ILOILO City – The celebration of this year’s feast of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles) in Jaro district on Friday, Feb. 2, will not include grand or ornate activities.
The Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in Jaro, as explained by its president, Rodel Mamon of Barangay Ungka, decided against a carnival and fiesta queen coronation due to financial and time constraints.
Mamon said barangay captains have been occupied since the elections in October 2023, the holiday season, and the recently concluded Dinagyang Festival.
Furthermore, the ABC-Jaro is still awaiting funds for its use, he added.
The annual civic parade, however, will proceed as planned at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31. It will traverse the main streets around Jaro Plaza, including Commission Civil and Seminario, and conclude at Robinsons Place Jaro, where a stage will be set up.
Barangay officials, tanods from Jaro, students, teachers, and stakeholders are expected to participate in the parade.
Mamon has requested all daycare centers to create floats as attractions for the parade spectators.
With the absence of a fiesta queen this year, ABC-Jaro has invited Miss Jaro 2023 Maraya Veronica V. Alcoran and Miss MDC Globe Philippines 2023 Hitomi Pangilinan to join the parade.
Additionally, a simple garden show will be held on Luna Street from Jan. 29 to Feb. 15, featuring around 30 gardens.
The food and souvenir bazaar at the Jaro gymnasium started yesterday, Jan. 29, followed by an acrobat show on Feb. 1, also at the Jaro gym.
There will also be candle lighting and a parade from the Archbishop’s Palace to the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral on Feb. 1.
Regarding the carnival, Mamon said, “It is not happening because Mayor [Jerry P. Treñas] is not allowing it. Initially, the contractor (of the Jaro Plaza rehabilitation) did not want the garden show in that location. The contractor has not yet turned over the project, risking potential damage to the (plaza) infrastructure development.”
ABC-Jaro is committed to better preparation for the next Jaro fiesta, said Mamon. “I assure you, planning for the next Jaro Candelaria fiesta will begin as early as October.”/PN
