Valenzuela marks 261st San Roque Festival 2023
THE City of Valenzuela, under the leadership of Mayor Wes Gatchalian, celebrated the 261st “Mano po San Roque” Festival 2023 with the colorful and vibrant parade, high-spirited praises, and dances of gratitude on Thursday in Barangay Mabolo.
The San Roque Festival is one of the most prominent feasts in Valenzuela City, celebrated every 12th of May in Barangay Mabolo with devotees and citizens gathered at the San Roque Chapel to dedicate their prayers to the patron saint in commemoration of this significant day, alongside cascading the streets with marching bands and street dances.
From lines of banderitas, body paints and dancers’ costumes to a variety of sweet delicacies sold at every corner; the town was filled with colors and tradition.
Known as the patron saint of sickness, invalid, and unmarried, San Roque is one of the important figures in the Catholic faith. Having lived a life that served the poor and attended to the sick, the masses undoubtedly adored the patron saint, and many devotees sent their prayers to him – mostly prayers for healing, good health, and finding love.
The Feast of San Roque in Mabolo also signified the historical event of the British invasion of the town of Polo (now known as Valenzuela City). When the residents who fled from the invaders fell sick, they sought refuge in the San Roque Chapel and were healed. This event brought the belief in the miracles of San Roque to persevere in the current generation.
The celebration was preceded by a solemn concelebrated mass, attended by the residents. Now that there was an ease in the health restrictions this year, crowds of people packed the chapel full to the brim; with people from all walks of life standing outside the gates just to hear the message and give praise.
After the mass, residents from different barangays paraded the streets of Mabolo for “Sayawan sa Calle: Sayaw ng Pasasalamat,” – this traditional dance of praise is a recreation of the historical event where the healed residents of Polo celebrated with singing and dancing.
Participants in the street dance added their own twist to their dance performances, making the parade more vibrant and diverse. A flower-decorated parade float that bore the city’s logo and the symbol of “arkong bato” provided the finishing touch to the celebration.
In the evening session, a holy procession was led, followed by a musical jamboree performed by several musical artists bringing the festival to an exhilarating end.
Joining in this commemorative event were Councilors Marlon Alejandrino, Cris Feliciano-Tan, Niña Lopez, Ricar Enriquez, and SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) Federation President Councilor Goyong Serrano.
Mayor Wes said that as the celebration of the San Roque Festival attests to the devout faith of Valenzuelanos, the city shall strive to keep this culture alive and thriving for future generations.
