Malacañang declares May 15 a holiday in Quezon town

Quezon Province | INQUIRER FILES

LUCENA CITY — Malacañang has declared May 15 as a special non-working day in Sariaya town in Quezon province to mark the local celebration of the farmer’s feast and “Agawan Festival.”

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated in Proclamation No. 537 issued on Monday, May 6, that the declaration aims to give the people of Sariaya the “opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration.”

Sariaya Mayor Marcelo Gayeta posted a copy of the proclamation on his Facebook page on Tuesday, May 7.

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The festival features “bagakay” (young bamboo branches) filled with hanging bread, cookies, and fresh farm products, ready for riotous grabbing by townsfolk after the procession of San Isidro de Labrador, the farmer’s patron saint, passes by.

Residents of the houses along the procession route decorate the outside of their homes. The house occupants also throw food, fruits and money at the participants.

On May 15, aside from Agawan festival, Quezon province will celebrate three other similar festivals — “Pahiyas” in Lucban town, “Araña’t Baluarte festival in Gumaca, and “Mayohan” in Tayabas City – to pay tribute to San Isidro.