Peñafrancia Festival – “Viva La Vigen!”
Peñafrancia festival is the biggest Marian celebration and one of Philippines’ premiere festivals. It is held on the busy streets of Naga City, Camarines Sur in Bicol where people are hospitable and generous. The place also houses some of Bicol’s tourist spots such as Mt. Iriga, Sabang and Camaroan beach, Lake Buhi and many more. Peñafrancia festival described the fervor of Bicolanos and has become a gift of faith for Christians everywhere. Moreover, it also combines religion with culture and tradition in a 9-day fiesta of biblical proportions. The festival has also made its mark in history for many people died tragically during the last day of the feast. Despite the tragic events that happened, devotees from all around the world never fails to come and celebrate this amazing and said to be miraculous feast of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
When the month of September comes, the city is busy for the preparation of the feast of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Colorful banderitas are already seen on the streets, lively and loud music are being played, food stalls are seen everywhere; you could really smell that a feast is coming. Usually a week before the 9-day line-up of festivities, hotels and flights to Naga City are already fully booked. Tourists and guests reserve rooms and some places for them to enjoy their stay and as well as enjoy the activities that are lined-up. The 9-day feast includes civic and military parades, sports fest, trade fairs and amazing exhibitions, regattas, beautiful cultural shows, beauty pageants and other vibrant contests. The programs start on the 3rd week of September but the feast is celebrated on the 3rd Saturday of the month. On the first day of the 9-day ...