A sea of faith washed over the streets of Cebu City as a record-shattering crowd of devotees participated in the annual Solemn Foot Procession honoring the Señor Santo Niño. The event, which commenced at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 17, 2026, saw an overwhelming turnout that underscored the deep-rooted devotion to the Holy Child.
A Pilgrimage of Millions
The number of participants this year soared to over 1.9 million, a significant increase from the 1.4 million recorded in the previous year. This figure was confirmed by Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak, who heads the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC). The 5.5-kilometer procession began at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and wound its way through major thoroughfares including D. Jakosalem, Magallanes, A. Borromeo, Leon Kilat, J. Alcantara, V. Rama Ave., B. Rodriguez, and Osmeña Boulevard before returning to its point of origin.
Stories of Faith and Gratitude
For the devotees, the procession is more than a tradition; it is a profound personal commitment. Natasha Belloc shared with SunStar Cebu that this year's event felt more organized and cleaner. She noted the spirited participation of senior citizens, aided by the presence of medics and volunteers. Her reason for never missing the procession is deeply personal: "When I gave birth to my child, he almost died, and this is my way of giving thanks," she explained.
Another devotee, Genetes Jarina, revealed she has never skipped the tradition since her prayers were answered—a feared cancer diagnosis returned a negative result. Meanwhile, 75-year-old Rosita Mercide has been joining the procession since the 1960s. Her consistent prayer has been simple yet profound: for her family's continued health and to have three meals a day.
A Peaceful and Orderly Celebration
The atmosphere was one of solemn reverence and community. By 2:00 PM, devotees had already begun gathering at the Basilica's Pilgrim Center and along Osmeña Blvd. to await the arrival of the carroza bearing the sacred image. The carroza finally arrived back at the Basilica at 3:27 in the afternoon, nearly four and a half hours after the procession began. Authorities reported a successful and secure event, with no untoward incidents recorded throughout the duration of the Solemn Foot Procession.
The massive yet orderly gathering stands as a powerful testament to the enduring faith of Cebuanos and Filipinos, transforming the city's streets into a vibrant pathway of prayer and thanksgiving.
