You've likely heard about the Peñafrancia Festival, Naga City's grand spectacle that draws millions annually. It’s a religious and cultural phenomenon that attracts devout Catholics and curious travelers alike. This article explores the history and traditions of this iconic event, guiding you through its solemn processions, vibrant parades, and cultural shows. Get ready to experience the profound devotion that defines Bicolano culture.

The veneration of Our Lady of Peñafrancia began in 15th-century Spain, where Simón Vela discovered a hidden image of the Virgin Mary in Peña de Francia in Salamanca. The find led to the creation of a shrine and the spread of devotion across Spain.

In the 18th century, Miguel Robles de Covarrubias, a seminarian at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, fell seriously ill. He carried a holy card of the image found by Vela and experienced miraculous healing through the intercession of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. 

When he became a parish priest in Naga City, he commissioned a stone statue of the image and built a church to house it. Numerous miracles further strengthened their faith, eventually leading to the creation of the festival.

This religious festival in Naga is known as the largest Marian celebration in Asia. It honors the Divino Rostro (Divine Face of Jesus) on the second Friday of September and Our Lady of Peñafrancia (Ina), Bicol’s patroness, the following weekend.

The Divino Rostro became part of the Peñafrancia Festival after a cholera outbreak in Naga City in 1882. People believed that the image Fr. Pedro de la Torre brought to Naga helped end the epidemic. In gratitude, the people of Naga vowed to celebrate the feast of the Divino Rostro alongside the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

You can learn more about the festival’s history and significance online with a prepaid fiber internet connection. Then prepare to be captivated by the festival activities, which include:

The Traslacion marks a significant event in the festival. This solemn procession follows the images of the Divino Rostro and Our Lady of Peñafrancia from the Old Shrine to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. You can join the candle-carrying devotees as they pray and sing hymns along the way.

There are usually two processions: 

• Traslacion I is on September 13, 2 p.m., from the Old Shrine to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral.
• Traslacion II is on September 21, 12 p.m., from the Cathedral to the Reina del Bicol Landing, leading into the Fluvial Procession.

The festival offers numerous cultural shows and activities. Enjoy concerts, dance performances, beauty pageants, and culinary competitions. Mark your calendars for these events:

• Miss Bicolandia Swimsuit and Evening Gown Competition: September 7th, 6 p.m. at Robinsons Naga
• Miss Bicolandia Coronation Night: September 11th, 6 p.m., at Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum
• Tagboan Arts, Food, and Music Festival: September 15-21, 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday, at Balatas Development Complex
• Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival: September 19th, 3 p.m., at Plaza Quezon

Witness the lively parades that showcase Naga City's rich cultural heritage. You'll see marching bands, street dancers, and elaborate floats depicting religious themes.

Don’t miss these exciting processions:

• Civic and Float Parade: September 19, 7 a.m., at Plaza Quezon
• 14th Bicol Regional Military Parade: September 20, 7 a.m., starting at Panganiban Drive and ending at Plaza Quezon

This year marks a special milestone: the Centenary of the Canonical Coronation. Celebrate 100 years since the region's beloved Ina was crowned Siempre La Reina de Nuestra Region on September 20, 1924. Learn about Apostolic Delegate Monsignor William Piani, who performed the coronation at Naga Cathedral. Then listen to the winning piece of the "Best Musical Composition Contest," the Himno a la Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, composed by Spanish priest Maximo Juguera. This piece became the anthem of the Coronation and the Fiesta every year since then.

Celebrate this momentous occasion with the Archdiocese of Cáceres during these special events:

• The Centenary of the Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia will be on September 20, 4 p.m., at Naga Metropolitan Cathedral.
• The Procession Triumpal de Coronada will be held on September 20, 7 p.m., starting at Naga Metropolitan Cathedral and proceeding through the major streets of Naga.

Witness the Fluvial Procession on the festival's final day, September 21, at 3 p.m. Watch as a decorated barge carrying the images of the Virgin of Peñafrancia and the Divino Rostro glides along the Naga River. This marks the Virgin's return from the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral to her home at the Basilica Minore. Join the Bicolanos and pilgrims as they light countless candles and cheer "Viva la Virgen!" (Long live the Virgin!) when the flatboat arrives.

Naga has more to offer besides the festival, so extend your stay and discover more of the city.

Explore the Porta Mariae, a special arch and historic landmark commissioned by the Archdiocese of Cáceres in 2010 to celebrate 300 years of devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. 

Admire the architecture of the iconic Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, a testament to the city's rich religious heritage. You can also delve into local history at the University of Nueva Caceres Museum, or pay tribute to Jesse Robredos's life and legacy of good governance at the Museo ni Jesse Robredo. 

Porta Mariae: Barlin St, Naga, Camarines Sur, open 24 hours

Holy Rosary Minor Seminary: Elias Angeles St., Naga City, open 24 hours

University of Nueva Caceres Museum: J. Hernandez Avenue 4400 Naga City, Philippines; 0961 364 3028

Museo ni Jesse Robredo: Taal Avenue cor. J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City, Philippines; 0927 648 5734. Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday

Embark on an adventure through the lush Mount Isarog Natural Park. Make sure to get a hiking permit from the City ENRO and pay the environmental fees to the City Treasurer's Office. During your hike, marvel at the majestic Malabsay Falls, a 40-foot-high waterfall nestled on the shoulders of Mount Isarog. Here, you can take a refreshing break and swim in the crystal-clear pool. For a more relaxing experience, unwind in the soothing waters of Panicuason Hot Spring Resort.

Mount Isarog Natural Park: Panicuason, Naga City, Camarines Sur

Malabsay Falls: Mount Isarog Natural Park, Panicuason, Naga City

Panicuason Hot Spring Resort: Zone 5, Panicuason Naga, Naga City; 0948 980 0652

Indulge in Bicolano cuisine, which is known for its savory dishes like Bicol Express, laing, kinunot, and pinangat. Explore local markets and restaurants for authentic culinary flavors. 

Drop by Soledad for affordable yet delicious Bicolano, Spanish, and Filipino dishes, or head to Chef Doy’s for its kinunot and laing. Bob Marlin is a local favorite for its spicy Bicol Express, crunchy crispy pata, and fresh seafood dishes.

Soledad Restaurant: La Piazza, corner Magsaysay and Dayangdang Street, Naga City; 0919 073 7394

Chef Doy’s Gourmet Restuarant: Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City; 0993 945 5123

Bob Marlin Restaurant and Grill: Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City; 0917 140 6853

The Peñafrancia Festival is more than a religious event; it's a cultural immersion that leaves a lasting impression. From solemn processions to lively parades, the festival offers a diverse and enriching experience. 

Share your event highlights with loved ones by getting a postpaid plan or prepaid promo, and upgrade to a 5G SIM, so you can quickly upload those unforgettable moments to your social media. If you’re traveling with balikbayans, you can also help them stay connected with a Traveler SIM. Embrace the spirit of the Peñafrancia Festival and create memories to last a lifetime. Can’t get enough of this iconic celebration? Check out other exciting events and festivals to plan your next adventure!