The local government is finalizing all preparations for the celebration of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2018 which is set to formally open this October 1.
“We are really appealing to everyone to pray for a very meaningful, safe, and holy observance of the Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Pilar celebration,” urged Mayor Beng Climaco on Monday as the city continues to gear up and finalize its preparations for Fiesta Pilar.
Head of special events Christian Olasiman assured the public that security is a top priority of the festival steering committee. Security measures have been discussed thoroughly in several meetings and briefings with security forces, covering each activity and event of the Hermosa Festival.
Traffic re-routing schemes have also been coordinated with the traffic management group of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO).
Previous festival security measures such as the no backpacks, no hooded jackets, and no ball caps policy will be maintained this year.
“In terms of security, same as last year. It has been recommended by the ZCPO, to implement the same prohibition on ball caps, backpacks and hooded jackets in fiesta venues that will draw a huge crowd,” said City Administrator and festival steering committee co-chair Apple Go.
Residents are also urged to always bring IDs for security purposes.
Hermosa Festival 2018 is expected to be bigger with a full October calendar, bigger prizes, and more participation from the city and the region.
Festival organizers reported that some activities leading to the festival have already kicked off such as the inter-barangay arco competition. Following soon are the Original Chavacano Music Video Launch, the Smoke Out Grilled Food Fiesta, and the Midnight Sale on September 29, and the Zamboanga Art Festival on September 30.
The Opening Salvo will mark the beginning of the Hermosa Festival on October 1, and highlighting the activity will be the Pink Parade and the inter-barangay Bandoreal competition.
Also set to kick off the same day is the Cosechas de Zamboanga and the Hermosa Heritage Walking Tour. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)