By Nimfa L. Estrellado Performers present a devotional dance honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary during the Candle Festival 2026 in Candelaria,...
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| Performers present a devotional dance honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary during the Candle Festival 2026 in Candelaria, Quezon. (KMD Portraits) |
CANDELARIA, Quezon — A newly introduced devotional presentation emerged as the centerpiece of the Candle Festival 2026 in Candelaria, placing Marian faith and collective worship at the heart of the annual celebration. The interpretative dance offering marked a shift toward a more reflective and prayer-centered observance honoring the town’s patroness, Nuestra Señora de Candelaria.
The feast day of Our Lady of the Candles, the presentation gathered performers from schools, parish-based groups, and civic organizations. Through coordinated choreography and candle-inspired movements, the dance conveyed themes of light, humility, motherhood, and guidance deeply rooted in the community’s religious tradition.
Mayor George “Ogie” Suayan said the festival remains a reflection of the town’s shared faith and historical identity, noting that it continues to connect generations through devotion and tradition. He added that the celebration serves as a spiritual anchor for the community amid ongoing change and development.
“Ang Candle Festival ay salamin ng malalim na pananampalataya at iisang kasaysayan ng mga mamamayan ng Candelaria. Ipinapaalala nito sa atin na ang liwanag na sinasagisag ng kandila ay patuloy na gumagabay sa ating bayan sa gitna ng mga hamon at pag-unlad. Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay pag-aari ng bawat Candelarian na patuloy na nag-iingat sa ating mga tradisyon.”
The mayor also pointed to the broad participation of barangays, youth groups, and civic organizations as key to the success of the devotional dance and other festival activities. He said the cooperative effort strengthened both the cultural and spiritual dimensions of the celebration.
“Ipinagmamalaki namin ang pagkakaisa ng mga barangay, kabataan, at mga organisasyon sa matagumpay na pagdaraos ng pista. Ipinapakita nito na nananatiling matatag ang diwa ng bayanihan sa Candelaria. Ang ganitong pagkakaisa ang pundasyon ng aming mga programang pangkaunlaran.”
Beyond its religious meaning, the festival was also cited as contributing to local livelihood and tourism, particularly through increased activity for small vendors and service providers during the celebration period. Cultural events like the Candle Festival help circulate economic activity while preserving local heritage.
“Hindi lamang panrelihiyon ang kahalagahan ng Candle Festival, kundi may malaking ambag din ito sa lokal na ekonomiya at turismo. Maraming maliliit na negosyante at manggagawa ang nakikinabang sa masiglang aktibidad tuwing pagdiriwang. Dahil dito, patuloy na susuportahan ng lokal na pamahalaan ang mga gawaing nagpapalakas sa ating kultura at komunidad.”
The devotional dance was widely noted as a meaningful addition that reinforced the festival’s faith-based and community-centered character. It added depth to the celebration’s spiritual and cultural significance while complementing its traditional religious activities.
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