The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu has announced significant schedule adjustments for the upcoming 461st Fiesta Señor in January 2026, designed to provide devotees more time for veneration of the holy image. The changes come as organizers confirm the Sinulog festivities will proceed as planned despite recent challenges.
Revised Schedule for Enhanced Devotion
One of the most notable changes involves the Walk with Mary procession, which will now take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026 instead of its traditional Friday schedule. According to Fr. Jules Van Villa Almerez, OSA, the Basilica's media liaison, this adjustment addresses previous concerns about limited veneration time.
"Many cannot approach the image, many cannot kiss the image," Almerez explained, highlighting the need for schedule modifications that allow longer public access to the Santo Niño.
The new itinerary permits the Santo Niño image to remain overnight at the St. Joseph National Shrine in Mandaue City on January 15. The following day, January 16, the image will travel to the Nuestra Señora de Regla Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City for a second overnight stay, eliminating the previous compressed schedule that resulted in late-night transfers.
Sinulog Festival Proceeds Despite Challenges
Following Typhoon Tino's impact on November 4, rumors circulated about potential cancellation of the Sinulog Festival. However, Sinulog Foundation Inc. Executive Director Jojo Labella has confirmed the festivities will continue under the theme "In Sto. Niño We Are One."
"As of this point in time, after all the catastrophes, there is no announcement or decision of not holding Sinulog festivities," Labella stated in a text message.
Preparations are advancing with 31 contingents already registered for the grand parade ahead of the November 30 deadline. To improve crowd management after congestion issues during the 2025 event, SFI plans to limit the number of participating contingents.
The festival will feature the return of the brass band competition and introduce a new choreographed choral competition. Organizers are also considering "pocket Sinulog" events in specific areas, though details remain under development.
Complete Event Schedule and Security Measures
The remaining key events for the 461st Fiesta Señor include:
Saturday, January 17: Fluvial Procession in the early morning, solemn procession in the afternoon, and visperas mass in the evening.
Sunday, January 18: Fiesta Day celebrations.
The m/v Lite Ferry Ten from Lite Shipping Corporation will serve as the Official Galleon for the seaborne procession. Edgar Mary Sarmiento and his wife, Jennifer Helen Weigel Sarmiento, will act as Hermano and Hermana Mayores for the celebration.
Security and traffic controls will be implemented starting with the novena masses from January 8 to January 16. The Cebu City Police Office, supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, will maintain presence until January 23.
Key security measures include:
Devotees are strongly discouraged from bringing large backpacks and encouraged to use transparent bags when entering the Basilica.
The Cebu City Transportation Office will enforce strict "no parking" policies around the Basilica, particularly along Legaspi Street, with violators facing towing.
Designated parking areas will be available at Plaza sa Katawhan, Compania Maritima, Manalili, and Plaridel areas.
All devotees must enter through the Magellan's Cross kiosk gate, with separate access points for PWDs, senior citizens, and other designated groups.
The Basilica gates will close when reaching the maximum capacity of approximately 5,000 mass attendees.
Authorities are coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard and Maritime Industry Authority to ensure safety during the fluvial procession, including vessel registration and safety certification. The final procession route and dry run date will be determined after a coordination meeting on November 25.
In related developments, engineers have certified that the Basilica, Pilgrim Center, and School structures remain "structurally sound" following the September 30 earthquake, though retrofitting work on the Basilica continues.
