The Feast of Santo Niño: A Celebration of Faith and Heritage
Hundreds of devotees visit 400 figures of Santo Niño exhibited at the Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay City on Thursday, 16 January.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN CARLO MAGALLON, ARAM JAN LASCANO AND LARRY CRUZ FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE
The Feast of Santo Niño, celebrated every third Sunday of January, holds profound cultural and spiritual significance for Filipinos.
It commemorates the introduction of Catholicism to the Philippines in 1521, marked by the gifting of the Santo Niño (Holy Child) statue to Queen Juana of Cebu by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. This sacred icon symbolizes the Filipino people’s enduring faith and connection to their Christian roots.
CATHOLIC devotees carry the image of Señor Santo Niño during a fluvial procession at the annual Salibanda Festival in Pakil, Laguna, on Saturday, 18 January.
This feast is not just a religious observance but also a vibrant showcase of Filipino culture and traditions. Cities like Cebu and Kalibo transform into colorful spectacles during the celebration, with the Sinulog and Ati-Atihan festivals taking center stage.
These festivities involve lively street parades, traditional dances and rhythmic drumbeats that mimic the historical devotion of the people to the Santo Niño. Pilgrims flock to churches to attend novenas, processions and Holy Masses, reflecting the deep reverence for the Child Jesus.
DEVOTEES of Pandacan, Manila celebrate the yearly ‘Buling-buling,’ a religious and cultural festival highlighted by a street dance celebration that honors the child Jesus as patron saint. The festival is held annually on the third Saturday of January.
The relevance of the Feast of Santo Niño transcends its historical roots. It serves as a unifying event for Filipinos across social classes and regions, fostering a sense of community and shared heritage. It also reminds the faithful of the values of humility, innocence, and faith embodied by the Holy Child.
For many, it is a time of renewal, a chance to deepen their relationship with God, and an opportunity to give thanks for blessings received.
In a nation where faith is intertwined with daily life, the Feast of Santo Niño stands as a testament to the Filipinos’ resilience and unwavering spirituality. It celebrates not only the birth of Catholicism in the country but also the enduring spirit of a people who find strength and hope in their devotion to the Holy Child.
