LOOK: Around 1.2 million devotees gather for 2026 Peñafrancia -- Naga LGU

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Around 1.2 million devotees joined this year’s Fluvial Procession of El Divino Rostro and Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia in Naga City despite delays caused by low tide, the local government said.

The Naga LGU described the turnout as “incredible.”

“1.2 million strong,” it said in a post.

Photos uploaded by the Archdiocese of Caceres showed dense crowds filling the streets as the procession made its way on Saturday toward Danlungan, where the sacred images would be transferred to the pagoda barge for the waterborne procession.

“Seen from above, the faithful continue their journey in an atmosphere of prayer, reflection, and devotion,” the archdiocese said in a caption.

“As the procession remains under way, devotees and pilgrims come together in observance, carrying with them a spirit of faith and reverence,” it added.

As the sacred images were carried to Danlungan, thousands of devotees and pilgrims lined the procession route, waving handkerchiefs and chanting, “Viva la Virgen!” or “Long live the Virgin.”

A Holy Mass was held at the Quadricentennial Arch of the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral and Parish of St. John the Evangelist before the procession.

The liturgical service was presided over by Cotabato Archbishop Most Rev. Charlie Inzon, OMI, DD.

In his homily during the ninth day of the novena honoring Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Inzon emphasized the maternal bond between the Virgin Mary and her devotees, according to an excerpt highlighted by the Archdiocese of Caceres.

“We call her ‘Ina’... and perhaps, this is one of the secrets of our devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. We come to her not as strangers approaching a distant queen but as children of Ina coming home to their mother,” Inzon said.

“Deep within our hearts, as children, is the confidence that Ina, our mother, understands us. Ina knows us, and Ina will bring us to Jesus with whatever petitions we offer to her,” he added.

The sacred images of El Divino Rostro and Our Lady of Peñafrancia were first carried on foot from the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral to Danlungan.

From there, the holy images were placed aboard the pagoda barge and sailed down the river toward the Peñafrancia Minor Basilica and National Shrine.

The Fluvial Procession is held annually in Naga City. It symbolizes the return of “Ina” to her sanctuary and marks the culmination of the Peñafrancia Festival, one of Bicol’s largest religious celebrations.— MCG, GMA News