Perya has long been a beloved source of entertainment in the Philippines, lighting up towns during fiesta season with its colorful rides, fun-filled games, and irresistible street food. This local carnival tradition continues to spark joy and nostalgia among Filipinos of all ages, evoking memories of simpler, carefree times spent with family and friends.
Perya is seasonal, usually arriving before the town fiesta, making it a highly anticipated event. Once the Perya is set up, everyone knows it’s time for some unforgettable fun. Children, teens, and even adults eagerly flock to the carnival to relive the thrill of the rides and games that have become an iconic part of Filipino culture.
A Seasonal Tradition of Fun and Excitement
The Perya is one of the most famous sources of entertainment in the Philippines. Since it is usually built around the town fiesta, the opportunity to visit is rare and fleeting. Once a year, for a few glorious weeks, the carnival lights up open fields or town plazas with its colorful rides, thrilling games, and mouth-watering street food stalls.
This limited-time availability makes Perya all the more special. If you miss it, you’ll have to wait until next year. That sense of urgency and anticipation adds to the magic of the experience. Many Filipinos hold fond memories of being brought to the Perya by their parents as kids, riding as many attractions as they could, playing games, and leaving with toys or snacks in hand.
Growing up in a small town where the Perya was the event of the year, I remember how thrilled I always felt when my parents would finally take me to the carnival. The excitement would bubble up for weeks, and the moment we got there, I’d be pleading to go on every ride—never mind how dizzy or worn out I’d get! And of course, leaving without a new toy was out of the question. Whether I won it in a game or not, it always felt like a special prize.
The Allure of Classic Perya Rides
In an age of advanced amusement parks, the Perya’s classic rides may seem simple, but they hold a special place in the hearts of Filipinos. The tsubibo (carousel), ruweda (Ferris wheel), Caterpillar rollercoaster, the spinning Octopus, and the Flying Swing are familiar sights in every Perya.
The ruweda, with its gentle swaying and panoramic views of the town from the top, was always a favorite. I remember sitting with my friends as we marveled at how small everything looked from up there, feeling the cool night breeze on our faces.
The tsubibo, with its beautiful hand-painted horses, provided a more tranquil experience. As a kid, it made me feel like I was floating in a fairytale world. The cheerful music that played along with the carousel remains a signature sound in my memories of the Perya.
Then there’s the Flying Swing, which gave me a rush of adrenaline. Even though it wasn’t the fastest or most thrilling ride compared to modern standards, the feeling of soaring through the air, legs dangling in the wind, was exhilarating at the time.
Games That Made Us Feel Like Winners
Of course, Perya isn’t just about the rides—it’s also about the games. The games of luck and skill, with their quirky setups and modest prizes, were a major draw for kids and adults alike. They brought out the competitive side in us and filled the air with excitement and tension.
Color Games are a quintessential Perya experience. In this game, large colorful dice are rolled, and players place bets on which color they believe will appear. There’s no strategy, just pure luck, but the thrill of possibly doubling or tripling your bet keeps people coming back for more. I remember the suspense and excitement as the dice were shaken, followed by the shouts of triumph or groans of disappointment.
Another staple is the Dart Game, where players try to pop balloons to win prizes. I always fancied myself as quite skilled at this one. For a small fee, you get a few darts, and if you manage to hit enough balloons, you might walk away with a stuffed toy or some candy. It was a personal favorite because of the challenge involved, and I often found myself walking away with a little prize that made me feel like a champion.
Then there’s Bingo, a game enjoyed by people of all ages. Filipinos, particularly older generations, love this game. At the Perya, bingo tables are usually packed with players intensely watching their cards, hoping for their lucky numbers to be called. The unique nicknames given to the numbers add a layer of humor and charm to the game. I learned to play bingo thanks to my grandmother, and even today, the sound of the announcer calling out numbers brings back fond memories of family bonding at the Perya.
Street Food Galore: The Ultimate Perya Experience
No visit to the Perya is complete without indulging in its famous street food. The delicious smell of popcorn, cotton candy, and skewered pork barbecue fills the air, tempting visitors at every corner. For many, it’s not just the rides and games that bring them to the Perya but also the food.
Street foods like fish balls, kikiam, sago’t gulaman, and isaw are must-try items at any Perya. Who could resist the sight of freshly fried fish balls or the sweetness of sago’t gulaman after a night of fun?
Despite the casual warnings about “dirty” street food, most of us can’t resist grabbing a skewer of grilled pork or a cup of gulaman. These foods are not only tasty but also an integral part of the Perya experience. Their familiar flavors, often shared with friends and family, enhance the joy of visiting the carnival.
From Physical to Virtual Perya
As time has progressed and technology has advanced, Perya has evolved to keep up with the changing world. While physical Peryas still exist in various areas, digital platforms have made it easier than ever for people to enjoy their favorite carnival games without having to leave their homes. This shift toward virtual Peryas has grown more prominent, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when social gatherings and public events were heavily restricted.
During the pandemic, many Filipinos deeply missed the familiar thrill of Perya games and rides, but digital platforms helped fill that void. Online versions of popular games like Bingo and Color Games provided a way for people to reconnect with the nostalgic fun of Perya, all from the safety of their homes.
In this new era, platforms like Perawin7 have embraced this digital transformation by offering virtual versions of classic Perya games. Through Perawin7, users can experience the excitement of traditional carnival games in a virtual setting, allowing them to relive their favorite moments from childhood while adapting to modern-day convenience. By blending nostalgia with technology, Perawin7 ensures that the joy of Perya continues to thrive in the digital age.
Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or experiencing Perya for the first time, there’s something undeniably special about this beloved tradition. From the familiar sounds of the Ferris wheel creaking as it spins to the thrill of winning a game, Perya offers an experience that’s uniquely Filipino—and one that will never go out of style.
