History

The origin of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival roots centuries ago through the rich devotion towards the Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar by the people of Zamboanga; with the lead of the patron saint's legacy.

Dating back from the Spanish Era, when the city was under the rule of the Spaniards; it was in 1635 when the invaders built a fort named Real Fuerza de San Jose for security purposes against the moro warriors. From what was then a wall to prevent the enemies; now stands tall as the center of the people's devotion; as through the years, it became the cultural center of the south and was then filled with wealthy Hispanic heritage and traditions.

It was in the year 1734; when the Lady was brought to the fort as a front piece of the main entrance. Later, the western side was then converted into a shrine for the Lady when the fort was rebuilt in 1860. Thereafter, it was renamed as the Real Fuerza de Nuestra Seňora La Virgen del Pilar de Zaragoza.

There isn't a clear record to which the festival really started. Though it was through the legends, stories, and miracles that surrounded the Virgin that the city’s devotion rose; thereafter sparking the start of the event we now know as the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.

It is said that it was during Mayor Vitaliano Agan's term when the first Hermosa Festival was held and it was also said that during that time, the events were all religion-related. Such as processions, novenas and the like.