The Mactan Channel was transformed into a sea of devotion at dawn today as an estimated 370 registered vessels joined the Fluvial Procession of the 461st Fiesta Señor, marking a significant increase in participation compared to previous years.
The fluvial procession proper began with the 4:00 AM Send-off Mass at the National Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Regla in Lapu-Lapu City.
Following the Mass, a motorcade brought the images to Naval Forces Central (NavForCen) port, where the official galleon, MV Lite Ferry Ten, awaited their arrival.
Immediately after the enthronement of the images, the voyage across the Mactan channel began.
The procession was met by a shower of red and yellow confetti, flower petals, and handwritten prayer petitions. Devotees lined the promenades across Metro Cebu, hoping for a fleeting glimpse, and a moment to lift their prayers to the Holy Family.
By approximately 8:00 AM, the galleon reached Pier 1, where devotees welcomed the images for a short foot procession back to the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu, concluding the two-day Traslacion.
Immediately following their arrival, the Reenactment of the First Mass, Baptism, and Wedding took place at the Pilgrim Center of Basilica Minore del Sto Niño de Cebu.
This annual ceremony reminds the faithful of the gift of faith brought to the Philippines 505 years ago through the Señor Santo Niño.