose from various options, including hotels, resorts, and homestays.

• Know the Pahiyas festival customs: The Pahiyas Festival is a celebration of the harvest, and it is customary to wear colorful clothing and bring food offerings to the church. Be sure to respect the local customs and traditions during the Festival.

• Explore the Pahiyas Festival: The Pahiyas Festival is known for its colorful displays of kakanin and fruits and its cultural and traditional activities. Take the time to explore and enjoy all the Pahiyas festival offers.

Make Memories with Your Accommodations During the Pahiyas Festival

During the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon, there are several hotels and resorts in nearby cities that you can consider for your accommodation. These cities offer a range of accommodation options, including budget-friendly hotels, mid-range resorts, and luxury hotels.

Popular Hotels and Resorts in the area for Pahiyas Festival include:

Z Hostel in Lucban, Quezon, is a budget-friendly accommodation option for travelers visiting the area. The hostel provides easy access to local attractions like the famous Pahiyas Festival. It is just a short walk from the town’s bustling market and local restaurants. 

• Patio Lucas Resort is a tropical oasis that offers guests a truly immersive and luxurious experience. For those looking for a restful and restorative holiday, the resort is the ideal location.

• Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort is a unique and stunning destination in Lucban, Quezon. The resort offers a glimpse into the traditional Philippines culture, with its coconut plantations, waterfalls, and bamboo huts.

•  Bellaroca Island Resort and Spa is a tropical paradise that offers luxurious accommodations with breathtaking views of the sea and lush green surroundings. Guests can choose from various room options, including beachfront villas and overwater bungalows. 

• Lucban Hills Suites and Residences is a modern and comfortable accommodation in Lucban, Quezon. The hotel offers spacious and well-appointed suites and rooms. Both the hotel’s balcony and the rooms offer spectacular views of the hills in the area.

 Here are other accommodation options outside the Lucban area:

• Liliw and Majayjay, Laguna. There are small mountain resorts by the river. Most people probably associate Liliw with its cold water spring resorts, local sweets, and substantial footwear.
• San Pablo City, Laguna. Overindulge while there and see the Seven Lakes. Every lake provides a different range of sports and scenery.
• Cagbalete Island, Quezon. The island is known for its crystal-clear beaches, brilliant blue waters, and snow-white sandbars.

Or stay in nearby Tayabas City.

• Nawawalang Paraiso Resort. From the resort, guests can enjoy Tayabas City and the nearby town of Lucban. Address: Brgy. Camaysa, Tayabas. (042) 793-3437.
• Kamayan sa Palaisdaan Hotel. Enjoy broad native cuisine and a natural setting. Address: Brgy. Dapdap, Tayabas. (042)793-3654.
• Mi Casa en Tayabas. It serves both native and Spanish cuisine in the restaurant. location: 73 M. Ponce Avenue. (042) 793-2660/

Perfect Tourists Spots in Lucban aside Pahiyas Festival

Lucban, Quezon, is a vibrant and culturally rich town offering visitors a range of exciting and unique experiences. From spiritual sites and festivals to breathtaking natural landscapes and waterfalls, Lucban is the perfect destination for those seeking adventure.

Here are the 5 Best Attractions in Lucban, Quezon:

Kamay ni Hesus Healing Shrine 

It is a popular spiritual destination located in Lucban, Quezon. The shrine is known for its statue of the healing Jesus Christ. The figure stands 50 feet tall and attracts thousands of visitors annually. Additionally, people come from all over the world to seek blessings, healing, and spiritual guidance from the shrine.

Pat Beach Resort 

Pat Beach Resort is a popular vacation destination along the clean shores of the Philippines. It offers guests a peaceful and serene environment. In addition, the resort features a range of accommodations, including beachfront cottages, villas, and guest rooms. Each room provides maximum comfort and relaxation.

Mount Banahaw 

Mount Banahaw is a stratovolcano in the boundary of Dolores, Quezon, and San Lorenzo, Batangas, in the Philippines. Many locals consider the mountain a sacred site and a popular destination for spiritual pilgrimages. Furthermore, Mount Banahaw is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. And it is home to several hot springs and sulfur vents. In addition, surrounding the mountain is a haven for various wildlife species.

Quezon National Park 

Quezon National Park has a surface area of over 11,000 hectares. The park is renowned for its rich and distinctive environment, which includes mangrove forests and tropical rainforests. In addition, the park also offers picnic areas, camping sites, and other facilities for visitors to enjoy.

Kamaynabay Falls 

Kamaynabay is a hidden gem in the mountains of Lucban, Quezon, in the Philippines. Overall, Kamaynabay Falls is a must-visit destination. The location is ideal for individuals seeking a peaceful and tranquil getaway. In addition, the falls are a true gem of Lucban, Quezon, and a testament to the region’s stunning natural beauty.

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning scenery, Lucban is a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly unique and memorable travel experience. So pack your bags and head to Lucban to discover this charming town’s best tourist spots.

The good thing about staying in Tayabas is you also get to see and explore this historic city. Some places of interest:

 Puente de Malagonlong 

Malagonlong Bridge is a 445-ft stone arch bridge constructed during the Spanish era and is one of the oldest Spanish bridges in the country.

San Miguel de Archangel Basilica Menor 

Also known as the Tayabas Basilica, it is the center of the Catholic faith in the city, built in 1600.

Capistrano Distillery 

The distillery produces lambanog, which is Quezon’s signature alcoholic drink.

Casa de Comunidad de Tayabas

It is a historic bahay na bato, which now houses a museum, gallery, and library.

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning scenery, Lucban is a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly unique and memorable travel experience. So pack your bags and head to Lucban to discover this charming town’s best tourist spots.