Pahiyas Festival: A Spectacular Feast for the Senses in Quezon Province

Prepare to be dazzled by a riot of colors, the aroma of delicacies, and the infectious energy of celebration. Welcome to the Pahiyas Festival, where Quezon Province in the Philippines comes alive with a vibrant tapestry of art, culture, and culinary delights!

The highlight of the Pahiyas Festival is the stunning display of colorful rice decorations called "kiping." Made from rice dough and dyed in vibrant hues, kiping is meticulously arranged into intricate patterns that adorn houses and streets, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. As you wander through the festively decorated streets, you'll be captivated by the artistic brilliance and attention to detail in every kiping masterpiece.

The Pahiyas Festival started in May 1963 as a pagan festival which eventually transformed into a grand festival.

Locals from Lucena City beautify their houses with fruits, vegetables, and kiping (made of rice and dyed with food coloring). The kipings were strung in different shapes and forms like a chandelier, flowers, ribbons, etc. The house that has the best decoration will win the contest.

Leaf-shaped kipping

A house decorated with fruits & vegetables

THINGS TO DO DURING PAHIYAS FESTIVAL

Pahiyas Festival is not just about visual spectacle. It's also a culinary delight! Quezon Province is known for its mouthwatering delicacies, and during the festival, the streets are lined with food stalls offering an array of local treats. 

Try the Pancit Habhab
Also known as pancit Lucban; this local delicacy is served on a banana leaf and consumed without using any utensils. Pancit habhab is made from fresh miki noodles which has a soft texture. (Actually, I cheated because I used a fork to eat my pancit habhab! hihi)

Try the Lucban Longganisa
This Filipino pork sausage has a garlicky taste that compliments the pork meat and aroma of oregano and other spices.

Visit Kamay ni Hesus
The pilgrimage destination has 300+ steps and on the top is the 50-foot statue of the Risen Christ; known for its miraculous healing masses. Here you can buy goodies, delicacies, pastries, and religious souvenirs. Inside the park is a replica of Noah's Ark.

Risen Christ on top of the mountain

The Noah's Ark Replica

Dine-In at Mustiolas
Mustiolas serves Filipino home-cooked meals at an affordable price and tagged as the best carinderya in Lucban, Quezon. 
Tip: Choose the tables in the tunnel that is turned into a cafe. 

Attend a mass at Lucban Church

Since this is an event of giving thanks why not attend a mass in San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish Church also known as the Lucban Church. 

San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish Church 

The Lucban Church completed in 1738

Watch the Grand Parade
Of course, a festival is not complete without a grand parade. The Pahiyas Festival parade shows multichromatic and ingenious floats that pass along the decorated houses in Lucban. Aside from the float, you'll see farmers with their carabaos, marching bands, higantes, and the beauty queens of Quezon.

Snap photos
Your Pahiyas Festival experience is not complete without snapping photos for your gram. Show the world how creative Filipinos are.

Apart from the visual feast and gastronomic delights, the Pahiyas Festival is a lively affair with various activities and performances. Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Quezon Province through traditional music and dance performances. Join in the street parties and parades where locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate with music, dance, and infectious joy.

WHAT TO EXPECT

-The Pahiyas Festival is again one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines. Expect a huge number of people that will attend the event. 

-There will be a lot of walking involved so wear comfortable shoe wear. 

-Expect a sunny day; hot weather so wear something breathable. Don't forget to bring an umbrella and a cap to protect yourself from the sunlight. Use sunblock and deodorant (please! hahaha) and bring water (a lot).

-Food! Food! Food! get ready to bring out the foodie in you. There will be a lot of mouth-watering food so be prepared. 

-Come early, the traffic will get worse during the day so make sure you leave before sunrise. If you have a car, I'm sorry because parking space might be limited during the Pahiyas Festival. 

HOW TO GET TO LUCENA FROM METRO MANILA
If you don't have a private car then the bus is your best option. Bus companies such as JAC Liner, JAM Liner & Lucena Lines have daily trips going to Lucena City.

For schedule and fares please refer to the link below:

https://www.jacliner.com/routes.html
https://www.jam.com.ph/fares-and-schedules/
http://www.phbus.com/lli-bus/

WHERE TO STAY

BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOMS EARLY because accommodations in Lucban will be fully booked during the Pahiyas Festival and there are limited numbers of hotels in the area. 

We stayed at Batis Aramin Resort & Hotel which I think is the most convenient accommodation because of its location and it offers different room types. Batis Aramin Resort & Hotel has swimming pools, a coffee shop, a garden, and a convenience store. 

Book your room here: Batis Aramin Resort & Hotel

Book other hotels here: Other Hotels

As an aesthete, I was amazed at how the people of Lucban can turn a simple house into a masterpiece. I think the time and effort they gave is truly remarkable. Well, my Pahiyas Festival experience is something that I will remember for a long time.

Whether you're a cultural enthusiast, a food lover, or simply seeking a vibrant and immersive experience, the Pahiyas Festival offers something for everyone. It's a celebration of tradition, creativity, and the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people.

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