Organizers of the 461st Fiesta Señor will bar politicians from boarding the galleon during the January 2026 fluvial procession to preserve the solemn and purely religious nature of one of Cebu’s most significant faith traditions.
Rev. Fr. Jules Van Villa Almerez, OSA, media liaison friar-in-charge of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu (BMSN) fluvial procession, said the final passenger list has been prepared and deliberately limits participation to Church leaders and religious partners.
“For the galleon, we already have a prepared list. This includes the archbishop and his guests, sponsors, members of the Hermandad, and other invited guests,” Almerez said during a press briefing on Wednesday, January 7.
He explained that most politicians were excluded to avoid politicizing the event or provoking negative reactions from devotees.
“If politicians are there, it might not look good to others. People may ask why they are there, especially now when issues like corruption are being raised. We want people to feel joy when they see the galleon, not anger,” Almerez said.
The priest clarified that a small number of government officials may still be allowed aboard, not because of their political roles but because of operational responsibilities, such as ensuring safety and order.
“There will be politicians who can board, but these are partners of the Basilica by function—for example, a city councilor in charge of peace and order. They are allowed not because they are politicians, but because of their responsibilities,” he said.
The Basilica also announced Lite Ferries 10 as the official galleon for the 2026 fluvial procession, which will carry the Santo Niño image on the morning of Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Mr. Edgar Mary Sarmiento and Mrs. Jennifer Helen Weigel Sarmiento were named Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayor of the 461st Fiesta Señor, leading the major religious activities.
Under the revised 2026 schedule, the Walk with Mary will be held on Thursday, January 15, giving devotees in Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and nearby towns more time for prayer. The Santo Niño image will stay overnight at St. Joseph National Shrine in Mandaue before proceeding to Nuestra Señora de Regla Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City.
The fluvial procession will take place early January 17, followed by the solemn procession in the afternoon and the Vísperas Mass in the evening. Novena masses run from January 8 to 16, with the Fiesta Señor culminating on Sunday, January 18.
Church officials said the tightened controls on galleon passengers and schedule adjustments aim to uphold the religious integrity of the celebration while ensuring order and safety for the millions of devotees expected to attend. (LLP)
Image/The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu
