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The Basque’s Presence and Nuestra Señora de Aránzazu de San Mateo


The red brick facade of San Mateo Church. Home of our Lady of Aranzazu.
The image of the Virgen de Aránzazu of San Mateo is one enduring remnant of Basque influence in the country. The Agustinos who was with the Legazpi expedition, a predominantly Basque contingent, created the first church in San Mateo but it was the Jesuits who brought the image of our Lady of Aranzazu in the town.
A blogger pal and a local of San Mateo, Traveler on Foot, had written great articles about the town’s fiesta, legends, kakanin, wars  and its devotion to Nuestra Señora de Aránzazu de San Mateo.
The present day Church of San Mateo, which can be found in...