The Peñafrancia devotion continues to thrive in contemporary times, with Bicolano families around the world — from the United Kingdom to Australia — maintaining this cherished tradition
Much like the Bicolano’s love for spices, the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, also known as “Ina” and “Patrona nin Bikol,” has taken a unique identity for Bicolanos.
The Catholicization of the “new land” under Pope Alexander VI’s bull led the Spanish to colonize in the name of God and Spain. Central to this mission was the introduction of Mary, the mother of Jesus, whose stories of miracles, such as those attributed to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, became ingrained in Bicolano families. Spanish town planning, or “reduccion”, reinforced this faith among the Bicolanos, resulting in a syncretic devotion blending Iberian Catholicism and Southeast Asian animism. This religious inculturation was not imposed by Spanish military or religious force but evolved through participation.
Bicolanos believe in her miraculous powers, particularly her maternal and healing attributes. The celebration has grown into a regional event encompassing religious, social, and economic life. Advances in technology have amplified cultural tourism, drawing devotees to join the Bicolanos in celebration. Naga City has capitalized on this, using the Peñafrancia festival to market local goods and services, with both the Archdiocese of Caceres and the local government promoting the event nationwide.
Like other major Catholic festivals, Peñafrancia has historical roots tied to regional activities and has contributed to the growth of secular communities. The month-long celebration is the only regional feast in the Philippines, enhancing tourism, culture, and peace. The Peñafrancia devotion continues to thrive in contemporary times, with Bicolano families around the world—from the United Kingdom to Australia—maintaining this cherished tradition. Regardless of location, Catholic Bicolanos patiently wait for hours to kiss or touch the image’s “manto,” hoping to receive blessings.
Modern elements have also been incorporated into the Peñafrancia festival. Competitions such as the drum and lyre, and street dancing highlight secular festivities. The pageant Miss Bicolandia, which sends delegates to the “Binibining Pilipinas” competition, is held during the festival. Despite the secular additions, the core religious devotion remains. Over three centuries of tradition have created a deep bond between the Bicolanos and the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, though modern challenges like the pandemic and shifting beliefs have tested its significance.
Peñafrancia is also a socio-cultural event that integrates Bicol’s towns into a broader community. The festival showcases the intersection of civilization, economy, and technology. Despite its religious origins, it has become a vibrant cultural affair. The rise of cultural tourism reflects Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, where individuals seek to explore and understand new cultures. Cultural tourism has flourished in the Philippines, with each town seeking to attract visitors by highlighting its unique traditions. Cheaper transportation has also made it easier for people to experience these festivals.
Naga City has leveraged Peñafrancia’s popularity to boost tourism, drawing millions of visitors. The festival creates a financial exchange between tourists and locals, making it a profitable venture. The local government and Archdiocese of Caceres sponsor the event, and digital advancements have made information about the festival more accessible for cultural and economic interactions.
For Bicolanos, Peñafrancia is more than a religious event; it reflects democratic governance through its transparent and accountable organization. It has fostered a sense of emotional connection between people and their culture. Naga City sponsors initiatives to enhance and enrich this cultural experience, with events like the Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair, which promotes local goods during the festival.
Peñafrancia is deeply rooted in Bicolano identity and has influenced political culture. One notable incident was the Colgante Bridge tragedy in 1972, where over a hundred devotees died during the fluvial procession. Bicolanos viewed the tragedy as a bad omen, especially since Martial Law was declared shortly after. Another significant event was the theft of the Peñafrancia image in 1981, which caused panic among the faithful. This event led to the creation of two replicas, one commissioned by the church and another donated by Imelda Marcos.
These tragedies, along with political unrest in the region, have contributed to the belief that Peñafrancia is linked to the fate of Bicolanos. The image’s importance to the community was further emphasized during the pagoda incident of 1987, when the image of Peñafrancia fell into the Bicol River during the procession. Despite these challenges, the devotion to Peñafrancia remains strong, and its image continues to symbolize belonging and identity for the Bicolanos.
The Peñafrancia Festival represents the syncretic religious and cultural identity of Bicol. The devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia has transformed into an inseparable aspect of Bicolano life, shaping both religious and secular experiences. Through centuries of colonization and Catholicization, Peñafrancia has become a fundamental part of Bicolano identity and a symbol of their cultural and spiritual heritage. – Rappler.com
Aldrin Rodriguez is pursuing his Ph.D. in Philippine Studies at UP Diliman. His research engagements deal with the study of religious festivals, particularly Marian devotions found in Bicol. At present, he is working on a cross-sectional study of Philippine political executives.
