Patroness of
Bicol
By: Meriam
C. Moriño
The
Peñafrancia begins every September 7 and it is also the date for the traslacion
procession that begun in 1885. Ever since I was a kid, I never miss any traslacion
or fluvial procession of Ina. My family would never be satisfied if we will
just watch the procession on tv. We need to witness it right in front of our
own eyes and experience the good feeling that Ina brought to us whenever the
images of her and the divino rostro passes through the main streets.
As a devotee, every time I see the
image of Ina, I really feel the real essence of it and witness the eagerness
and aggressiveness of the male voyadores just to touch her or if they could not
reach Ina they just give their handkerchiefs to those fathers assisting or
protecting the image of Ina. Aside from
traslacion, there are also important events like civic and military parade, trade
fairs and cultural shows. When I was in high school, I also participated on the
said military parade, I was an executive officer or Ex-O for the delta company
and believe me it was a great experience.
Nonetheless, fluvial procession is
one of the main highlights of all events. the image is carried in a pagoda with
the male voyadores shouting “Viva la virgen” and also the people waving their handkerchiefs
who welcome and give respect while she passes the river.
Lastly, whenever the Peñafrancia
comes Naga City is always blasted of a lot of tourists, devotees, and pilgrims. So
that’s why it really boost the tourism industry and at the same time promote
the Bicolano Culture especially the patroness of Bicol, Our Ina,
well done...
TumugonBurahin