Lucban’s Pride: Pahiyas Fesitval
by Toni de Villa
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. |
