Basilica Expects Up to 1 Million Devotees for Walk with Jesus, Opening Activities

A wave of devotion is set to sweep through Cebu on Thursday, January 8, as Fiesta Señor opens at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño (BMSN).

Augustinian friars are preparing to welcome what could be up to 1 million attendees for the Walk with Jesus foot procession and other opening activities. 

Rev. Fr. Jules Van Almerez, media liaison of BMSN, said on Wednesday, January 7, that they expect at least 800,000 devotees on the first day. Last year, the dawn procession drew around 160,000 participants, according to security officials.

Almerez clarified that the estimate includes all first-day events, from the opening salvo mass to the scheduled hourly novena masses throughout the day.

To ensure safety and order, the basilica reminded devotees to follow security and dress code rules. Almerez emphasized that modest attire is a sign of respect for the sacred space. 

“People can dress appropriately for graduations or formal events, so they can also dress properly when entering the church,” he said.

Church advisories released on January 3 detailed clothing restrictions. 

Prohibited items include 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. 

Appropriate attire includes collared tops, knee-length skirts or dresses, polo shirts, standard T-shirts or long-sleeve shirts, jeans, slacks, wide-leg pants, office wear, or smart casual clothing.

The basilica also stressed that large bags and camping chairs are not allowed inside to maintain orderly access. 

Cebu City Police Office directives prohibit large bags, though small folding stools may be used.

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

The theme for 2026, “In Santo Niño We Are One,” reflects unity in Christ among Cebuanos and visiting devotees.

Photo from: Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu