THE Peñafrancia fiesta, one of the well-regarded Marian celebrations in the world, concluded its 20-day run with an estimated 1.5 million pilgrims in attendance. Public Safety Office Executive Director Renne Gumba lauded the event as “peaceful, meaningful, and joyful,” expressing heartfelt gratitude for the celebration’s success.
With seamless coordination and effective security measures put in place by the Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (MAC-G), the fiesta was a triumph of faith, unity, and careful planning.
Gumba credited the effective coordination of the MAC-G for ensuring that safety and security plans were well executed, allowing the celebration to proceed without major incidents.
An aerial survey conducted by the Office of the Civil Defense confirmed the overwhelming number of attendees, vividly seen during the climactic fluvial procession on September 21 along the Naga River.
“The city’s streets, particularly the Central Business Districts I and II, the riverbanks, and the grounds of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Minor Basilica, were filled with a multitude of pilgrims, devotees, and guests, all here to honor Our Lady of Peñafrancia,” Gumba said.
This year’s celebration held special resonance as it marked the 100th anniversary of the canonical coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the beloved Patroness of Bicolandia. Gumba, who also served as the Incident Commander of the fiesta, described the event as a profound expression of faith, with the entire region united in devotion.
The festivities officially began on September 3 with the transfer of the image of Divino Rostro from the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Minor Basilica to the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Shrine.
On September 13, the Traslacion procession was conducted. In the stillness of dawn, the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia was transferred from the Minor Basilica to its old shrine in Barangay Peñafrancia via the dawn procession. By afternoon, the sacred image journeyed to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral in the Traslacion Procession, drawing thousands to follow its path.
The grand fluvial procession, a centuries-old tradition, unfolded with equal reverence, as the image of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia was carried on a pagoda along the Naga River, drawing prayers and hymns from the faithful lining the banks, waving their hands and handkerchiefs
It was a moment of solemnity and wonder, with the river itself becoming a vessel of faith, transporting the devotion of millions.
Joining the Bicolano faithful were key national figures, including Vice President Sara Duterte, Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, and Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, who witnessed the Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival on September 19.
Senator Go praised the unwavering faith of those in attendance, calling it an inspiring testament to the resilience and unity of the people. Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa also made his way to Naga, taking part in the vibrant festivities and sharing in the devotion.
As the Peñafrancia fiesta comes to a close, it leaves behind not only memories of celebration but a renewed sense of purpose and faith. The unwavering devotion of the pilgrims and the seamless coordination of the city serve as a proof to the enduring spirit of Bicolanos, whose faith continues to thrive and inspire across generations.
On September 22, thousands of devotees and pilgrims gathered in various parishes to join the Solemnity of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, where the revered Blessed Virgin was honored in a series of religious rites and ceremonies. The solemnity further heightened the spiritual atmosphere of the fiesta, deepening the faith and devotion of those in attendance.
Written by Jason B. Neola (CEPPIO).
