As the vibrant Sinulog festivities commence, a pivotal tradition unfolds within the religious heart of Cebu. The Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu has announced the lay leaders who will spearhead the 461st Fiesta Señor celebration in 2026. Businessman Edgar Mary Sarmiento and his wife, Jennifer Helen Weigel-Sarmiento, have been appointed as the Hermano and Hermana Mayores for the momentous event.
The Role and Responsibilities of the Fiesta Leaders
Selected through a process that may involve volunteering, nomination by parish officials, or family custom, the Hermano and Hermana Mayores are central figures in Philippine church fiestas. Their duties are both an honor and a significant responsibility. They provide crucial financial backing and logistical coordination for the religious events, ensuring the smooth execution of the celebrations that honor the Santo Niño.
Their role extends beyond sponsorship. They actively organize key religious activities and serve as primary representatives of the devote community throughout the Fiesta Señor period. This tradition, which dates back to the Spanish colonial era's cofradías or brotherhoods, remains a cornerstone of community devotion and celebration continuity.
A Legacy Rooted in 1565
The devotion to the Holy Child Jesus in Cebu has a storied history, officially recognized as beginning in 1565. This was the year Spanish forces returned and rediscovered the sacred image of the Santo Niño. To promote this deep devotion, a confraternity was established that same year, with Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi serving as its first Hermano Mayor.
Originally called the Cofradía del Santísimo Nombre de Jesús, this brotherhood was canonically re-established in 1933 as the Cofradía del Santo Niño de Cebu. From this rich historical foundation, the roles of Hermano and Hermana Mayores have evolved into their modern form, maintaining a central position in the annual Fiesta Señor observances.
Focusing on Faith Amidst the Festival
While the Sinulog is globally famous for its spectacular street parade and energetic cultural dances, the work of the Hermano and Hermana Mayores is focused on the spiritual core of the festival. They oversee the Church's specific events that pay homage to the Holy Child Jesus, ensuring the religious significance remains paramount.
The theme for the 2026 celebration is "In Santo Niño, We Are One." This theme powerfully underscores unity in Christ, achieved through shared faith and collective devotion. It is a message the newly appointed lay leaders will embody as they guide the community through the upcoming Fiesta Señor, blending ancient tradition with contemporary celebration in the heart of Cebu.
