Pahiyas Festival 2025: A Vibrant Celebration in Lucban Quezon

If you’re looking to experience the true vibrancy of Filipino culture, the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon is an event that should be on your bucket list. Held every year on May 15, this dazzling harvest festival honours San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers, and celebrates the abundance of the season.

Pahiyas Festival | Ralff Nestor Nacor via Wikimedia Commons

What started as a humble thanksgiving offering in the 15th century has now evolved into one of the most colourful and exciting festivals in the Philippines, drawing thousands of visitors from all over the country.

Also read: 10 Idyllic Beaches in Quezon Province for a Laidback Tropical Vacation

A tradition steeped in history

The origins of the Pahiyas Festival date back to the 15th century when farmers from nearby towns would bring their harvest to the foot of Mount Banahaw as an offering of gratitude for a bountiful year. These crops were originally presented at the church, but over time, farmers began displaying their produce outside their homes.

The local priest would bless each harvest as he went from door to door, ensuring that the tradition continued even when the church could no longer accommodate all the offerings. This humble practice grew over the years, and in 1963, Fernando Cadeliña Nañawa helped to officially formalise the event, turning it into the lively celebration we know today.

What to expect at the Pahiyas Festival

Pahiyas Festival | Patrickroque01 via Wikimedia Commons

Surrounding towns like Tayabas, Sariaya, and Gumaca add to the festivities, but the main attraction is the stunning house decorations in Lucban. Locals decorate their homes with fruit, vegetables, and flowers, creating vibrant displays of artistic flair. Here’s what you can expect during the Pahiyas Festival:

• Intricate house decorations: Homes adorned with fruits, vegetables, and flowers, turning the town into a rainbow of colours.

• House decoration competition: A fierce competition with the most beautifully decorated house winning a PHP200,000 cash prize.

• Kiping: A thin rice wafer shaped like leaves, used to decorate homes and considered a local delicacy.

• Kalas procession: A joyful procession where people eagerly grab produce from decorated houses, a playful exchange between visitors and homeowners.

• Grand parade: An afternoon event with marching bands, giant paper-mâché puppets, and vibrant costumes.

What to eat and buy during the festival

Pansit Habhab | Elmer B. Domingo via Wikimedia Commons

The Pahiyas Festival is not just about colourful displays; it is also about celebrating food. Locals often invite friends, family, and visitors to enjoy a meal together.

You’ll find yourself surrounded by traditional Filipino dishes like pancit habhab (stir-fried rice noodles with vegetables and meat) and Lucban pilpit (a sweet treat made of rice flour and squash, coated in caramelised sugar). If you are lucky, you might even get to taste these dishes prepared right in the homes of Lucban residents.

In addition to the food, be sure to visit the tiyangge, or street market, where you can buy souvenirs such as native hats, bags, and food parcels. These makeshift markets offer a wide array of locally made crafts, perfect for taking home as a reminder of your time at the festival.

Why you should visit the Pahiyas Festival

The Pahiyas Festival is an experience that goes beyond just attending a celebration. It is about immersing yourself in a rich Filipino tradition, where culture, food, and community come together most spectacularly. Whether you are exploring the decorated streets of Lucban, joining in the excitement of the Kalas procession, or tasting some of the region's finest delicacies, this festival offers something for everyone.

Plan your trip early, as the festival attracts 200,000 visitors yearly. Lucban, just 2.5 hours from Manila, offers an easy and enriching escape. With the event lasting two weeks, there's plenty of time to enjoy the festivities and admire the decorations.

Also read: 10 Lucena Airbnbs For Vacations in Quezon Province

Final thoughts

The Pahiyas Festival is more than just a harvest celebration; it is a testament to the creativity, community spirit, and hospitality of the people of Lucban and Quezon Province. From the colourful decorations to the delicious Filipino dishes and the vibrant grand parade, there is no better way to experience the heart and soul of Filipino culture.

So, if you are planning to visit Quezon in May, make sure the Pahiyas Festival is on your itinerary!