On the second Friday of the Marian month that is September, we celebrate the first major event of the Peñafrancia Festival: the Traslacion. Thousands of devotees from all walks of life fill the city streets to participate in the voyage of the image of Ina from the Peñafrancia Shrine to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. Sweaty men, tightly-packed streets, and envisioning a street littered with missing slipper pairs? If you think you’re ready for Traslacion, think again. Here’s a definitive list to get you ready.
Comfortable Clothes
Trust me, you don’t want to wear anything pricey for the Traslacion. The more comfortable, pambahay-levels of clothes you have if you’re one of the Voyadores, the better.
Ziploc bags
Not just for sandwiches and crime scene evidences! Your gadgets need to be protected at all cost from rain and sweat and water splashing from all directions!
A Sense of Direction
If this is your first time, it would help to ask around your Titos who have engaged as a ‘Boyador.’ They pretty much know all the gory/glory details of the procession, but never follow their alcoholic advice!
A Waterproof Action Camera
Living in the moment is great, but wouldn’t it be awesome if you could take some memories back with you? Head mounted action cameras would be the perfect tool for you to bring during the Traslacion. Besides documenting your adventures, it would also let your friends experience first-hand the thrill of this event.
Voya Colored Headbands
Nothing says ‘ATM’ than the signature colored headbands!
A whole lot of ‘’Viva!’’
When you start hearing the crowds chanting and shouting in fervor of devotion, it would be a shame if you wouldn’t join in. The sound of unison when the chanting starts is a whole different feeling, no amount of rain, exhaustion or hesitation would be of importance once you start really being part of the procession.
Determination
Will, determination, and the power of Marian faith, man. Nothing beats that.
