Naga City holds Peñafrancia fluvial procession

Devotees of Our Lady of Peñafrancia flocked to Naga City, Camarines Sur, to witness the annual fluvial procession on Saturday.

Ahead of the parade, a celebratory Mass was held at the Quadricentennial Arch of the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral.

A total of 156 boats loaded with devotees were prepared near the riverbank to transport the image of the Virgin Mary, fondly called ''Ina'' by the locals, during the parade.

The Philippine Coast Guard Explosive Ordnance Disposal and K-9 units also conducted safety inspections.

The image of the Virgin Mary arrived at the Naga River around 5 p.m. with devotees waving white handkerchiefs.

After the parade, a vigil Mass was presided over by Most Reverend Charles John Brown,  the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, on the grounds of the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

The feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is celebrated annually in Naga City, with millions of devotees often in attendance. —VBL, GMA Integrated News