CEBU CITY— Long before traffic lights mattered and shops opened their doors, Cebu’s main roads yielded to prayer. This tradition continued Thursday as over 200,000 devotees participated in the annual Walk with Mary and the subsequent Traslacion Mass, marking a significant commencement to the 461st Fiesta Señor celebrations.
A Dawn Procession and Symbolic Gathering
The dawn procession began around 3 a.m. when the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, originating from the Archdiocesan Shrine in Barangay Guadalupe, met the Señor Santo Niño at Fuente Osmeña Circle. This meeting symbolized the gathering of the Holy Family and initiated the route toward the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu.
Thousands of devotees were already gathered inside and around the Basilica as the Traslacion Mass followed the Walk with Mary. Cebu City officials estimated the total crowd size at approximately 216,000 people. Councilor David Tumulak, chair of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, reported 152,000 participants along the procession route and an additional 64,000 within and around the Basilica.
Peaceful Observance and Security Measures
While this year’s participation was lower than the estimated 300,000 devotees from the previous year, authorities reported a peaceful and orderly event. LtCol. Franco Rudolf Oriol, deputy city director for administration of the Cebu City Police Office, confirmed no major incidents occurred during the procession. He attributed this success to the cooperation of the public and effective coordination between law enforcement and local government.
Roughly 1,700 personnel, including police, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Joint Task Group Cebu, and ROTC cadets, were deployed before dawn to secure the event. Volunteers also assisted in managing the crowds along the route extending to Mandaue City. Forecasted rain may have contributed to the lower turnout, potentially discouraging some senior citizens and other devotees from participating.
Continuing the Observance
Rev. Fr. Joselito Danao, during the Day Eight Novena Mass at 5:30 a.m., reminded devotees of the core tenets of their faith, stating, “The final destiny, final conclusion for each one of us will be one family in God in heaven.” He also urged the faithful to embody forgiveness, mercy, love, and service in their daily lives.
Following the Walk with Mary, the images were transported to the National Shrine of Saint Joseph in Mandaue City for an overnight stay, providing an opportunity for devotees from neighboring towns to venerate the Sagrada Familia. This visit coincides with Mandaue City’s Panagtagbo Festival, integrating the religious observance with broader community celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fiesta Señor?
The Fiesta Señor is a 461-year-old religious celebration in Cebu City, serving as the religious counterpart to the Sinulog Festival.
How many people participated in the Walk with Mary and Traslacion Mass?
City officials estimated that around 216,000 devotees took part in the Walk with Mary and Traslacion Mass on Thursday.
Were there any security concerns during the event?
Authorities reported that the event was peaceful and orderly, with no major incidents occurring. Approximately 1,700 personnel were deployed to ensure security.
As the Fiesta Señor celebrations continue, it is likely that participation will fluctuate based on weather conditions and the scheduling of other events. The coming days may see increased devotion as the festivities unfold.
