Virgen Maria Alegria (Spanish)
The Virgin of Joy (English)
Birhen ng Salubong (Pilipino)
One of the many titles attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This title refers to an event at dawn on the 1st Easter Sunday. It is based on tradition that at dawn when Jesus Christ have resurrected from the dead, one of the first people he saw was His mother. The meeting ( Sagrado Encuentro):
Our Sorrowful Lady, wearing a black shroud while mourning her Son's death, meets her Resurrected Son at Easter Dawn. Her black veil was lifted off her to reveal her Joy in seeing her Son. Thus, her title
Nuestra Senora Virgen Maria Alegria del Encuentro
She is most quoted as "the Virgin of Joy"
In the Philippines, Our lady is known as "Mahal na Birhen ng Salubong"
The Procession:
The Caroza bearing the icon of Our Lady (covered by a black veil) is carried along a path by women devotees. The Caroza bearing the icon of the Resurrected Christ is carried in the opposite route. As the 2 Carozas face each other, a live dove or a child dressed as an angel , descends upon the head of the icon of Our Lady to take off the black veil. Then the Jubilee starts with fireworks and great shouts of adoration and joy, as the Joy is expressed upon the meeting of the Mother and Son. Then the 2 carozas are set side by side during the Easter Mass. The celebration ends in festivities around the church as the carozas proceed to enter the church.
