In a powerful display of faith, thousands of devotees converged in Lapu-Lapu City on Friday, January 16, 2026, for a major religious procession. The event, part of the 461st celebration of the Fiesta Señor, saw the sacred images of the Holy Family transferred between cities in a tradition known as Traslacion.
A Peaceful Procession Amidst the Rain
Despite intermittent rain, the atmosphere remained solemn and orderly as an estimated 9,000 devotees participated. The images of the Sto. Niño de Cebu, St. Joseph, and Our Lady of Guadalupe made their journey from the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City to the Virgen de la Regla National Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City.
Lapu-Lapu City Police Office Operations Chief, Lt. Col. Ardioleto Cabagnot, reported a successful security operation. "Overall, we assess the event was orderly and manageable. We did not observe any major problems nor record any incidents," Cabagnot stated in Cebuano. Authorities estimated that about 7,300 people lined the procession route, while another 1,800 filled the church grounds.
Stories of Faith and Healing
For many participants, the Traslacion 2026 was more than a ritual; it was a source of profound personal strength. Wena Balestine, a 55-year-old devotee, shared her story with local media. A follower of the Santo Niño for three years, Balestine believes in the healing power of her faith.
She suffers from a goiter, frequent body pains, weakness, fainting spells, and breathing difficulties. "However, while she is relatively new to participating in religious events, she said these have become a source of strength for her," the report highlighted. Her participation symbolizes the hope and spiritual refuge that the Fiesta Señor provides to countless individuals.
Looking Ahead: Fluvial Procession and Grand Finale
The religious observances continued with heightened anticipation for the following day. On Saturday, January 17, the holy images were scheduled to return to Cebu City via a traditional fluvial procession at dawn.
The weeklong series of events will culminate in the 2026 Santo Niño Grand Procession on Saturday afternoon. This grand finale is expected to draw millions of devotees and visitors from across the nation and beyond, capping off the 461st Fiesta Señor celebrations.
Police authorities indicated that security measures would be increased for the seaborne fluvial procession, ensuring the safety of all participants as the vibrant expression of faith continues.
