The 461st Fiesta of the Señor Santo Niño in Cebu City commenced with a massive and peaceful religious procession in the early hours of Thursday, January 8, 2026. The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) described the Walk with Jesus event along Osmeña Boulevard as orderly and serene, setting a positive tone for the upcoming Sinulog celebrations.
Record-Breaking Devotion Amidst Adversity
An estimated 240,000 devotees participated in the 4:00 AM procession, a significant increase compared to the previous year. Authorities and observers attribute this surge in participation to a deepening of faith and devotion among Cebuanos following recent calamities. The community has sought spiritual solace after being affected by earthquakes and typhoons that impacted Cebu province.
Security and Isolated Incident
To ensure the safety of the massive crowd, the CCPO deployed close to 500 police officers and force multipliers along the procession route. The security preparations proved largely effective. The event concluded without any major incidents, although police did apprehend one woman for causing a disturbance. Reports indicate the individual "went wild" and spat on other devotees before being taken into custody.
Traffic Flow and Future Improvements
While the overall event was smooth, a minor traffic bottleneck was experienced near the Abellana area due to the ongoing BRT station construction. This temporary congestion was managed by traffic personnel on site. Following the successful operation, the CCPO plans to conduct a full assessment of their security measures. The goal is to identify areas for improvement to enhance safety protocols for the remaining religious activities during the festival of the Holy Child.
The successful and peaceful holding of the Walk with Jesus procession reinforces the significance of the Sinulog as a cornerstone of Cebuano cultural and religious identity, demonstrating resilience and unity among its people.
