Candelaria, Quezon

Candle Festival

Shines with Tradition and Devotion in Candelaria

PUBLISHED April 27, 2015

PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

The Candle Festival in Candelaria, Quezon, has evolved into a cherished annual tradition since it began in 2005. This vibrant celebration, honoring the Virgin of “Nuestra Senora de Candelaria,” not only reflects the locals’ strong devotion but also stands as one of the town’s longest-standing and culturally rich events, fostering unity and joyous celebration among the community.

Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Candle Festival with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!

Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Candle Festival. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.

Candelaria Festival in Candelaria, Quezon, is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration that honors the Feast of Our Lady of Candelaria. Spanning from January 31 to February 2, this annual event reflects the strong devotion of the locals to the Virgin of Candlemas and coincides with the town’s patronal fiesta on February 5, dedicated to San Pedro Bautista, the patron saint of Candelaria.

Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.

Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.

Since its start in 2005, the festival has become a well-established tradition, making it one of the longest-standing events in the town. One of the highlights of the festival is the grand parade of floats, with each float representing one of the town’s 25 barangays. These floats are elaborately decorated and showcase the unique culture, traditions, and pride of each barangay, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the celebration.

The festival’s centerpiece is the grand procession on February 2, featuring the revered image of Our Lady of Candelaria, also known as Our Lady of the Candle. This procession winds through the streets of Candelaria, accompanied by traditional music and enthusiastic participants dressed in traditional attire. The atmosphere is filled with reverence and joy as the faithful gather to pay homage and seek blessings.

Local vendors set up booths offering a variety of traditional Filipino foods and delicacies throughout the festival. Visitors can enjoy local specialties like pancit, puto, and kakanin while exploring the lively street market.

The Candelaria Festival not only celebrates religious traditions but also highlights the strong sense of community and cultural pride of the people of Candelaria. It’s a time for both locals and visitors to come together, celebrate their shared heritage, and experience the warmth and hospitality of Quezon’s people.

Overall, the Candelaria Festival is a joyous and meaningful event that beautifully blends faith, culture, and community spirit, making it a must-see celebration for anyone interested in experiencing the rich traditions of the Philippines.