Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Annie Perez

ABS-CBN News

Around 1.9 million devotees joined in the solemn foot procession on Saturday, the eve of the Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu., according to the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.Councilor Dave Tumulak also confirmed the number.“Within the 5.5 kilometer crowd procession route, including sidewalk and inside the basilica,” said Tumulak.Last year, there were only 1.4 million devotees.Among them was John Paul Deniso.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/17/thousands-join-lakbayaw-procession-for-visperas-mayores-of-sto-ni-o-de-tondo-1118">Thousands join Lakbayaw Procession for Visperas Mayores of Sto. Niño de Tondo </a> </div>“We pray for good health and blessings, guidance for everyday. Also for Cebu to be far from calamities,” he said in Cebuano.“I’m happy to always join the procession and I always pray for my illness to get well,” added Arcelyn Deniso.The procession started at 1 p.m., and the carroza of Santo Niño was able to return back to the Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño before 5pm.Many were seen waiting by the sidelines and joined in the procession despite the heat, but the remainder of the event was cloudy.“We couldn’t ask for a better weather, what a great love. A manifestation for his love for all of us, this little Child - Señor Santo Niño,” said Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Jose Palma in his homily during the Ves Peras Mass. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/1/17/more-than-400-vessels-join-fluvial-procession-for-santo-ni-o-de-cebu-1234">More than 400 vessels join fluvial procession for Santo Niño de Cebu, a symbol of faith to the Child Jesus</a></div>Meanwhile, the Cebu City Police Office said the procession was generally peaceful.“No reported incident for the duration, there’s a little challenge about the crowd especially those narrow street but still manageable,” said Lt. Col. Jose Los Baños, spokesperson of the City Police Office. Security remains at heightened alert, especially tomorrow for the Sinulog Festival and its grand parade.<div>  </div>

Around 1.9 million devotees joined in the solemn foot procession on Saturday, the eve of the Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu.

Around 1.9 million devotees joined in the solemn foot procession on Saturday, the eve of the Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu.

1.9 million devotees join procession for Santo Niño de Cebu

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1.9 million devotees join procession for Santo Niño de Cebu

Annie Perez,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 18, 2026 12:51 AM PHT

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Tourism

Faith

Culture

Santo niño de cebu

Fiesta señor

Cebu city

Region

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