More than 10,000 people from different parts of the country attended the festival of Sto. Niño "Lakbayaw" in Tondo, Manila on Saturday, Jan. 14, said the Manila Police District (MPD).
The traditional "Lakbayaw" is a word derived from two Filipino words "lakbay (travel)" and "sayaw (dance)." It is an annual procession accompanied by dance, music, and colorful costumes during the Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto welcomed the festival attendees.
"Matapos ang dalawang taon, nandito po tayo nagsasama sama upang ganapin ang kauna-unahang Lakbayaw matapos ang dalawang taon (After two years, we are here together to celebrate the first Lakbayaw after two years)," the mayor greeted.
She said the Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo has been celebrated for over 451 years.
After the mass at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño de Tondo, 12 dance groups performed at the Lakbayaw Dance Competition.
Many Sto. Niño images in colorful costumes were waved by the attendees while chanting Viva Sto. Niño.
MPD said the festivities proceeded smoothly as expected.