THE city government is undertaking the necessary preparations for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, which is set to kick off on October 1.
Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said the special events team has been conducting marathon orientations and meetings with partners, stakeholders, and participants to ensure the smooth conduct of all activities lined-up for the month-long fiesta celebration.
Salazar said the festival opening salvo will feature the Inter-Barangay Bandoreal Competition and Pink Parade.
Highlights of the Hermosa Festival 2018 calendar are: Smoke Out Zamboanga – Grilled Food Fiesta and Zamboanga Grand Midnight Sale from September 29 to October 13; Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Opening Salvo featuring Inter-Barangay Bandoreal Competition on October 1; Hermosa Heritage Zone Walking Tour from October 1 to 11; Regatta de Zamboanga, October 7; Original Chavacano Video Music Festival 2018 on October 8; Mascota de Zamboanga on October 9; Zamboanga Dancesport Competition on October 10; Streetdance Competition and Fiesta Main Program on October 11; and, the Feast of the Lady of the Pillar on October 12.
The chief executive said that 250 teams will compete in the traditional vinta race during the Regatta de Zamboanga.
The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is one of this city's most important festivals, which honors its most revered patron saint, the Nuestra Señora de la Virgen del Pilar.
The feast day proper on October 12 is a special holiday pursuant to Republic Act 7350 to allow the residents and visitors to fittingly commemorate the feast day, known to locals as "Fiesta Pilar." (Bong Garcia/VoxPop Philippines)