A total of 150 decorated boats manned by festive fishermen participated in a fluvial procession on Friday to mark the culmination of the Pamulinawen Festival in this city.

Devotees started the procession of the image of William the Hermit, the city’s patron saint, from the cathedral, passing through downtown Laoag and leading to the coastal villages of Metro Gabu and Metro La Paz for the grand fluvial parade.

“The fluvial procession marks the formal closing of the Pamulinawen Festival,” Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon, who joined the procession, said in a statement. “We have carried this out as a tribute to our patron saint, the source of many blessings.”

The fluvial parade is in its sixth year.

Aside from the image of St. William, the images of San Guillermo, San Rafael, and Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje were also part of the procession.

Laoag City tourism officer, lawyer Charito Malicad, said the Pamulinawen Festival serves as a testament to the city’s enduring spirit and rich cultural heritage.

He added that more than just a celebration, the festival fosters economic growth, tourism, and community collaboration.

“Our theme is ‘prevail,’ which means to succeed, triumph,” Malicad said as he thanked everyone who played a vital role in making this year’s celebration memorable and extra meaningful. (PNA)