Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia

The shrine is located in Naga City, within the province of Camarines Sur in the Philippines. It is one of the largest and most prominent Marian shrines in Asia. The modern basilica serves as the permanent home of the venerated image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

The venerated image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia was originally brought from Spain to the Philippines in the early 18th century. A Spanish government official named Miguel Robles de Covarrubias is credited with introducing the devotion after surviving an illness. The devotion quickly grew among the local Bicolano population.

The celebration takes place each September, marking one of the largest Marian festivals in Asia. Millions of devotees and tourists flock to Naga City to participate in the novena and the fluvial procession. The highlight is when the image is transferred to a barge on the Naga River.

During the festival, the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is carried in a massive procession through the streets of Naga City. The celebration culminates in a fluvial procession down the Bicol River. Devotees famously yell "Viva la Virgen!" to honor the patroness.