Fluvial Procession 09

The annual Fluvial Procession, as seen from our backyard.

The Fluvial Procession marks the end of the Peñafrancia Fiesta in Naga City. The image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia (Ina) is carried on foot from the Metropolitan Naga Cathedral by Voyadores until the Tabuco Bridge. She is then transferred to a huge barge manned by, ehrm, men from the Church, government and other sectors of society (traditionally, women are not allowed to accompany Ina). The barge then makes its way through the Bicol River until it reaches the riverbank near the Basilica Minore, the Shrine of Ina.

Huge crowds would gather along the riverbank, lighting candles, waving white hankies, praying and zealously shouting 'Viva la Virgen.'

**More pictures, courtesy of Dyehri.