A vibrant show of the enduring Spanish influence on Philippine culture and the Filipinos’ deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary took center stage at the recently held Fiesta Hispano-Filipino in Intramuros.

The event, a culminating part of the month-long Fiesta de Intramuros that honors the walled city’s patroness, Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Correa, highlighted the intricate and centuries-old bond between Spain and the Philippines.

Guests were treated to nostalgic performances of Filipino folk songs like “Leron Leron Sinta” and “Kalesa,” celebrating the Philippines’ cultural legacy, as well as renditions of iconic Spanish songs such as “Hasta La Eternidad,” “Eres Tú,” and “Bésame Mucho.”

The cultural night on Friday was graced by Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who was invited to serve as “hermana mayor” (honorary festival chair) next year.

Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco recognized the connections between Spain and the Philippines that can be seen from Filipino traditions, food, down to festivals it holds all year-round.

“For over three centuries, Spain’s influence shaped the very fabric of Filipino life — our language carries the echoes of Castilian words, our food is infused with flavors from Spain’s kitchen, and our traditions bear the unmistakable imprint of a shared history,” Frasco said in her speech read by Undersecretary Rica Bueno.

“But among the many legacies left to us, one that shines brightly today is the tradition of festivals and fiestas, a gift of Spanish influence that have become a hallmark of Filipino life,” she added.

The Intramuros Administration and San Agustin Church, the lead organizers of the events, are planning to hold the Fiesta de Intramuros and the related Fiesta Hispano-Filipino annually.

Beyond promoting Intramuros as a destination, Fr. Edwin Hari OSA, rector of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, said the celebrations aim to further enrich the Catholic faithful’s appreciation and devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary.

“Ang kahalagahan ng pag-promote sa devotion to Our Lady of Consolation ay una, maalala ng mga tao na hindi sila nag-iisa sa mga pinagdaraanan nila sa buhay (The importance of promoting the devotion to Our Lady of Consolation is to let the people know that they are not alone in the difficulties that they face in life),” he said in an interview.

“Ang Our Lady of Consolation is the patroness of the afflicted, comforter of the afflicted. So, ito ay para ma-ipakita at ma-ipadama sa kanila na may kasama sila sa buhay at paghihirap (This is to show that she is there for everyone and that they are not alone in life),” he added.

The first Fiesta de Intramuros served as a prelude to the 25th anniversary of Canonical Coronation of the venerable image of Our Lady of Consolation in September 2025.

The image is currently housed inside the San Agustin Church. (PNA)