Valenzuela PIO/MANILA BULLETIN
Valenzuela City celebrated the 261st San Roque Festival at Barangay Mabolo on Friday, May 12.
"Honoring feasts of patron saints is deeply embedded in the Filipino tradition and the City of Valenzuela faithfully observes this culture. As the celebration of the San Roque Festival attests to the devout faith of Valenzuelanos, the city shall strive to keep this culture alive and thriving for future generations," the city government said.
In celebration of the 261st “Mano po, San Roque!” or San Roque Festival 2023, the streets of Mabolo were filled with red decorations and parades.
Valenzuela PIO/MANILA BULLETIN
The city government said that the festival is one of the most prominent feasts in the city.
Visitors and residents of Barangay Mabolo gather at the San Roque Chapel every 12th of May to dedicate prayers to the patron saint.
The streets were also cascaded with marching bands and street dances.
Valenzuela PIO/MANILA BULLETIN
The street performers also showcased their colorful banderitas, body paints, and costumes.
Booths were also installed to display a variety of sweet delicacies.
San Roque or Saint Roch is known as the patron saint of sickness, the invalid, and unmarried. He is one of the important figures in the Catholic faith.
His feast day in Mabolo also signified the historic event of the British invasion of the city.
During the period of invasion, the city government said the residents who fell sick sought refuge in the San Roque Chapel and were healed.
Valenzuela PIO/MANILA BULLETIN
The celebration was also preceded by a solemn concelebrated mass.
After the mass, tourists and residents from the city barangays paraded the streets of Mabolo for “Sayawan sa Calle: Sayaw ng Pasasalamat”, a traditional dance of praise.
A parade of flower-decorated floats with the logos of the city and Arkong Bato, a holy procession, musical jamboree also took place.
Valenzuela PIO/MANILA BULLETIN
Gracing the commemorative event were Councilors Marlon Alejandrino, Cris Feliciano-Tan, Niña Lopez, Ricar Enriquez, and SK Federation President Goyong Serrano.