Lucena: A City of Great Catholic Significance
Lucena, Philippines is a first class, highly urbanized city (HUC) in Quezon. In the 16th century, during the Spanish colonial period, it was known as “Buenavista”. In 1879, it adopted its current name in honor of Father Mariano Granja of Andalucia, Spain, the first Parish priest in the city.
Best Time to Visit
It is ideal to visit Lucena during the month of April, for the perfect weather. Tourists usually flock the city during the months of January, February, and October. People are least likely to visit in March. Every May 15, the Feast of San Isidro Labrador is celebrated to honor the patron saint of farmers, St. Isidro Labrador. It is an act of thanksgiving for an abundant harvest. As such, locals decorate their houses with candies, crops, and fruits. Another exciting event in the city is City Fiesta, which is held every May 30. During the festival, locals honor St. Ferdinand.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Lucena Perez Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. It is a small, green space with monuments and a playground for kids. It was named after former Gov. Don Filemon Perez. Another interesting site to visit is St. Ferdinand Cathedral, which was established by Fr. Granja. Through the years, it has undergone several renovations. Nonetheless, the beauty of its altar remains the same. There are a lot of great Lucena hotels offering compelling services at affordable rates. Some of these are Urbantel Hotel and Hotel Rosita.
