Fiesta Señor seen to draw 1 million devotees

Local

AUGUSTINIAN friars of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño (BMSN) de Cebu are expecting to welcome up to one million devotees for the Walk with Jesus foot procession and other opening activities of Fiesta Señor on Thursday morning, Jan. 8.

Rev. Fr. Jules Van Almerez, media liaison of BMSN, said on Wednesday, Jan. 7, that they anticipate at least 800,000 devotees to join the first-day religious events.

Almerez added that the number could rise to one million or more that would mark a sharp increase from last year, when security forces recorded an estimated 160,000 participants in the Walk with Jesus dawn procession.

He clarified to MyTV Cebu that his estimate includes the total number of attendees for the day, covering the opening salvo mass and the scheduled hourly novena masses.

The basilica also reminded devotees to observe safety, security, and dress code guidelines while visiting the

church.

“People can dress appropriately for graduations or formal events, so they can also dress properly when entering the church,” Almerez said, emphasizing the importance of respecting the sacred space.

In advisories released on Saturday, Jan. 3, church officials outlined proper attire and behavior inside the Basilica.

They reminded the public that modest clothing shows respect for the shrine’s sacredness.

Officials prohibited spaghetti straps, tube tops, tank tops, sleeveless or plunging-neckline tops, racerbacks, bareback tops, sandos, crop tops, short skirts, ripped jeans, shorts, see-through clothing, sheer shawls, and hats or caps inside the church.

Devotees are encouraged to wear collared blouses or tops with sleeves, knee-length dresses or skirts, polo shirts, collared shirts, standard T-shirts or long-sleeve shirts, jeans, slacks, wide-leg pants, office wear, or smart casual attire.

The basilica also emphasized strict enforcement of restrictions on large bags and camping chairs to maintain orderly access and ensure a safe environment.

Cebu City Police Office directives prohibit large bags inside Basilica premises to streamline security checks.

While camping chairs are not allowed, small folding stools may be used.

Fiesta Señor officially begins with Novena Masses on Thursday, Jan. 8, leading up to the feast day.

This year’s celebration carries the theme “In Santo Niño We Are One,” reflecting unity in Christ through shared faith and devotion among Cebuanos and visiting devotees.(MyTVCebu)