Preparations Underway for the 459th Fiesta Señor 2024: Augustinian Friars Announce Event Details and Route Changes

 CEBU CITY – The Augustinian friars of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño confirmed on Saturday that preparations are in full swing for the celebration of the 459th Fiesta Señor 2024.

According to the Basilica's advisory, the nine-day novena honoring Sr. Sto. Niño will kick off with a penitential “walk with Jesus” at 4 a.m. on Jan. 11, followed by a Holy Mass.

The novena will conclude on Jan. 19 with a “walk with Mary” at 4 a.m., succeeded by Misa de Traslacion at 5 a.m. at the Basilica.

The Traslation, transporting the sacred image of the Holy Child Jesus to Mandaue City, is scheduled for 6:45 a.m. on the same day, with another Traslacion to Lapu-Lapu City commencing at noon on Jan. 20.

On Jan. 20, the traditional solemn foot procession will occur at 1 p.m., following the reenactment of the first Mass, baptism, and wedding, commemorating the initial Catholic sacraments in Asia 502 years ago in 1521.

The Augustinian friars emphasized the changes in procession routes, agreed upon through meetings with stakeholders. The penitential walk with Jesus will follow a shorter route from Fuente Osmeña, Osmeña Blvd., back to the Basilica. The penitential walk with Mary will utilize the V. Rama-B. Rodriguez corridor instead of the traditional route from Guadalupe Church via Capitol Site due to the ongoing construction of Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) terminals.

Due to construction along Osmeña Blvd., the traditional solemn foot procession will take the six-kilometer southern cross towards Natalio Bacalso Ave.

The decision to alter the processions for the 459th Fiesta Señor was made collectively by all concerned agencies, including Basilica del Sto. Niño and the Cebu City Government, last November 15, 2023. The safety of all devotees is the primary concern, and the friars urge participants to be mindful of the CBRT development's yellow separator on Osmeña Blvd. Necessary measures will be taken for the safety of devotees during the processions in coordination with the Cebu City government headed by Mayor Michael Rama.