This year, thousands of devotees of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga, will find themselves in an exciting side trip to a grand fiesta celebration from Sept. 7 to 18 that complements the feast day of the Patroness of the Bicol Region.
An annual regional exhibit held at the Philippines’ Best cultural-cum trade shows in Intramuros, the "Gayon Bicol Fiesta III sa Peñafrancia" is finally being taken to Naga, Bicol to bring it closer to the thousands of guests, pilgrims, devotees and tourists that traditionally flock to the city for the event every September.
"This is yet another exciting festival that we can be truly proud of. The Gayon Bicol Fiesta is a celebration of the region’s affluent culture and we are truly fortunate to witness this affair," Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said.
Among the special guests during the opening festivities are Secretary Durano, Senator Richard Gordon, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, Camarines Sur Gov. Luis Villafuerte, Jr., and Archbishop of Caceres Most Reverend Leonardo Legazpi.
DoT Region V director Maria Ravanilla announced that Bicol’s key cities will have their own mini-shows which feature their respective tourist spots, attractions, cuisine, arts, crafts and entertainment.
Activities include a Bicol Travel and Trade Fair, craft demonstrations, a food festival, concert and fireworks display. Highlights of the regional show are the Bicol Festival of Festivals Street Dance Competition, awarding of Bicol Festival Queen, and a fashion show featuring indigenous clothing material called "Pinukpok."
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