On the second day of our trip to Cebu for the Sinulog Festival 2013, we witnessed the Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Nino in city’s downtown. It was undoubtedly one of the most religious and sincere activities during the festival. Read more…
We were outside the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino under the heat when the ceremonies began. According to the account of one witness, traditions dating back to the Spanish times were performed. However, only the replica, a mere few years younger than the original image, was brought to the procession, as the original cannot ever leave the basilica.
With us outside were an estimated 2.7 million devotees and tourists scattered along the streets of downtown Cebu. There was no beat nor fanfare but only a show of faith, and as the miraculous Sto. Nino passed by, people raised their hands and worshipped by cheering “Pit Senyor!” Also raised were household images of different sizes for them to be blessed.
By the sheer number of devotees present, I realized that despite how unpopular the opinion of the Catholic leadership is on social issues, the Filipino faith in God is unfaltering.
We had to leave early, but according again to what I read, the procession traversed the 5.7-km route in under five hours. As the procession was near Plaza Independencia, within the proximity of the basilica, there was a brief shower. Devotees read this as a blessing.
All Sinulog Festival 2013 photos were taken by Patrick Velasco.
