Despite a revised schedule, thousands of devotees gathered on Wednesday, January 15, to witness the Traslacion 2026 from the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu to the National Shrine of Saint Joseph in Mandaue City.
Police Colonel Cirilo Acosta Jr., chief of the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), said an estimated 20,000 people attended the religious event—higher than last year’s crowd estimate of 17,000.
Of the total, about 17,300 devotees lined the procession route during the ceremonial turnover, while roughly 2,700 gathered at the National Shrine of Saint Joseph to welcome the arrival of the sacred images, Acosta said.
The 2026 Traslacion marked several firsts.
For the first time, Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano personally received the sacred images as the city’s local chief executive. It also marked the first time that both sitting mayors—Ouano and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival—jointly participated in the formal turnover, an annual tradition observed during the Traslacion.
The images of Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu and Birhen sa Guadalupe were formally welcomed by St. Joseph during the Panagtagbo sa Sagrada Familia in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City.
Ouano, together with Fr. Ian Balankig of the National Shrine of Saint Joseph, received the images from Mayor Archival and the friars of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.
Another historic first was the holding of the Traslacion on a Thursday.
In previous years, the event—highlighting the symbolic meeting of Señor Sto. Niño, Birhen sa Guadalupe, and St. Joseph—was traditionally held on a Friday.
The sacred images arrived at the National Shrine of Saint Joseph at around 9:20 a.m. after a solemn procession that moved at a slower pace than scheduled to allow devotees ample time to view and venerate the images.
Acosta said the procession was intentionally slowed to preserve the solemnity of the occasion and provide devotees with a more meaningful experience.
He added that favorable weather conditions also contributed to the strong turnout, noting that cooler temperatures encouraged greater participation.
To ensure safety and order, at least 1,600 security personnel from various agencies were deployed in two shifts, providing round-the-clock security until the images are transferred to Lapu-Lapu City on Friday, January 16.
“The Traslacion was peaceful,” Acosta said, adding that no untoward incidents were recorded.
Following the arrival of the images, church and city officials led the veneration after a welcome Mass presided over by Msgr. Rogelio Fuentes. Veneration continued until 3 a.m., followed by a farewell Mass at 4 a.m.
Mayor Ouano expressed gratitude for what he described as a peaceful and well-organized Traslacion.
He thanked Señor Sto. Niño for the opportunity to serve and expressed appreciation to the people of Mandaue City for their cooperation and discipline throughout the event.
The mayor also prayed for good health, safety, and guidance for city residents and leaders, emphasizing the importance of making decisions for the greater good.
The sacred images of the Sagrada Familia will remain overnight in Mandaue City before being transferred to Lapu-Lapu City on Friday morning, January 16. (VCL)
Photo from Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu
