Pasay grand procession showcased 400 Sto. Niño images

Over 400 images of the Sto. Niño were showcased in grand carriages during a vibrant procession in Pasay City on Sunday as part of this year’s Fiesta del Sto. Niño.

In Katrina Son’s report for 24 Oras Weekend, Judy, a devotee, shared her unwavering commitment to joining the annual procession.

“Wala akong anak na lalaki, puro babae mga anak ko. Mula nang bigyan ako ng Sto Niño, ang apo ko puro lalaki, pito, kaya nanampalataya talaga ako sa kanya,” Judy said.

(All my children are female, but after receiving an image of the Sto. Niño, all seven of my grandchildren are male. That’s why I have deep faith in Him.)

Seventy-six-year-old Myrna, despite her impaired vision, joined the procession with her family and their cherished Sto. Niño images. She prayed for the safety and health of her loved ones.

This year’s Fiesta del Sto. Niño carried the theme “Ang Sto Niño, Pag-asa Ng Naglalakbay Ang Sambayanan.”

According to Jesse Nelle, chairman of the Fiesta del Sto. Niño, this year marked the largest procession since the event resumed after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“So ito po ay very festive procession. Kakaiba ito sa nangyayari sa Nazareno dahil ito ay sinasaliwa ng mga tugtugin at sayawan ng mga tao upang ang kanilang mga kahilingan ay ibigay sa poong Sto Niño,” Nelle explained.

(This is a very festive procession. It is different from the Traslacion as it features music and dancing, with devotees offering their prayers and requests to the Sto. Niño.)

The procession commenced at Pasay City Hall and followed a route that included F.B. Harrison Street, EDSA, and Roxas Boulevard, before turning onto Buendia and concluding at Jalandoni Street.

According to a dzBB report, approximately 40,000 devotees participated in this grand religious event.

The feast of the Sto. Niño honors the virtues of the Child Jesus Christ and is widely celebrated in various parts of the Philippines, including Pandacan and Tondo in Manila, Iloilo City, Cebu City, and Kalibo, Aklan. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/DVM, GMA Integrated News