Santo Nino Novena Mass and Procession

Every year thousands of devotees would flock to Cebu City to pay homage to the City’s patron, Senor Santo Nino. The foot traffic at the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, home of the Infant Jesus would normally start around 9 days before the feast day itself during the start of the novena which would then culminate on the third Sunday of January.

During the nine day-novena the Basilica is filled with devotees carrying candles and images of Santo Nino as they hear the mass. People from all walks of life would come to the Basilica to pay homage, and offer prayer to the Santo Nino for all the blessings given and for the answered prayers, as well. Some also go to the church to seek guidance or ask for help.

During the last day of the novena, a fluvial procession is held where the image of the Santo Nino is brought to the Mactan channel. In the afternoon is the foot procession where the image is bround around the city. The procession route is more than 6 kilometers long but the devotess do mind mind walking for hours, all for the love of Senor Santo Nino.

During the procession last Saturday, thousands braved the heavy downpour and still joined the procession. This simply shows how the Cebuanos love the Infant Jesus. It as already dark when the caro bearing the image of Sto Nino arrived at the Basilica.

The Sinulog Festival which is held every third Sunday of January is celebrated in honor of Senor Santo Nino. But to totally experience the religious aspect of the festival, one has to go to th Basilica and experience the Novena, the fluvial procession and the foot procession ans it is here where the real essence of Sinulog can be felt. So if you get a chance to have an All Inclusive Holidays for next year’s Sinulog, I would recommend that before heading to the streets for the streetdancing and non stop partying, go to the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino first.

You should experience the biggest festival in the country next year! The Philippines number one airline, Cebu Pacific Air, flies daily to Cebu. Book early to get the lowest fares. Check out their website for the lowest airline fares! With Cebu Pacific, it’s time Every Juan Juan flies!