Thousands of devotees, merrymakers join religious procession

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Kalibo Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc and Kalibo mayor William
Lachica led the religious procession on Sunday afternoon
/ PHOTO BY BOY RYAN ZABAL 

Devotees and tourists carrying their own images of Senor Sto. Nino joined the religious procession around Poblacion, Kalibo on Sunday.

Kalibo Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc and Kalibo mayor William Lachica led the six-hour procession, which began around 2 p.m. from the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

The religious procession proceeded to C. Laserna Street, M. Laserna Street, Desposorio Maagma Street, Mabini Street, Roxas Avenue, Pastrana Street, Archbishop Reyes Street and ended in the Cathedral.

Thousands also waited along the processional routes to witness the procession, some of them carrying images of Senor Sto. Nino. People were also dancing to the Ati-Atihan beat and some food and drinks were served throughout the whole event of Kapistahan ni Senor Sto. Nino de Kalibo. 

More than 40 carriage (carozza) with Senor Sto. Nino images dressed in different kinds of costumes also joined the procession.

The image of the Senor Sto. Nino de Kalibo has been taken to the Cathedral front yard in a high platform past 3 p.m. after the procession, where all devotees were given a chance to get closer and touch or wipe one’s towel and handkerchief the statue of Senor Sto. Nino de Kalibo.

At 8 p.m. the closing liturgical celebrations for the blessing of the devotees and prayer of thanksgiving were also celebrated at Cathedral front yard.

The liturgical celebrations were followed by “Sadsad Paghatod” to the Shrine of Senor Sto. Nino de Kalibo where devotees pay homage to the image to the beat of drums and shouts of “Viva ! Senor Sto. Nino !”.