Mayor Celso Lobregat yesterday reiterated his appeal for people to make the Fiesta Hermosa 2010 an occasion to reflect and strengthen devotion to Nuestra Senora la Virgen del Pilar, the city’s patroness whose feast day is today, Oct. 12.

The city’s annual fiesta traces its roots to religious foundations, he said, urging Zamboanguenos to continue to draw inspiration from the spiritual message emerging from the feast of our Nuestra Señora de la Virgen del Pilar.

“As we rejoice and celebrate the 2010 Fiesta Hermosa, let us not forget that the highlight of the celebration is on October 12, the feast day of Nuestra Senora la Virgen del Pilar, the patroness of our city”, Mayor Lobregat said in his message during the commemorative program that preceded the street dancing and floral float parade at the Baliwasan grandstand yesterday afternoon that was graced by Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro.

Zamboanguenos, according to Mayor Lobregat should give honor, pay homage and extend gratitude to the La Virgen del Pilar for her benevolence and generosity. Through La Virgen’s intercession, the city has been blessed and spared from all misfortunes.

“Continua kita man juntu-juntu para el buen estar del di aton maga constituente y continua kita reza con Nuestra Senora de la Virgen del Pilar para el paz y tranquilidad del di aton ciudad de Zamboanga, Asia’s Latin City”, the mayor stressed.

Thousands of people—residents and visitors alike trooped to the Baliwasan grandstand yesterday to witness the colourful flower floats and the vivacious street dance presentations culminating the 2010 Fiesta Hermosa Festival.

The spectacular entries and presentations of the participants in the floral float tilt and the street dance and showdown showcased the city’s colorful and rich multi-heritage and multi-culture that makes Zamboanga unique from other cities in the country and the entire Asia.

Themed “Celebracion engrande..adelante, Zamboanga”, festival kicked off Oct. 1 with variety of events—some of which initiated by private groups. The city government organized events included the 7th Cosechas de Zamboanga, Wow Zamboanga inter-cluster competition, Mascota competition, Mayor Celso Lobregat Table Tennis Tournament, art exhibits, 27th Chabacano song festival, Regatta 2010, Wow Sardinas..Ano 4 (sardine-eating event), Mayor Celso Lobregat Cup Golf Tournament and the inauguration of the Plaza Pilar and the 3-storey 15 classroom building at the Zamboanga City National High School-West.

A colourful and dazzling fireworks display was staged 9pm at the Paseo del Mar last night capping the festivity and paving the way for the feast day of Nuestra Senora La Virgen del Pilar, today, October 12.

Today’s activities will be centered at the Fort Pilar Shrine. Today is a non-working holiday in Zamboanga.

Meanwhile, Mayor Lobregat thanked all the students, private groups, military and the police, national and local government agencies including the barangays and all the other sectors that participated in the different activities lined up for the Fiesta Hermosa especially during the culminating events yesterday.

He likewise expressed appreciation to the people who worked hard for the realization of the events.

For his part, Sec. Luistro, who was the guest speaker during the commemorative program expressed awe and admiration to the very colourful and lively events in celebration of Fiesta Hermosa.