Pahiyas Festival brings Filipino heritage and devotion to Macau stage

[Photo: Ricaela Diputado]

The 24th San Isidro Labrador Pahiyas Festival 2026 brought Filipino culture and community spirit to the Chan Meng Kam Theatre yesterday, drawing over 200 attendees in a celebration of harvest, heritage and devotion.

The five-hour event, which ran from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., featured vibrant displays, traditional cultural performances and what organizers described as an “overcrowded” venue.

The festival, rooted in Philippine agricultural tradition honoring San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers and laborers, showcased the Filipino community’s efforts to preserve and share its identity in Macau.

‘We show to the world’

Speaking to media on the sidelines, a co-organizer of the event who refused to be identified told reporters that participation exceeded expectations.

“The venue has been overcrowded. There was not enough space,” he said, estimating that more than 200 participants attended. Preparation for the event took approximately two to three months.

Asked about the festival’s importance, he emphasized its role in cultural visibility.

“For us, Filipino people and the community, this is the time we would like to show to the world that we have an event like this,” he said, referring to the Pahiyas festival. “In some other organizations, they have the Santo Niño, but this is the one event that I am proud of – that we can show not only in Macau but to the whole world that we have this kind of event.”

He noted that previous editions were held outdoors, but weather challenges, including rain and strong winds last year, prompted a shift to an indoor venue this time. “We want the participants to be more comfortable,” he said, closing with the exclamation: “Viva San Isidro!”

‘This is our identity’

Doanne Kristett Manhilot, a candidate performer representing the Philippine Ensemble of Culture and the Arts in Macau (PECAM), told reporters it was her first time joining the Pahiyas Festival. Preparation took one full month, covering costumes, makeup, rehearsals and dance presentations.

Manhilot said the effort was self-funded, with support from the organization.

“I expect everyone to be just happy and joyful because we are celebrating as Filipinos,” she said. “This is our community, and it is a reminder of who we are. This is our identity.”

She described the event as particularly meaningful for overseas Filipino migrant workers. “Every day we work so hard. But with this event, we are able to unite as one and collaborate. I think that’s the most important thing.”

When asked about challenges faced by Filipinos in Macau, she responded: “I don’t think there’s any, because everyone helps each other.”

Traditional dance

takes center stage

Performer Wasabi Solarboi, part of the event’s intermission acts, told reporters this was his second time organizing and participating in the Pahiyas Festival.

His group of 11 dancers performed traditional Philippine folk dances including Maglalatik and Pandanggo sa Ilaw, the latter involving balancing oil lamps on dancers’ heads and hands.

“We use the original steps of traditional Philippine dances,” he said, noting that the group spent nearly two months preparing and expressed willingness to join again next year.

The competition portion of the festival, he explained, focused on four representatives – separate from the intermission performances.

The Pahiyas Festival, originally rooted in the Philippine province of Quezon, continues to serve as a cultural bridge for Filipino communities abroad, blending religious devotion, artistic expression and fellowship.