The annual fluvial procession honoring Our Lady of Peñafrancia attracted 1.5 million Catholic devotees and pilgrims in Naga City on Saturday.

The Naga City government said the crowd was bigger than the 1.3 million last year.

Department of Tourism-Bicol (DOT-5) Director Herbie Aguas said the occasion, focused on Filipino faith and devotion to “Ina” (mother), while also boosting the local economy.

“Yearly, we monitor that tourists, pilgrims, and devotees who visit Naga City to attend the festival are increasing. This only shows the strong faith of millions of Filipinos. In Bicol, we promote faith tourism,” he said.

Aguas said the event not only benefitted Naga City economically but also left a positive impact on neighboring towns and provinces.

“We also monitored increased hotel bookings in Legazpi City, the fully booked flights and of course, the restaurants and souvenirs that were expected to be bought by the visitors,” he said.

The fluvial procession involved carrying the sacred images of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and Divino Rostro (Holy Face of Jesus) on an adorned pagoda (tower) along the Naga City River, accompanied by songs and prayers dedicated to Ina.

The Peñafrancia Festival is widely regarded as the biggest religious event in Bicol.

This year’s celebration commemorates the centenary of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia with the theme “Se siempre la Reina!” (Be Always the Queen)!

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office-5 said the occasion was generally peaceful with minor crimes recorded, such as theft, robbery and physical injuries.

“Preparations and close coordination with various stakeholders and the local government of Naga City enabled the identification of key areas requiring special attention,” PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon. (PNA)