Pahoy Pahoy Festival

In celebration of the humble scarecrow who saved this Filipino village from famine.

When: Every May 25th
Where: Calbiga, Samar, Philippines.

Originally held as a ritual to appease the gods of nature, this tradition has been incorporated into an annual event of thanksgiving that causes much merriment and good spirits among the Calbiga townsfolk.

The story goes that the town of Calbiga, which has always been dependent on its rice crops for income and food, was once threatened by ricebirds (locally known as maya), which arrived in their thousands causing destruction in the rice fields. Famine was imminent but the villagers found an ally in the pahoys (or scarecrows). With their help, the ricebirds were scared away and the town saved from starvation. From then on, the folk of Samar have shown their appreciation by celebrating the Pahoy Pahoy Festival.

To honor the pahoy, a parade of giant scarecrows, made by the people in the different districts of the town (barangays), is held. The scarecrows are accompanied by musicians and dancers that are also dressed up as scarecrows, with patches of colorful clothing and straw hair.

Filipino Food and Drink

Eat Chicken Adobo is the national dish of the Philippines. Drink Long Island tea cocktail or Brandy with Ice Tea powder.

Travel to the Philippines

Calbiga is about 48km south of Catbalogan, the provincial capital town and 59km northeast of Tacloban City in Leyte, Philippines. Fly into Cebu, Kalibo or even Manila. Book flights and hotels with ebookers.com, and then take an internal flight to Leyte island. (You may need to search for flights and hotels separately.)

Give your home an island feel We have found you some beautiful bamboo and coconut shell candles to give a tropical feel to any summer celebration. There are also some pretty hibiscus flower floating candles too!

Scarecrow by anthonyjcrocks, on Flickr