WATCH: Devotees join Lakbayaw for Sto. Niño de Tondo

Devotees of the Sto. Niño de Tondo woke up early on Saturday to join the annual Lakbayaw, a procession of the image of the Child Jesus from the Minor Basilica and Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño or Tondo Church and around the adjacent streets.

The Lakbayaw started at 7 a.m. after the 6 a.m. Mass at the Minor Basilica and Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño.

Images of the Sto. Niño were carried by devotees in their arms or on mini carriages.

Lakbayaw comes from the words "lakbay" and "sayaw" and devotees are expected to dance and pray during the procession.

Participants bring their own images of the Sto. Niño or even dress up their children like the Child Jesus during the Lakbayaw. Danny Pata

“Ang Lakbayaw Procession ay isang yamang pandebosyon ng ating Parokya kaya't nararapat lamang na atin itong panatiling banal at mapayapa. Ang gawaing ito ay walang katumbas na papremyo o anumang kalakip na halaga sa pagpaparangal sa Banal na Sanggol,” Minor Basilica and Archdiocesan Shrine Parish of Santo Niño de Tondo earlier said.

(The Lakbayaw Procession is a cherished devotional tradition of our parish, and it is only fitting that we keep it sacred and peaceful. This act of devotion carries no reward or material gain, but is solely meant to honor the Holy Child.) —KG, GMA Integrated News