Intramuros to celebrate its first-ever fiesta

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Intramuros, the historic Walled City of Manila, is set to celebrate the first-ever Fiesta de Intramuros on 8 September 2024.

This celebration honors the feast day of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Correa, whom the Manila City Council, through its Resolution No. 496, series of 2024, has declared as the official patroness of Intramuros and bestowed the title Queen and Protectress of the Distinguished and Ever Loyal City.

San Agustin Church in Intramuros houses the original canonically crowned image of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Correa, who has been a silent witness to the Walled City’s rich history for almost 400 years and is the only Marian image continuously venerated within Intramuros.

The inaugural Fiesta de Intramuros will feature a series of religious and cultural activities, kicking off with novena masses at San Agustin Church from 30 August to 7 September 2024.

The Fiesta Mayor Mass and the official proclamation of Our Lady of Consolation as the patroness of Intramuros will be held at 10:00 A.M. on September 8 at San Agustin Church. The day will be capped by the Procesión Solemne starting at 5:30 PM, which will wind its way along the streets of Intramuros. The procession will be highlighted by the singing of the Tres Ave Marias at the newly built Esplanade by the banks of the Pasig River, followed by a grand fireworks display.

To add to the vibrancy of the occasion, the Fiesta Hispano-Filipino cultural night on 6 September 2024 will feature performances that highlight the fusion of Spanish and Filipino cultures.

Aside from the religious and cultural activities, the Dulce Septiembre (Sweet September) Bazaar will also offer visitors a delightful showcase of sweet treats from local food vendors. The bazaar will run along General Luna St. in Intramuros on all weekends of September starting 1 September 2024.

The five barangays nestled within the historic walls of Intramuros will also have their unique salu-salo feasts and lively traditional Filipino games, adding to the festive air.

Fr. Edwin Hari, OSA, rector of the San Agustin – Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Correa, invites the public to join in the sacred celebration, saying, “The Fiesta de Intramuros is an opportunity to reflect on our history, celebrate our faith, and look forward to a brighter future.”

Intramuros Administrator Joan Padilla said, “Fiesta de Intramuros is a testament to the enduring spirit of Intramuros. It is a time to honor our patroness, showcase our culture, and strengthen our community. We invite everyone to join us on this joyous occasion.”

This year’s fiesta celebration will be a prelude to the Silver Anniversary of the Canonical Coronation of the venerable image of Our Lady of Consolation in September 2025.