'Sinadya sa Halaran' also showcases Capiceños' religiosity
Roxas City -- Thousands of devotees are expected to flock to the Metropolitan Cathedral here on December 8 for the fiesta masses in honor of the Capiz Archdiocese Patroness, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
The fiesta celebration coincides with the Sinadya sa Halaran festivities scheduled from Dec. 6 to 10. The 5-day festival is a celebration of the province's way of life demonstrated in various merrymaking and thanksgiving activities for its blessings and good fortunes during the past year.
The various pre-fiesta religious highlights calendared by the Metropolitan Cathedral include a series of novena masses which started last November 29, procession of Roxas City's barangay Patron Saints, and a vespers mass at the city public plaza at 5 o'clock in the afternoon of Dec. 7.
During the feast day, at least seven masses and a baptismal ceremony are set at the Parish of the Immaculate Conception which also marks its 299th foundation anniversary.
Another religious attraction is a sundown fluvial procession of bancas escorting the image of the Blessed Mother borne on a "pagoda boat" along the Panay River after a mass at the plaza on Dec. 9.
The faithful pay tribute to the Patroness by floating candles and flowers which contain intercessory requests and thanksgiving during this solemn ritual.
A stretch of lighted river floaters reflecting colored lights from the flowing water at the back of Roxas City band stand will add color to the fluvial parade. It will be followed by a fireworks display to pay homage to the Virgin Mary set at the historic Roxas Avenue bridge.
(PIA)