VALENCIA, Negros Oriental, Oct. 4 (PIA) -- The municipality formally opened its 171st fiesta celebration in honor of the town’s patroness, Our Lady of the Abandoned.

The opening salvo was held on Oct. 3 which kicked off with a novena mass at the Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned, followed by a procession of the statue of the Virgin around the main streets of Valencia.

The statue of the Lay of the Abandoned was then brought to the municipal plaza for the offering of flowers by local officials, residents, and other devotees.

Young residents of the town also offered a dance to the Virgin.

Valencia Tourism Officer Designate Desiderio Tilos said this is the town’s way of showing their faith and gratitude and also honoring the Lady who is also known as Nuestra Señora De Los Desemparados.

A short program took place at the municipal plaza featuring performances from local bands, dancers, singers, and other artists.
Another highlight of the opening salvo was the presentation of the candidates of the “Mutya ng Valencia” Pageant.

Valencia Mayor Edgar Teves Jr. invited Valencianons and the public to join the activities set by the local government unit leading up to the fiesta on Oct. 12, 2022.

“Atong gina-encourage ang atong mga kaigsoonan (to see) what’s best in Valencia. Ang among kultura, makita nato ang mga tawo dire maayo og kinaiya (We are encouraging everyone to see what’s best in Valencia. Our culture and our people here are nice),” Teves said.

Part of the fiesta activities include the Dog Show Competition on Oct. 6, medical-dental mission on Oct. 7, Battle of Sound and Car Audio Display on Oct. 8, Civic-Military Parade and Puhag King and Queen Showcase on Oct. 11, and Fiesta Disco Night on Oct. 12, all of which will be held at the Municipal Plaza.

The “Mutya ng Valencia” pre-pageant night will be held on Oct. 7 while the coronation night will be on Oct. 8 at the municipal gymnasium.

For more details about the fiesta events and activities, visit the Valencia Municipal Tourism Office’s official Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ValenciaNegOrTourismOffice.  (RAL/PIA7 Negros Oriental)