Parishes in Tondo and Pandacan are preparing for the annual celebration of the Feast of Señor Santo Niño on January 18, with church officials confirming final arrangements for the religious festivities.
The Minor Basilica and Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño de Tondo and the Sto. Niño de Pandacan Parish have completed plans for the feast, which draws large crowds of devotees each year.
As part of pre‑feast activities, a procession of a replica of the Señor Santo Niño began on Wednesday and passed through various parts of Manila.
Devotees carried images of the Child Jesus in a traditional walk, including some accompanied by decorated carriages or carosas.
In Tondo, the Lakbayaw Festival 2026 is scheduled for Saturday at 7 a.m., with church officials saying it is expected to draw thousands of participants.
Last year’s Lakbayaw celebration drew an estimated 45,000 people from different parts of the country, with many arriving early to attend Mass and the colorful street celebration.
In conjunction with the feast, church officials said a total of 33 masses will be held in Tondo throughout the celebration period.
The image of the Señor Santo Niño de Tondo is regarded as the second oldest Santo Niño icon in the Philippines, brought to the country by Augustinian priests in 1572.
The Señor Santo Niño de Cebu is recognized as the oldest image in the country.
In Pandacan, the Sto. Niño de Pandacan “Buling Buling” Festival continues to be a major draw for devotees and community members, featuring a mix of religious rites, street parades, and cultural performances.
Thousands of devotees participated in last year’s Buling Buling celebration, which included a solemn Mass followed by a grand procession that wound through the streets of the district.
The Manila Police District has assured the public that a comprehensive security plan is in place to maintain order and ensure the safety of devotees during the festivities, with personnel deployed along procession routes and key parish areas.
Authorities also reminded motorists and the public to expect traffic adjustments, including temporary road closures and rerouting, as part of preparations for the feast event