Cebu fluvial procession: A show of devotion

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CEBU CITY — This channel between Mainland Cebu Island and Mactan came to life on Friday evening up the early hours of Saturday with colorful boats of various sizes, and with the thousands of devotees on board reciting prayers and making resonating chants.

FLUVIAL PROCESSION An aircraft drops a flower over the vessel M/V Sto. Niño-Cebu, this year's official ‘galleon’ carrying the image of Sto. Niño de Cebu, during the fluvial procession on Jan. 18, 2025. PHOTO BY KAISER JAN FUENTES

The fluvial procession was one of the side events the people of Cebu and visitors from neighboring provinces have always anticipated every edition of the renowned Sinulog Festival.

Thousands of devotees boarded their vessels as early as Jan. 17 for Cebu's 460th Fiesta Señor fluvial procession.

According to Philippine Coast Guard Central Visayas (PCG-7), over 8,000 devotees participated in the seaborne procession which saw more than 350 vessels of various sizes — from motorized boats to tugboats and yachts — crowding the Cebu-Mactan Channel.

It was a display of devotion as devotees gathered in both anticipation and reverence for the holy images of St. Joseph, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the iconic Señor Santo Niño.

For most of the devotees, it was much more than a public display; it was a deep personal expression of faith.

The long-anticipated parade ended at the Pier 1 in Cebu City.

For 25-year-old devotee Clarck Neil Alcontin from Carcar City, joining the seaborne procession for the first time was a sacrifice. He stayed awake all night to take part in the event.

Describing it as "a test of faith," Alcontin shared to The Manila Times he boarded the vessel as early as 1 a.m., though the procession began around 5 a.m. Despite the sleepless night, he found the experience fulfilling, as it deepened and renewed his faith in the Child Jesus.

"It was my first time, and all I can say is that this is devotion, this is prayer, and this is love," he said. "You have to endure both internal and ex-ternal challenges, from the lack of rest to the cold night and the heat of the day."

At approximately 8 a.m., the RoRo (roll-on, roll-of) vessel M/V Sto. Niño-Cebu, carrying the sacred images of the holy family, reached Pier 1. The images were then transferred to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño through a brief foot procession.

The fluvial procession, which marked the historic arrival of Ferdinand Magellan's ship in Cebu in 1521, continues to be a vital religious rite for Cebuano Catholics in commemoration of the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines.

"The event was generally safe, with no major incidents reported," said Ensign Abel Lomboy, public information officer of PCG-7.

While the procession largely proceeded without incident, there were some minor disruptions though. Lomboy reported that a few unregis-tered motorized boats joined the parade, despite clear advisories against this.

Additionally, some registered vessels were found in locations other than their designated spots, causing slight delays in the procession's flow.

One motor banca also ran aground near Pier 1, but the PCG confirmed that all passengers were safely rescued, ensuring the overall safety and security of the event.

Despite these challenges, the procession proceeded smoothly, as devoted participants made their way across the water.

For many, joining this centuries-old tradition provides a powerful connection to their faith, an opportunity to both reflect on their devotion and participate in a living piece of history.

Earlier in the week, the Penitential Walk with Mary procession held on Friday saw around 300,000 people walking from Fuente Osmeña to the Basilica, holding the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Señor Santo Niño while praying the Holy Rosary.