Pandan Festival

A plant of the Family Pandanaceae, the pandan has large roots and narrow, spiny leaves. It is also the main source of livelihood for most Luisianians. This is used to weave bags, mats, hats and slippers. It is only fitting for the town to hold the Pandan Festival, which is celebrated during the first week of April. This four to five-day festival boasts a lot of activities.

On the first day of the festival, the awarding for the booth contest is done. Several booths and stalls near the town plaza participate for this.

During the night, a Cultural Night (or Gabi ng Kultura) is held in the town plaza. Students and government officials alike perform folk dances or sing kundiman songs. This is done annually to increase awareness of the Filipino culture to the younger generations. 

The Pagarbuhan Costume Contest is done on the second day of the festivities. This showcases the pandan-made gowns that are worn by the Bb. Luisiana candidates.

                          

 

The fourth day of the festival my favorite because of that day's activities. There is a grand parade around the town proper and selected streets. The parade consists of marching bands, drum and lyre bands, and colorful floats which are decorated in pandan. There are also representatives for each barangay for the street dancing contest, which is also a part of the parade. Candidates for the G. and Bb. Luisiana can be seen riding the floats while wearing their pandan-made costumes. Despite the sweltering heat, the participants seem to enjoy the parade as their smiles do not leave their faces.

There is also a contest called Gayakang Bayan where in the residents decorate their houses with pandan-made ornaments. This contest only started last year but this has quickly become my favorite because this shows how creative the Luisianians are. It is very evident how much time and effort were spent.

The Pandan Festival is not only about contest and awards. Since this festival is held during the start of the summer, this brings a lot of families together because this is the time when some people have less things to do. Due to school and work, our family goes home to Luisiana for only a few times in a year but we always make it sure that we are home for the festival to catch up with friends and relatives.