With a colorful and vibrant parade, high-spirited praises, and dances of gratitude; the City of Valenzuela paints the town red as residents top up the streets in celebration of the 261st “Mano po, San Roque!” or San Roque Festival 2023 at Barangay Mabolo, May 12, 2023.

The San Roque Festival is one of the most prominent feasts in Valenzuela City celebrated every 12th of May in Barangay Mabolo. Now that it has approached its 261st year, the devotees and citizens gathered at the San Roque Chapel to dedicate their prayers to the patron saint in commemoration of this significant day, alongside cascading the streets with marching bands and street dances. From lines of banderitas, body paints and dancers' costumes, to a variety of sweet delicacies sold at every corner; the town was filled with colors and tradition.

Known as the patron saint of sickness, invalid, and unmarried, San Roque is one of the important figures in the Catholic faith. Having lived a life that served the poor and attended to the sick, the masses undoubtedly adored the patron saint, and many devotees sent their prayers to him - mostly prayers for healing, good health, and finding love. 

The Feast of San Roque in Mabolo also signified the historic event of the British invasion in the town of Polo (now known as Valenzuela City). When the residents who fled from the invaders fell sick, they sought refuge in the San Roque Chapel and were healed. This event brought the belief in the miracles of San Roque to persevere in the current generation.

The celebration was preceded by a solemn concelebrated mass, attended by the residents. Now that there was an ease in the health restrictions this year, crowds of people packed the chapel full to the brim; with people from all walks of life standing outside the gates just to hear the message and give praise.  

After the mass, residents from different barangays paraded the streets of Mabolo for “Sayawan sa Calle: Sayaw ng Pasasalamat”. This traditional dance of praise is a recreation of the historical event where the healed residents of Polo celebrated with singing and dancing. Participants in the street dance added their own twist to their dance performances, making the parade more vibrant and diverse. A flower-decorated parade float that bore the City’s logo and the symbol of arkong bato provided the finishing touch to the celebration.

In the evening session, a holy procession was led. Succeeding the procession, a musical jamboree performed by several musical artists brought the festival to an exhilarating end.

Joining in this commemorative event were Councilors Marlon Alejandrino, Cris Feliciano-Tan, Niña Lopez, Ricar Enriquez, and SK Federation President, Councilor Goyong Serrano. 

Honoring feasts of patron saints is deeply embedded in the Filipino tradition and the City of Valenzuela faithfully observes this culture. As the celebration of the San Roque Festival attests to the devout faith of Valenzuelanos, the city shall strive to keep this culture alive and thriving for future generations.

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