Fluvial procession kicks off Lapu fiesta
ABOUT 70 motorized boats sailed through rough seas in the Hilutungan Channel as they followed the image of the Our Lady of the Rule in a fluvial procession held last Thursday morning.
There were 5,000 people who attended the concelebrated Mass at Marigondon Parish Church and watched the motorcade toward the Pacific Cebu Resort.
They greeted the image by throwing petals and lighting firecrackers along the route.
They welcomed the image as it made its way to the Muelle Osmeña wharf for the fluvial procession.
The image was transported by the MV Amawah yacht.
The Philippine Coast Guard took the lead as each decorated motorized boat representing every barangay in Lapu-Lapu City was boarded by cultural dancers and a drum and bugle group.
At the tip of barangay Punta Engaño, called the Mangal Point, people who joined the fluvial procession dropped coins in the waters in honor of Datu Mangal, father of chieftain Lapu-Lapu, who is said to protect the fisherfolk.
Sea vessels cruising along Mactan Channel stopped to give way to the fluvial procession while a Philippine Air Force helicopter dropped flowers at the yacht carrying the image starting from Mactan Channel until it docked at Muelle Osmeña wharf.
Cultural dancers in colorful costumes welcomed the image at the wharf where Lapu-Lapu City officials led by Mayor Radaza waited to personally carry the image toward the church.
Later, a Mass for the devotees of Our Lady of the Rule was held at the Shrine officiated by parish priest Rev. Fr. Leonardo Cabrera. Lapu-Lapu City will celebrate its annual fiesta on November 21.
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