happy fiesta!

fort pilar shrine, zamboanga city

i called my mom last night just to have a little chat but we had to cut it short. she said that she and my dad were going to the shrine to keep vigil just in time for the opening of the feast day. it was only then that i remembered that today is my hometown's fiesta, an affair celebrated with so much festivities by the locals in honor of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar.

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Short History

during the Spanish era, Zamboanga was one of its main colony. in 1635, the Spanish built a fort that would guard against the attacks of Moro warriors or pirates. the city became the seat of government and cultural center of the south, thereby embedding it with deep Hispanic heritage and tradition.

in 1734, the Lady was brought to the fort and became the front piece for the main entrance but in 1860, the western side of the fort was converted into the shrine for the Lady and was renamed Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora Virgen del Pilar de Zaragoza because of the same name of the Basilica in Zaragoza, Spain.

the city celebrates to this day their devotion to the Lady whom we believe have watched over the city. she is surrounded by mystery through stories of her miracles and apparitions.

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i cannot fathom why though, that i do not remember much about celebrating the fiesta when i was in high school. the most i could remember was doing the pilgrimage of walking from the cathedral to the shrine in the afternoon. what i can remember most was those times when i was a kid where my parents brought me and my siblings to the amazing regatta of colorful vintas early in the morning, eating street foods along the boulevard, the trip to the botanical gardens and the food expos. later, i remembered having to stop somewhere to watch the whole street parade where almost all public schools perform in their colorful costumes. those were happy times indeed and it's a happy thought that they still celebrate it with so much fun! this year, the city celebrates the fiesta with the theme: Celebra kita con un voz, un tono y un sueño.
 
Viva Zamboanga! Adelante Zamboanga!