Devotees and tourists welcomed the image of the Señor Santo Niño de Cebu upon its arrival at Muelle Loney on board a vessel of the Philippine Coast Guard.

The fluvial procession on Friday, January 23, 2026 started at the Iloilo Fish Port Complex and cruised the Iloilo Strait toward the Iloilo River.

Devotees endured the scorching heat of the sun in a warm gesture of thanks and veneration to the Holy Child.

A solemn foot procession followed the fluvial procession from Muelle Loney to Iznart and JM Basa Streets in Iloilo City back to San Jose Parish Placer. 

The fluvial and solemn foot processions are part of the religious highlights of the Dinagyang Festival.

Aside from various images of the Santo Niño, there were children dressed similar to the vestments of the Holy Child.

“Nag-start kami dahil gusto naming mamanata sa Señor Santo Niño. Kailangang makilala ng mga bata ang Santo Niño,” Sandra dela Cruz, a devotee, said.

Another devotee, Lany Lyn Jala from Bacolod City, has arrived in Iloilo City for the religious activities. Each year, she said, her participation to the fluvial and solemn foot processions is a fulfillment to her “panata” (solemn vow) to the Santo Niño.

“Eversince ako’y devotee na talaga ng Santo Niño. So ako’y naniniwala na joining the fluvial can complete your devotion as a Santo Niño devotee,” Jala said.

Devotees said that despite the modern world, people should not forget the essence of the Dinagyang festivity - the devotion to the Señor Santo Niño.