Feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia – Viva la Virgen

The Feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia – Naga City

Celebrated on the second Friday of September, the Feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia (which is believed to be bestowed with miraculous powers) is considered to be the biggest and the most popular religious event in the country. The feast is kickstarted with the virgin’s image (which is a copy of the Madonna in Spain) is brought to the Naga Cathedral where millions of Bicolanos and pilgrims are holding a novena, showing to the whole Christian world their unshakable faith and loyalty to the Lady which is their Divine Mother, kneeling on the ground and bowing their heads as the virgin passes through downtown Naga atop a colorful pagoda which also carries her various images and icons.

Devotees adhere to the towering pagoda, mindless of the scorching sun rays, in an impressive display of faith. They also have a superstitious belief that the presence of a woman, be it Filipina or a foreigner, aboard the pagoda will spell disaster for the festivities (Past experiences have supported this claim).After the procession a week long festivity ensues which include parades, competitions, fairs, shows, and the Miss Bicolandia event. Novena and prayers for nine consecutive days are held, ranking officials and other powerful people vie for the honor of sponsoring a certain night’s novena. Bicolanos will also visit their relatives and friends, sharing food, drinks, and prayers. On the last day the virgin is returned to her shrine, crossing the Naga River.

The evening procession is flanked by thousands of devotees and pilgrims in boats carrying thousands and thousands of lit candles while kneeling and bowing their heads in prayer. When the image reaches her destination the followers joyfully shout “Viva la Virgen” (Long Live the Virgin!) to the heavens.

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