Mount Carmel Shrine: A Spiritual and Cultural Landmark in Quezon City
When in Quezon City, one of the most serene and awe-inspiring places to visit is the Mount Carmel Shrine, a haven of peace, spirituality, and
Quezon City, Metro Manila
La Naval de Manila
A Celebration of Faith and Heritage
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- Quezon City, Metro Manila
The Feast of La Naval de Manila is a grand religious and cultural celebration held every October at Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City. It commemorates the miraculous naval victories of 1646, attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of La Naval. The festival features a solemn procession, a nine-day novena, and various cultural events, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists. Santo Domingo Church, home to the revered Marian image, serves as a key pilgrimage site. This centuries-old tradition showcases the deep faith and rich heritage of the Filipino people, making it a must-experience event.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into La Naval de Manila 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 La Naval de Manila. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.
Every October, the vibrant streets of Quezon City come alive with faith, devotion, and rich cultural traditions during the Feast of La Naval de Manila. Held at the majestic Santo Domingo Church, this annual event is a must-experience celebration that blends religious fervor with Filipino heritage, making it a prime attraction for both locals and tourists alike.
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.
ABOVE: Our Lady of La Naval de Manila is an ivory and wood statue of the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus, enshrined at Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, venerated by Filipino Catholics and declared a National Cultural Treasure.
ABOVE: Our Lady of La Naval de Manila is an ivory and wood statue of the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus, enshrined at Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, venerated by Filipino Catholics and declared a National Cultural Treasure.
A Festival Rooted in History
The Feast of La Naval de Manila traces its origins back to the 17th century, commemorating the miraculous naval victories of Spanish and Filipino forces against the Dutch invaders in 1646. Devotees believe that these triumphs were granted through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, whom they honored with prayers and the recitation of the Holy Rosary before each battle. Since then, Our Lady of La Naval has been revered as the protector of the Philippines, with her image enshrined at Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City. In 1652, the Catholic Church officially declared the victories miraculous, further solidifying the devotion to Our Lady of La Naval.
A Grand Celebration Like No Other
One of the highlights of this grand festival is the solemn and magnificent procession, where the venerated image of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila is paraded through the streets on a beautifully adorned carroza (carriage). This religious spectacle is accompanied by thousands of devotees, dressed in traditional attire, waving white handkerchiefs, and chanting prayers in deep reverence. The sight of flickering candles, the sound of heartfelt hymns, and the sheer devotion in the air create a spiritual experience that leaves a lasting impression.
The celebration is also marked by a nine-day novena leading up to the feast day, during which devotees gather for special masses and prayers at Santo Domingo Church. Many pilgrims come from different parts of the country to pay homage to the Blessed Virgin, bringing with them personal intentions and expressions of gratitude for prayers answered.
ABOVE: The image of La Naval de Manila during the procession captures a breathtaking scene of the revered Marian icon, adorned in intricate gold embroidery, as she glides through a sea of devout followers, illuminated by candlelight and vibrant floral arrangements.
ABOVE: The image of La Naval de Manila during the procession captures a breathtaking scene of the revered Marian icon, adorned in intricate gold embroidery, as she glides through a sea of devout followers, illuminated by candlelight and vibrant floral arrangements.
Beyond the religious aspects, the festival also features cultural performances, art exhibits, and local delicacies, making it a well-rounded attraction for visitors looking to immerse themselves in Filipino traditions. Street vendors sell religious items, handcrafted souvenirs, and mouthwatering delicacies such as puto, bibingka, and suman, adding a flavorful touch to the festivities.
The Iconic Santo Domingo Church
Santo Domingo Church, the current home of the image of Our Lady of La Naval, is one of the largest churches in Metro Manila and serves as a historical and architectural landmark. Originally located in Intramuros, the church was destroyed during World War II and later reconstructed in Quezon City in 1954. It houses the revered image in a grand retablo (altarpiece) adorned with intricate carvings and gold accents, making it a pilgrimage site for Marian devotees.
The church is also known for its stunning stained-glass windows, which depict various biblical scenes and Dominican saints, adding to the grandeur of the religious experience. The presence of the Dominican Order, which has been instrumental in spreading devotion to Our Lady of La Naval, continues to be a vital part of the celebrations.
ABOVE: During the La Naval de Manila feast, thousands of devotees join a solemn candlelit procession, praying the Rosary as they accompany the revered image of Our Lady of La Naval on her flower-adorned carroza, honoring her miraculous intercession and deep-rooted legacy of faith.
ABOVE: During the La Naval de Manila feast, thousands of devotees join a solemn candlelit procession, praying the Rosary as they accompany the revered image of Our Lady of La Naval on her flower-adorned carroza, honoring her miraculous intercession and deep-rooted legacy of faith.
Why You Should Visit
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a spiritual pilgrim, or simply a curious traveler, the Feast of La Naval de Manila offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Filipino devotion and culture. It is a perfect opportunity to witness how faith and history intertwine in the Philippines, while also exploring the architectural beauty of Santo Domingo Church—a sanctuary filled with stunning stained-glass windows and intricate religious artworks.
ABOVE: The procession during the Feast of Our Lady of La Naval is a grand and solemn event in Quezon City, where devotees accompany the revered image of the Virgin Mary in an elaborate parade of faith, prayer, and thanksgiving.
ABOVE: The procession during the Feast of Our Lady of La Naval is a grand and solemn event in Quezon City, where devotees accompany the revered image of the Virgin Mary in an elaborate parade of faith, prayer, and thanksgiving.
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Plan Your Visit
- When: Second Sunday of October
- Where: Santo Domingo Church, Quezon City, Philippines
- What to Expect: Processions, religious ceremonies, cultural performances, local delicacies, and a deeply spiritual atmosphere
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