Eve of The Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon

Every May 15, the town of Lucban in Quezon celebrates the Pahiyas Festival in honor of their patron saint, San Isidro de Labrador. Tradition dictates that houses are decorated with fruits, vegetables and the like in order to thank the patron saint for a bountiful harvest.

We decided to visit Lucban on the eve of the Pahiyas Festival   to avoid the heavy throng of people and heat on the day of the feast itself. Preparations and festivities were already under way. But most of the decors were not lit. 

Only one house stood out and a crowd had already gathered. 

While walking towards the town plaza, we saw these men making longganisa.

Across the town plaza (where a concert was being held), is Buddy's which is touted to have the best Pancit Lucban.

Also in the vicinity of the town plaza are various restaurants and bars where locals and tourists hang out. 

We hung out here :

I vow to go back next year to see more and take part in the actual festival ... if only I could brave the heat and crowds. I've got a year to muster enough bravery, haha.