CEBU CITY: The Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, under the guidance of the Augustinian friars, has officially announced the commencement of the 459th Fiesta Señor 2024. The festivities will start with a 'walk with Jesus' on January 11 at 4 a.m., initiating a nine-day novena dedicated to the Sr. Sto. Niño. This early morning penitential walk will be followed by a Holy Mass.
According to Philippines News Agency, the novena will conclude on January 19 with a 'walk with Mary' at 4 a.m., leading into the Misa de Traslacion at 5 a.m. at the Basilica. Significant events include the Traslacion on the same day, transferring the sacred image of the Holy Child Jesus to Mandaue City at 6:45 a.m., and another Traslacion to Lapu-Lapu City scheduled to start at noon on January 20. The following day will also feature a traditional solemn foot procession at 1 p.m., just after a reenactment of the first Mass, baptism, and wedding in Asia, dating back to 1521.
The Augustinian friars have highlighted alterations in the procession routes, a decision made in collaboration with local stakeholders. The 'walk with Jesus' will now traverse a shorter path from Fuente Osmeña and Osmeña Blvd., returning to the Basilica. In contrast, the 'walk with Mary' will take the V. Rama-B. Rodriguez corridor, deviating from the usual route from the Guadalupe Church via Capitol Site. These changes are attributed to the ongoing construction of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) terminals.
Due to the extensive construction along Osmeña Blvd., the traditional solemn foot procession will instead follow a six-kilometer southern cross towards Natalio Bacalso Ave. The Basilica's advisory, dated November 15, 2023, emphasizes that these route adjustments were jointly decided by the Basilica del Sto. Niño and the Cebu City Government, prioritizing the safety of all devotees.
The advisory further urges devotees of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu participating in the processions to be cautious of the yellow separators of the CBRT development on Osmeña Blvd. The Basilica, in coordination with the Cebu City government led by Mayor Michael Rama, has committed to implementing necessary safety measures for the devotees during these events.