No, this is not Pahiyas... It's Araña't Baluarte of Gumaca!

Say May 15, San Isidro, and Quezon; and people will automatically say "Pahiyas!" Well, there's life beyond Pahiyas my friends. Guys, I'd like to introduce to you, the Araña't Baluarte Festival.

San Isidro Labrador with San Diego de Alcala Cathedral as background

Yes, it might sound very Spanish, but
the concept and origin is really Gumaqueño.

From the words Araña (Chandelier) and Baluarte (Fort/Bastion), this is perhaps based on the town's ever famous landmark, the San Diego de Alcala Fortress, fondly called as Kastilyo.

So instead of decorating the houses (which would only involve the house owners, pag sinipag sila!), Gumaqueños of olden and golden times thought of setting up Kastilyo-like structures in the main streets, then decorate it with fruits, vegetables, (and even poultry!) in a chandelier-like fashion... voila! Araña't Baluarte!

The festival serves two purpose: first is to give thanks to San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers, for a bountiful harvest they have for the year.

The second? It acts as a supplication for an even more harvest for next year, and for the coming years.



















Townsfolk think of unique and creative ways of how to showcase their produce every year, still sticking to the araña and baluarte theme.

A procession is done in the afternoon, after which the produce hanging from the Baluartes will be given to the crowd. 

Impatient? You can jump and grab whatever decoration you fancy, ala-jumpball and rebound!