ZAMBOANGA CITY – This city led by Mayor John Dalipe held the grand opening salvo for the much-awaited Zamboanga Hermosa Festival at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex on Sunday, October 1.
UNIVERSITY of Zamboanga dancers perform during the opening salvo for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2023 at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in Zamboanga City. (PIA Western Mindanao photo)
The city government held the program during a joint celebration with the Universidad de Zamboanga to honor the institution’s 75th founding anniversary.
The celebratory program also features a pyro-musical show, a drone show, and presentations by Universidad de Zamboanga students.
The opening salvo kicked off the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival and its long list of activities which culminates in a street dance competition and a procession and holy Mass in honor of the city’s patroness Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar.
Dalipe underscored the importance of highlighting the festival’s theme of celebration of colors citing Zamboanga’s colorful history, traditions, and diverse cultures.
He also cited the significance of holding the opening program in partnership with the Universidad de Zamboanga, known as a pillar of education not only in the city but also in the entire region.