ZAMBOANGA CITY – This city celebrated Fiesta Pilar on Thursday, October 12, in honor of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar or the Our Lady of the Pillar, patron saint here.
October 12 was declared a non-working holiday pursuant to Republic Act 7350 to enable residents to celebrate religious festivities lined up in honor of La Virgen del Pilar.
THE Mañanita Mass held on Thursday morning, October 12, in honor of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar during Fiesta Pilar in Zamboanga City. (Photo via Liza Jocson)
Security was tight at the Fort Pilar Shrine where hundreds of devotees congregated to celebrate the annual feast day.
The day started with a Diana or Holy Rosary at 4 a.m. followed by the Mañanita Mass at 4:30 a.m.
The day was capped by the traditional procession which started at the Metropolitan Cathedral and ended at the Fort Pilar Shrine.
A Pontifical Mass was celebrated by the Most Rev. Julius Tonel, Zamboanga archbishop, after the procession.
Mayor John Dalipe earlier issued two executive orders prohibiting the use of backpacks, bull caps, fedoras, and hoodies, accessories usually used by lawless elements.
A traffic rerouting scheme was implemented to allow the procession to pass through busy thoroughfares.
Cell phone signals were turned off from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., the highlight of religious festivities.
Zamboanga city police personnel together with elements of Task Force Zamboanga were tasked to implement security measures in line with the fiesta celebration.
The Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar culminated a month-long series of activities under Zamboanga's Hermosa Festival.