The Pahiyas festival celebrates the bountiful harvest of the lucbanenos and is marked by breathtaking decorations called “kiping” made from colorful fruits and vegetables. Entire houses are decked out in a kaleidoscope of designs and arrangements, vying for recognition. It is said to have started many years ago when young Lucbanenos decorated their houses to welcome visiting priests and dignitaries.
If you get a chance to visit during the festival in May, prepare your senses for overload. The gorgeous houses laden with corn husk designs, flowers, fruits and rice grains will take your breath away. Strawberry designs, pineapple fences, towers of citrus fruits and local rice cakes called “puto” will dazzle your eyes. Selfie opportunities are endless among the dazzling decor!
The highlight of Pahiyas though is the spirit of community and thanksgiving. For a few days, differences are set aside as neighbors and families work side by side to create dramatic kiping designs to bring honor to their town. As you walk through the decorated streets, you’ll see smiling faces proud of their heritage and culture, happy to share it with visitors.
I do hope this inspires you to experience the Pahiyas festival for yourself. The vibrant colors and gracious hospitality of the lucbanenos are sure to lift your spirits!
