The Pinyasan or Pineapple Festival is celebrated yearly in the town of Daet, Camarines Norte in the Bicol Region. The festival is celebrated from June 15 to 24 which coincides with the feast of the town’s patron saint, Saint John the Baptist.
The 10-day festival showcases the primary agri-product of the province of Camarines Norte, known as the Queen Formosa Pineapple. The Formosa pineapple has a unique sweetness and is considered the sweetest amongst all kinds of pineapple. It is given out for free and cooked into different food products during the Pinyasan or Pineapple Festival.
History
The Pineapple Festival started in 1993 and was introduced by present Daet Mayor Tito S. Sarion. He was still a Daet town councilor when he suggested the yearly event.
The occasion was first known as Pineapple Festival during its initial years but was renamed Pinyasan in 2003. The new festival name was used to give the festival a more native name and local touch.
Mayor Sarion and his family raised pineapples during his youth. His farmer parents and 14 siblings helped each other to grow and harvest the crop. He stressed that the festival was meant to give importance to the locally grown Formosa pineapple. It was also meant to honor the poor locals who devoted their lives in raising the crop. The local folks who planted the pineapplues include the Aeta tribe known as “Kabihug”.
The mayor was impressed by the colorful headdresses in other festivals such as the Lanzones Festival of Camiguin. This also gave him the idea of starting a local festival which would depict the beauty of pineapples.
Pineapple Festival
The 24-year old Pineapple Festival has since then developed into a simple town celebration to a provincial festival.
The festival also features a street dancing competition, a beauty pageant, and a float competition with pineapples as a theme or inspiration.
The festival also features a pineapple peeling contest and a cooking contest with pineapple as an ingredient of each meal.
Another highlight of the event is the giving out for free gallons of pineapple-flavored ice cream aside from the usual whole pineapples. This is a way for the local growers to show their gratitude to those who buy pineapples and pineapple products.
Enthusiasts of the Pineapple Festival will surely enjoy not only the hospitality of the local folks but more so, the pineapples! The sweet Formosa pineapple is smooth to the tongue and does not cause itchiness after a few bites. The sweetness has been traced from the unique soil composition of the province and the method of raising the pineapples between coconut trees. Some other pineapple food products in Daet are the pineapple jam and pineapple tart.
Local Tourism in Daet
The Pineapple Festival has surely boosted tourism in Daet, Camarines Norte.
In 2009, the longest pineapple chain was set during the Pinyasan festival. The record was certified by the Guinness Book of Records.
Other unique events were also held during the 2009 celebration. A fireworks display, a fun run, and a special scriptwriting workshop were also introduced.
Other worth watching events by which guests and tourists may enjoy is an art exhibit at the Daet Heritage center and Pinyasan beach events at Bagasbas beach. The beach events include a paella express challenge, horse racing competition, and a surfing clinic.
A bartending competition is usually held at the Central Plaza mall Atrium. A souvenir making contest takes place also at the Daet Heritage Center.
Health buffs can enjoy the Pinyasan Zumba at the Central Plaza Atrium.
The Pinyasan Grand Festival parade usually takes place two days before the festival culminates in June 24.