Around 10,000 devotees joined the Feast of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague in Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City, according to the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) as of 1 p.m. of Thursday, January 15, 2026.

An hour before the procession, catholic faithful arrived gradually at the Shrine Hills for the celebration of the 58th Feast Day and Enthronement Anniversary of the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague.

Devotees brought with them images of the Santo Niño.

“Amoa siyang ginabihisan, ginasaninaan namo ni then kanang kada tuig pag naay okasyon sa amoa labi na og pasko, naa gyud na sila sa table, dili pwede nga naa lang sa mga altar, ginanaug na namo,” a devotee, Janet Uedono, said.

Some devotees also brought tables and chairs as some families made it their tradition to gather every year during the feast.

“Panata gyud na namo. So, layo pa magplano nami unsa amoang dalhon, diri nami ana, nagdala mig biko, mga pagkaon,” another devotee, Evelyn Audnarine, said.

“Ang tanan nakong pangamuyo sa iya nga sa tibuok tuig nga himsog ang panglawas. Hinaot unta nga gabayan mi niya sa amoang mga plano sa kinabuhi, ihatag niya ang kamayo ug syempre ilayo mi niya sa dautang katalagman,” Eudono added.

The procession of the image of Señor Sto. Niño began within the Shrine compound around 5 a.m.

The Infant Jesus enshrined at the Shrine is an authentic replica of the original Infant Jesus of Prague from the Czech Republic.

Devotees also lined up for the traditional “pahalik.”

Reverend Father Ruperto Jamili III said that the devotion to Señor Sto. Niño, as seen in the feast celebration, reflects a central truth of the Catholic faith.

“Ang atong debosyon ni Señor Sto.Niño nga dayag kaayo niining atong pagsaulog sa kapistahan may kalabutan sa dakong kamatuoran sa atong pagtuo, ang misteryo sa pagkahimong tao sa anak sa Diyos. Viva Señor Sto.Niño,” Jamili said.

Hourly novena prayers and Holy Masses were held until 4:30 p.m.