Maogmang Fiesta Bicolandia!

The Peñafrancia fiesta, with all its gaiety, is an endearing and enduring Bicolano tradition that already spans almost 300 years. Much has been said about it but nothing comes close to being part of the event.

It won’t matter if you’re one of the tourists who’s only passing by or a true-blue Oragon because for 10 days, Naga City is filled with all kinds of merriment – from processions, parades, street dances, marching bands, parties, confetti and fun.

Sometimes, there is an occasional mishap, maybe two or three. As long as you’re open to every kind of piety manifestations, the varying degrees of sun and shade, gastronomic delights, mad rush of traffic and onlookers, funfare and religious fervor – then, you are always welcome Sa Maogmang Lugar!

Last Sept 12, the annual Peñafrancia fiesta formally started with the Traslacion. This opening salvo is always a miracle to watch and participate in.

People from all walks of life, devotees of Ina and her voyadores (barefoot, able-bodied men albeit tipsy) gather together to be with Her from the Basilica Minore to the Naga Cathedral where She’ll stay for 9 novena days. From the traslacion (transfer of Ina’s image), the Blessed Virgin of Peñafrancia is accompanied by her voyadores. These unsung group of men, I’d like to call them Ina’s special heroes, are often clad in color-coded shirts depending on their designated parishes. They often earn the ire of others because of their unintentional light stupor, but there’s an obvious reason for imbibing a shot of agua de pataranta. That is, to somewhat mask the smell of male sweat and humanity, maybe even avoid vertigo. Step by step, street by street, every shove, push or blister don’t seem to bother these voyadores as they guard the andas of Ina, being careful not to loose their hold on Her. And they always bring Her safely to the Cathedral Arch where more devotees anxiously wait for their arrival. As Her image is once again enshrined, Archbishop Legazpi then says a prayer and bestows the voyadores with a blessing thru Her miraculous intercession. Ina is often accompanied by the Image of the Divino Rostro.

Another tradition-infused event is the Fluvial Procession on the eve of her feast day which usually falls on the third Saturday of September. If the traslacion formally ushers in the festivities, the fluvial procession is the highlight. Ina is carried by her voyadores to the banks of Naga River where a barge is anchored. Just like the traslacion, only the males are allowed to participate. Ina traverses the waters amidst shouts of “Viva la Virgen! Viva!” and flutters of white panyos.

Dagos po kamo sa Naga!