PH Consulate General in LA Joins Peñafrancia Fiesta Celebration
The statue of the Blessed Virgin of Peñafrancia is being carried by the voyadores to the altar for the liturgical celebration. (Los Angeles PCG photo)
LOS ANGELES 21 September 2018 – The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles joined the Bicolanos in Southern California in celebrating the 44th annual Peñafrancia Fiesta held at the Lincoln Park in Los Angeles on 15 September 2018.
The festival is organized annually by United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) to celebrate the feast day of Bicol’s patron saint, the Blessed Virgin of Peñafrancia.
Deputy Consul General Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III graced the occasion together with other Consulate General officers.
In his remarks during the program, Deputy Consul General Enciso commended the UBLA for its dedication and commitment in organizing the fiesta year after year, which showcases the richness and beauty of Philippine cultural heritage and the strength of Filipino Christian religiosity.
The highlight of the festival was a fluvial parade, featuring yellow-shirted “voyadores” carrying the image of the patron saint aboard a floral barge towed by boats around the lake. The fluvial procession was accompanied by a foot procession along the perimeter of the Park’s manmade lake. Uniformed Knights of Columbus also provided the guard of honor. The celebration held in Los Angeles echoes the original Peñafrancia celebration held in the Philippines.
Booths from other local Bicol Support Organizations served signature Bicolano dishes such as Kinunot, Laing, and Bicol Express, to the gustatory delight of guests.
The whole-day celebration, draws devotees and guests every year and has always been one of the largest and most colorful festivities of Filipinos in Southern California. END
Deputy Consul General Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso givies his remarks for the occasion. (Los Angeles PCG photo)
For more information, visit www.philippineconsulatela.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinLA.