Fiestas are mainly religious in nature. This month of May, most municipalities in Quezon and barangays celebrate the Feast of St. Isidore or San Isidro Labrador. Then it is also the month for Mayflower where Catholic devotees and religious honor the Blessed Virgin Mary with flowers, prayers, songs, and lua. Fluvial procession on this month honors Nuestra Senora de la Paz y del Buen Viaje.
Good harvest is being used as decoration in various fiestas like Pahiyas in Lucban, Agawan in Sariaya, Mayohan in Tayabas, and Arana’t Baluarte in Gumaca. These have been major come-ons for tourists as they really showcase the creativity of Quezonins in assembling grains, fruits and vegetables in all sizes and colors. Some people believe that not celebrating would invite bad luck or bad harvest.
Maytime is when flowers bloom and novena for Virgin Mary culminates in Santacruzan and Flores de Maria or Flores de Mayo. This month usually ends the dry season with usual showers seemingly drumbeating the coming of wet season that begins in June. PAGASA’s forecast however, is that there would be 80 per cent probability of El Nino this year.
Food is part of all the fiestas. No table is without food. Even those who are hard up find ways to have a feast on the table. That is what defines the festivity: gustatory delights.
The merry month of May used to be vacation time for students when the opening of classes was June. It has changed now. So with the celebration of fiestas. It has evolved through time from being a religious thanksgiving and devotion, to commercialism and opportune time for politicians to take their platform on these occasions.
Going back to how we used to celebrate fiestas could be a great challenge. But it certainly is worth trying.