ZAMBOANGA CITY – Faith, culture, and festivity shone brilliantly as the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2025 opened with a spectacular double showcase of tradition and creativity—the first-ever Fluvial Parade and the much-awaited Parade of Lights—drawing thousands of Zamboangueños and visitors on Saturday night, September 27.
For the first time in the festival’s history, three illuminated boats lit up the waterfront in a devotion-filled fluvial procession honoring Zamboanga’s patroness, Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar. Represented by Sophil Fishing Incorporated, Aleson Fishing Lines, and Kappa Rho Kappa International Council Zamboanga City, the vessels sailed gracefully from Paseo del Mar to R.T. Lim Boulevard, carrying the revered image of the Virgin while accompanied by prayers, hymns, and cheers from the faithful along the coast.
Adding a competitive edge to the historic event, Sophil Fishing Incorporated emerged as champion, bagging ₱300,000. Aleson Shipping Lines placed second with ₱250,000, while Kappa Rho Kappa International Council secured third place with ₱200,000. The fluvial parade, spearheaded by the City Government of Zamboanga under Mayor Khymer Olaso, not only highlighted maritime devotion but also celebrated the city’s deep cultural roots as a coastal community.
The evening’s excitement carried on with the dazzling Parade of Lights, where 14 floats transformed R.T. Lim Boulevard into a glittering avenue of color and creativity. Topping the competition was Float 13 “Bandoreal” by Talon-talon National High School, which captivated the audience with towering giants, playful clowns, and over 20 performers who brought Zamboanga’s festive spirit to life. The winning float earned the grand prize of ₱250,000.
Arena Blanco National High School’s Entry No. 9 “Yakan Weaving Village” won second place with ₱200,000 for its artistic tribute to Zamboanga’s rich weaving heritage, while Barangay Council of San Roque’s Entry No. 5 clinched third place and ₱150,000. Non-winning participants received ₱50,000 each as a consolation prize, ensuring every effort was recognized.
Organized by the City Government of Zamboanga through the City Tourism Office, the Parade of Lights once again proved to be a highlight of the month-long Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2025, themed “Fiesta Hermosa: Celebracion de Fe y Esperanza para de Todo!” (A Celebration of Faith and Hope for All).
As the lights dimmed and the music faded, the crowd dispersed with hearts full of pride and devotion. The twin spectacles of the fluvial procession and Parade of Lights not only marked the grand opening salvo of this year’s fiesta but also reaffirmed the enduring faith, limitless creativity, and unbreakable spirit that make the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival one of the most anticipated celebrations in Mindanao.