Cebu City is bustling with excitement as it prepares to host the grand 459th Fiesta Señor, a deeply cherished tradition that attracts a multitude of devotees each year. With no restrictions in place this time, the management of the Basilica Del Santo Niño is anticipating a significant turnout of participants engaging in the penitential walks and other religious activities.
The sacred festivities will commence on Thursday, January 11, with the ‘Walk with Jesus’ tradition, marking the beginning of a nine-day novena dedicated to the child Jesus. The novena will culminate on the ninth day with the ‘Walk with Mary,’ embracing the devout spirit of the celebration.
Rev. Fr. John Ion Miranda from the Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño called upon all devotees, pilgrims, and guests to comply with the protocols established for the safe, orderly, and solemn conduct of the religious celebration, ensuring a harmonious and devout atmosphere throughout the events.
A pivotal moment of the Fiesta Señor is the Traslacion on January 19. During this event, the revered images of the Virgin of Guadalupe and Sto. Niño will be ceremoniously transported to the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City. The sacred images will then embark on a motorcade journey to Lapu-Lapu City, setting the stage for the much-anticipated January 20 Fluvial Procession.
Participants eager to join the Fluvial Procession have until January 15 to register, as announced by the Coast Guard Station in Central Cebu. This maritime procession promises to be a spiritually enriching experience, leading to the reenactment of the first-ever baptism in the Philippines at the Pilgrim Grounds of the Basilica del Santo Niño.
The festivities will reach their zenith on January 20 with the Solemn Foot Procession at noon, followed by the Visperas mass. This mass signifies the culmination of the hour-long traditional Sinulog dance, a vibrant and colorful expression of devotion and cultural heritage.
As Cebu City readies itself for the 459th Fiesta Señor, the air is filled with a sense of devotion and excitement, promising a spiritually uplifting and culturally enriching experience for all attendees.