The 462nd Fiesta Señor will carry the theme “Santo Niño: Shepherd of Humanity” as the Augustinian friars of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu prepare a series of religious activities leading to the Jan. 17 feast in 2027.
The theme, also translated into Filipino as “Santo Niño: Pastol ng Sangkatauhan” and Cebuano as “Santo Niño: Magbalantay sa Katawhan,” highlights the Santo Niño’s role in guiding and caring for the faithful.
Fr. Albert Benedict B. Soliman, OSA, explained that the shepherd represents God’s providential care for humanity through the ability to know, welcome, lead, protect, heal and restore the flock.
Basilica rector Rev. Fr. Andres Rivera Jr., OSA, said preparations for the annual religious celebration were almost complete when the friars announced the schedule on Thursday, Nov. 12.
The pre-fiesta activities will begin with the visitation of pilgrim images of the Señor Santo Niño de Cebu from Jan. 3 to 6.
Fr. Jules Van Almerez, the Basilica’s mass media director and media liaison, said organizers would deploy four images instead of the usual two to accommodate the growing number of institutions requesting visits.
The images will visit communities, hospitals and correctional facilities in Cebu City, Talisay, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.
The opening salvo on Jan. 7 will begin with the Penitential Walk with Jesus at 4 a.m., starting at Fuente Osmeña Circle and ending at the Basilica.
A Mass will follow at 5 a.m., followed by a short traditional Sinulog presentation.
The Basilica will hold 11 novena Masses daily at the Pilgrim Center from Jan. 7 to 16.
On Jan. 14, devotees will participate in the Walk with Mary at 4 a.m. The pilgrim image will then stay overnight at the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City.
The following day, Jan. 15, the image will travel to the National Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Regla in Lapu-Lapu City for another overnight stay. Traslaciones will also take place on both dates.
The Vísperas activities on Jan. 16 will feature the Fluvial Procession, commemorations of the First Mass, Baptism and Wedding, and the Solemn Foot Procession.
The Fluvial Procession will leave Naval Forces Central at 6 a.m. and is expected to reach Pier 1 by 8 a.m. The image will then proceed to the Basilica.
The Solemn Foot Procession will start at 1 p.m. and pass through Osmeña Boulevard, Fuente Osmeña Circle, General Maxilom Avenue, Imus Avenue and M.J. Cuenco Avenue before returning to the church.
The main fiesta on Jan. 17 will begin with the Mañanita Mass at 4 a.m., followed by the Pontifical Mass at 6 a.m.
The celebration will continue with Adlaw sa Pasalamat on Jan. 18 and end with Adlaw sa Hubo on Jan. 22.
Organizers also announced restrictions on the two bridges connecting Cebu and Mactan islands during the Fluvial Procession.
The First Mactan Bridge, also known as the Sergio Osmeña Jr. Bridge, will close to pedestrians. The Marcelo Fernan Bridge will remain open to vehicles but will also prohibit pedestrian access. People will not be allowed to stop, park or watch the procession from either bridge.
ALD Sea Transport will sponsor the galleon for the Fluvial Procession. Its owner, Antero Lato Doyon, said he was happy to participate in the religious celebration.
The organizers also introduced Michael Eric Go and his wife, Gayle Christine Go, as the 2027 hermano and hermana mayores.
Michael, a grandson of businessman Don Sulpicio Go, said his family’s devotion to the Santo Niño deepened through business challenges, particularly in 2010 when their company encountered difficulties.
He said the family turned to prayer and reflected on the sacrifices they needed to make.
“These challenges purify us from our thoughts, our actions, and make us examples to others. But the complete surrender is what was missing,” he added.
The 462nd Fiesta Señor officially opens on Jan. 7, 2027, and will culminate with Adlaw sa Hubo on Jan. 22.
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