QUEZON PROVINCE, Philippines – After a plentiful harvest season, the municipality of Lucban, Quezon celebrates the Pahiyas Festival with colorful houses, carabaos pulling paragos decorated with fresh produce, and colorful leaf-shaped rice paper called “kiping.”
The festival dates back to the ‘60s with its main origins stemming back to the 15th century. The Lucban residents celebrate the feast of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers and agricultural workers, and to thank God for an abundant harvest.
This year, more than 500 houses participated in the contest where they decorate the facades of their homes with fruits, vegetables, flowers, and produce, as well as kiping.
The best decorated structure won over P200,000, while the best decorated paragon received P10,000.
The festival ran for two weeks, with its highlight on May 15, the feast day of San Isidro Labrador.
Here are some of the vibrant sights in the festival:
– Rappler.com