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The
Islamic influenced province of Zamboanga which is known
because of its colorful vintas, exotic rare fruits and
exotic beautiful flowers stands out its Christianization
and their hispanic ways. Zamboanga City also known as
the "City of Flowers" rich culture influenced the lives
of the people, but not as much as their devotion to Our
Lady of Pilar, or the Nuestra Señora Virgen del Pilar de
Zaragoza.
Zamboanga La Hermosa Festival or the popularly known as
Fiesta Pilar, is held in honor of the miraculous image
of Our Lady of the Pilar at the legendary Fort Pila. The
people of Zamboanga fervently believe that the lady has
served as their unifying cultural and historical symbol.
In commemoration of her feast day, Zamboanga displays
its devotion and enthusiasm with a nine-night
procession, fireworks, an ethnic parade, a cultural
show, a regatta, and the Miss Zamboanga parade. This
festival runs from October 1 to 12.
All roads in Mindanao lead to Zamboanga, as the "City of
Flowers" celebrates its grand, annual Hermosa Festival.
The vintas, those colorful native sea boats, once again
make their appearance in a fast-paced,
race-till-you-drop regatta. There's also a wealth of
cultural and flower shows, art exhibits, and trade
fairs. It's an all-out celebration of life - Chavacano
style!
History and Legends
The Zamboanga La Hermosa Festival embedded in
Zamboanga’s rich history of devotion to the Nuestra
Señora del Pilar that is supplemented by rich legends
about the virgin.
In the Spanish Era, Zamboanga was an integral part of
Spanish Colonization. In 1635, the Spaniards built a
fort in Zamboanga named Real Fuerza de San Jose to
secure them against the attacks of the moro warriors.
Spaniards held the city as a seat of government and
became the cultural center of the south, and was deeply
seated in Hispanic heritage and tradition.
In 1734, The Lady's was brought to the fort as a
frontpiece for the main entrance. The western side of
the fort was converted into a shrine for The Lady when
the fort was rebuild in 1860 and the fort was renamed
Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora Virgen del Pilar de
Zaragoza.
The city’s devotion to the Lady of Pilar was legendary,
because of the wealth of stories, miracles, and
apparitions surrounding the virgin.
Devotees Dancing for Devotion
Devotees to the virgin are seen at the Fort to venerate
the sacred bas-relief image of the Lady of Pilar. But at
the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, dancers pay tribute to
the virgin through their movements. Each year, the
dancers from Zamboanga City High School perform praise
dance to the virgin. The dancers dance to the tune of
lyres and drums that create a jovial atmosphere and
fluidity, the dancers’ fluid body movement, coupled with
intricate footwork and hand motions signify adoration to
God for the intercession of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar
as an instrument of Peace. The dancers pay tribute to
the Lady dressed in colorful costumes, floral arches and
body movements, also symbolizing Zamboanga as a melting
pot of cultures that blend harmoniously in the spirit of
unity and diversity. |
