Every year, the Fiesta Señor brings together the faithful in a powerful expression of hope, devotion, and love for the Holy Child. It is a time to reflect on His enduring presence and the hope He offers to all who walk in His light.

As dawn broke over Cebu, the streets of Osmeña Boulevard were filled with thousands of devotees, each carrying symbols of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu—candles, banners, and images—shining brightly in hues of yellow and red. Their gathering was a profound witness to their faith and devotion, marking the start of the 460th Fiesta Señor celebration.

The day began with the Penitential Walk with Jesus at 4:00 o’clock in the morning, a solemn procession that gathered an estimated 160,000 faithful together in prayer and reflection. 

At the heart of the solemn procession was the carroza of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu, accompanied by the Augustinian community led by Rev. Fr. Andres D. Rivera Jr., OSA, Rector of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, together with the representatives of the outgoing Hermano and Hermana Mayores, Mr. Valentino Sandiego and Mrs. Ofelia Sandiego, as well as the Augustinian priests, brothers, laity, volunteers, and devotees.

As the procession reached the Basilica, the faithful joyfully and reverently welcomed the image of the Holy Child. This marked the beginning of the Opening Salvo Mass, presided over by Fr. Rivera with the theme, “Santo Niño: Hope of the Pilgrim Church.”

Formal installation of this year’s Hermano and Hermana Mayores, Mr. Dante Uy Matiao and Mrs. Gremar Teresa Uy Matiao, followed right after the homily.

The Opening Salvo concluded with the Traditional Religious Sinulog, a vibrant expression of praise and worship.

As we open another chapter of our devotion stories, may we always remain fervent in our prayers, filled with hope and love from the Batobalani sa Gugma, Señor Santo Niño de Cebu./Ceraley Cabiltes, BMSN Media Centre student volunteer