The 41st Grand Marian Procession in Intramuros, Manila this December has been canceled.
Father Reginald Malicdem, rector of the Manila Cathedral, said they were already informed by the organizers regarding the cancellation of the activity.
"We were informed by the Cofradia de la Inmaculada Concepcion, Inc. about the cancellation," he said in an interview Saturday.
"I do not know if the Cofradia has other plans. All they said was there will be no procession," added Malicdem.
It is at the Manila Cathedral where the Mass before the procession is usually held.
In an announcement, the Cofradia said they together with the Intramuros Administration (IA), have decided to cancel the 41st Intramuros Grand Marian Procession (IGMP) scheduled on December 6, 2020 to "adhere to the government's policies in controlling the spread of the corona virus that is affecting our country and the world."
It added:"The health and safety of everybody must be considered."
The announcement was shared by the San Agustin Church in their Facebook page Thursday.
Held every first Sunday of December, the Marian procession is a revival of the tradition that originated in Intramuros on December 8, 1619.
IA and the Cofradia have organized the annual festivity since 1980, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) replicating the full-force military participation during the processions of old.