A solemn dawn procession known as the “Walk with Jesus” drew an estimated 160,000 devotees on Thursday, marking the opening of festivities in honor of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu.

The procession began at the Fuente Osmeña Rotunda, with devotees lining Osmeña Boulevard as they accompanied the revered image of Santo Niño to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño for the opening Mass of the 460th Fiesta Señor.

Despite drizzles, devotees light up the streets for the procession, kicking off this year’s celebration, coincided with the Traslacion of Jesus Nazareno in Manila.

Col. Antonieto Cañete, director of the Cebu City police, said the procession went well with no untoward incidents, crediting the preparations by the city government and the deployment of over 3,000 personnel from the police, military, coast guard, and fire department.

The devotees celebrated the first novena mass led by the rector at the Basilica, Fr. Andres Rivera Jr., who, in his Homily, offered two points for the devotees of the Holy Child to ponder for this year’s fiesta: the importance of modest attire within the church and the rejection of unapproved depictions of Santo Niño.

“According to comments, Santo Niño would just understand (those who don’t have proper attire). It’s the Augustinian friars who are stricter than God… According to the song (Bato Balani sa Gugma, read: Magnet of Love), there were two purposes why the church now called the Basilica was built, to be a place for the Santo Niño and to be a place where people receive God’s mercy,” Rivera said.

He said the traditional image of Santo Niño, gifted by Ferdinand Magellan, wears red, symbolizing its true form as prescribed by the church.

Rivera urged devotees to avoid alternative depictions, such as Santo Niño in green garments, police uniforms, or dressed as “Santo Niño Palaboy” (a wandering child) with minimal attire.

Despite reminders, stores around the area continue to sell unapproved variations of Santo Niño, reflecting diverse interpretations of the beloved image. (PNA)