Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Penafrancia Festival, 2008

Some of you may remember my post on Penafrancia last year, but religious fervor comes but once a year. This year's theme is fanaticism!


IMG_0756
The local "out-there" sect of Christianity; the Lolas. Everyone who is a member of their highly exclusive club gets a set of clothing printed with the Lola message. I once saw a married couple that had matching denim jackets printed with the good word. So cute.


IMG_0762
One religious icon defended to the teeth by the Philippine Army. I don't actually understand what is going on here, mostly because of how unprotected the NEXT few icons were.


IMG_0776
Our lady of Penafrancia being carried through the streets by true believers. Touching the icon brings good luck. We, the Peace Corps 265 and 266 Bikol Male Volunteers, are now imbued with local luck after our run on the icon.


IMG_0782
The feet of the chosen


IMG_0778
I swear, I didn't mean to elbow him in the face. I was just showing him the scar I had from last year's festival.


IMG_0800
All these boats are tied together to tow the icon. Religion makes the best boat motor.


IMG_0805
The barge carrying "our lady" at the height of the festival's intensity.


IMG_0797
Faith still wont keep you from flipping your boat.


IMG_0765
We are religious in our ridiculousness.


IMG_0814
And, for no apparent reason, a crate of spraypainted baby chickens.