OVER 400 vessels joined the fluvial procession as part of the 461st Fiesta Senor in Mactan Channel, Cebu on Saturday, Jan. 17. (Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu)
CEBU CITY – Two major religious events held as part of the 461st Fiesta Senor here drew huge crowds on Saturday, Jan. 17.
Even before sunrise, thousands of devotees from Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu cities gathered on the coastline to witness the fluvial procession in the Mactan Channel.
The Coast Guard Station-Central Visayas (CGS-7) said 420 vessels took part in the fluvial procession, including the galleon that carried Sagrada Familia, bearing the images of Saint Joseph the Worker, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the Señor Santo Niño.
CGS-7 Commander Jerome Lozada said no untoward incidents were recorded in the fluvial procession held on the eve of the Feast of the Santo Nino.
Hours after the fluvial procession, the Sinulog 2026 Solemn Foot Procession was held.
Authorities said around 1.9 million devotees participated in the annual penitential walk honoring the Señor Santo Niño.
The procession traversed a 5.5-kilometer route, starting and ending at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu.
The Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) said the two major events ended with zero crime incidents.
PRO-7 chief Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the peaceful conduct of the religious events was a result of proactive security strategies, intelligence-driven deployment, and close coordination with local government units, various government agencies, and the community.