By: Nicole Llanderal
Photo courtesy: Zabrina Hong/The LANCE
The historic Walled City of Intramuros once again came alive with festivities as it celebrated Fiesta de Intramuros 2025 for the whole month of September. This annual event honored the beloved queen and patroness of Intramuros, Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa, and marked her 25th Pontifical Coronation Anniversary last September 4.
The Events of Faith and Festivity Intertwined
A grand reenactment of the coronation of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Correa was held, dramatizing the historical crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Patroness of the Walled City. Accompanying this was a solemn procession that proceeded to San Agustin Church, the spiritual heart of the celebration and home to the revered crowned image.
The festivities also featured the Misa Pontifical (Pontifical Mass) held at the same venue, celebrated with ceremonial liturgical rites led by His Grace, Most. Rev. Charles John Brown, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, together with His Excellency, Most Rev. Francisco M. De Leon, D.D., Bishop-emeritus of Antipolo, and Rev. Fr. Viel Bautista, Vice Rector of the Manila Cathedral.
Fiesta de Intramuros 2025 unfolded over several weeks, anchored deeply in faith and cultural pride beginning with a spiritual foundation and blending cultural showcases and civic celebrations. On September 5, the occasion commenced with novena masses setting the spiritual tone for the upcoming events.
There was also a variety of treats, sweets, and local delights as part of the Fiesta de Intramuros celebration through the Dulce Septiembre Bazaar that opened on September 6 until September 30 along General Luna Street.
On September 13, it was a lively day featuring traditional Filipino games (Juegos Filipinos), the Fiesta de Bandas y Calesas, highlighting horse-drawn carriages, and the Serenata ng Banda, where bands such as the Manila City Band, Citizens’ Brigade Band of Dasmariñas, Makati Public Safety Department Band, and more performed serenades at dusk.
On September 14, the pinnacle of the celebrations, the Solemnidad de la Virgen de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros, was observed with grand liturgical rites honoring the patroness of Intramuros led by His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, Jr., D.D., Papal Legate, together with His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, D.D.
From September 18 to 20, the 3rd Manila International Dance Festival brought cultural performances of various groups such as La Manila Dance Ambassadors and Rondalla, UC Saeng ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble, MNHS Manduryaw Dance Troupe and many more to Intramuros, enhancing the Fiesta’s artistic flair.
On September 25, the Fiesta Hispano Filipina celebrated the Spanish-Filipino heritage fundamental to Intramuros’ identity through performances of Spanish music and Filipino folk music that honor the long-standing relationship between Spain and the Philippines. As traditional and modern pieces combine history and devotion, the evening is more than just a cultural display; it is an act of faith and gratitude that deepens the devotion of the faithful to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Originally scheduled for September 27 but postponed due to Severe Tropical Storm Opong, last October 3 at the Fora de Intramuros, attendees, visitors, and a number of contestants came together for the PPOP Music and Culture Caravan.
During the PPOP Tourism Expo, contestants from Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Pamantasan Lungsod ng Maynila, and Lyceum of the Philippines University competed in various categories. The same universities competed in the Battle of the Bands alongside Mapua University.
A number of PPOP groups played at the concert such as VIVID, HAKKI, NEWID, 1st One, HORI7ON, and KAIA which concluded the celebration of Fiesta de Intramuros. Workshops were also held at Centro de Turismo, promoting the cultural arts talents of participants.
San Agustin Church: A Guardian of Faith and History
Bro. Caesar Gabriel M. Fernando, the shrine liturgist of San Agustin Church, shared the profound significance of the Fiesta for the church and the entire Intramuros community.
“The Fiesta de Intramuros holds a great historical significance for San Agustín Church and the entire Intramuros community. It is more than a celebration—it is a commemoration of the enduring devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Correa, Patroness of the Walled City. Historically, this devotion became deeply rooted in the life of Intramuros, especially after the devastation of World War II, when San Agustín Church stood miraculously intact while much of the Walled City lay in ruins,” he explained.
This enduring faith in Our Lady of Consolation represents more than tradition; it is a living testament to divine protection and maternal care that has bound the people of Intramuros through generations.
Having revived the Fiesta two years ago, the church has transformed the celebration from intimate liturgical observances into a grand civic-religious event. It now involves schools, government offices, and cultural groups, intertwining solemnity with festivity to create a rich celebration of identity and devotion.
Bro. Caesar also highlighted the initial challenges of organizing this growing event, “As with any endeavor that seeks to revive and establish a new tradition, San Agustín Church experienced certain “birth pains” in the early years of hosting the Fiesta de Intramuros. Challenges included coordinating with various institutions within the Walled City, mobilizing volunteers and resources, and ensuring that both the liturgical solemnity and the cultural festivities were balanced harmoniously.”
Today, the Fiesta is a symbol of unity and resilience, bridging the past with the present by deepening the faith of residents, students, devotees, and tourists alike.
“Through solemn liturgies, grand processions, and vibrant cultural activities, the fiesta highlights Intramuros as a living heritage site, attracting tourists who not only witness its beauty but also encounter its spiritual soul. For the local community, especially the youth and students, the celebration becomes a formative experience that strengthens their Catholic identity, instills pride in their cultural roots, and inspires them to carry forward a devotion that continues to unite generations under the patronage of Our Lady of Consolation,” Bro. Caesar emphasized.
Traditions in Motion: Letran Filipiniana Dance Company
Cultural storytelling found a lively expression through the Letran Filipiniana Dance Company (LFDC), whose secretary, Nikki Nelsheen Marcelo, described their participation in the Fiesta. The LFDC brought to life Filipino heritage through performances like Totuus Tuus Maria, Karatong, Subli, and Pilipinas dances, echoing themes of unity, devotion, and proud tradition.
“Through these performances, we highlighted the lively and joyful spirit of Filipino celebrations. Our goal is to preserve and promote cultural values such as unity, devotion and pride of our heritage, showing that Filipino traditions remain vibrant and meaningful in today’s generation,” she stated.
Preparation for their roles from the Dalaw Consuelo to the welcoming dance for the coronation, and the kalesa parade competition required intense practice amid tight schedules. Despite the pressure, the LFDC found fulfillment in representing both their organization and Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila.
“It felt like there was no rest, yet after one event, we immediately prepared for the next.” Additionally, she shared, “What I hope spectators take away from this is a deeper appreciation of Filipino traditions and the joy that comes from being united as a community.”
A Living, Breathing Tradition
The Fiesta de Intramuros 2025 proved to be more than a historical commemoration. It was a celebration that breathed life into the spiritual and cultural identity of Intramuros. It connected faith to history, heritage to contemporary pride, and residents to visitors through solemn liturgies, colorful cultural presentations, and communal gatherings.
As Bro. Caesar Gabriel M. Fernando and Nikki Nelsheen Marcelo shared, Intramuros stands not only as a site of the past but as a vibrant center of devotion and Filipino spirit that continues to thrive in the present.
This year’s fiesta reaffirmed the community’s bond to Our Lady of Consolation and to each other, promising to nurture this living tradition in the years to come.