Zambaonga’s La Hermosa Festival

Every October, Zamboanga City celebrates the La

Hermosa Festival or Fiesta Pilar, a vibrant festival held

 in honor of the miraculous image of Our Lady of the Pilar.

The La Hermosa Festival is one of the oldest

in the country and the most awaited event in the region.

Thus, it’s the best time to experience the history and culture of Asia’s

 Latin City. “Hermosa,” the Spanish word for beautiful captures the essence of this celebration.

One of the major highlights of

 the festival is the Regatta De Zamboanga,

where more than a hundred vintas with their iconic

sails race on the sea. The vertical colors on the sails are

said to represent the colorful culture and history of the Muslim

community. The array of boats lined up on the shoreline of the boulevard

 getting ready for the race is truly a spectacular sight.

Another highlight is the Mascota de Zamboanga,

 an annual competition of beauty and glamour as the prettiest

Zamboagueñas take the center stage wearing the beautiful mascota, a

 traditional formal gown, designed by promising local designers.

Zamboanga City is also known as the sardines

capital of the country and the festival highlights this by gathering the

community to share a meal of sardines and crackers laid out on rows of tables on the streets.

Locals flock to the streets and

stadium to witness the street dance competition

and grand showdown where different schools perform dance

numbers to claim the top prize.

If you’re fortunate to witness this festival, you may

agree with the Chavacano saying that it is indeed: “Mas Alegre Na Zamboanga.