Sto. Niño, Panagbenga festivities canceled

Festive ceremonies to mark the Feast of Santo Niño around the country and the Panagbenga Festival this year have been cancelled as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

- CHRISTINA I. HERMOSO and ZALDY COMANDA

Today, January 17, Roman Catholics will celebrate the Feast of the Santo Niño, the Child Jesus whose image adorns many homes, mostly within the confines of their homes.

The traditional festive rites, elaborate processions, street dancing, and grand parades will not be held this year because of the pandemic.

In lieu of these festivities, many parishes will celebrate solemn holy masses with limited church attendance to observe physical distancing. The masses will also be streamed live. Some will be holding a motorcade of the revered image.

In Metro Manila, the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Santo Niño in Tondo, Manila, will be celebrating nine feast masses from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Santo Niño de Pandacan, also in Manila, which was unfortunately gutted by fire on July 10, 2020, will likewise be celebrating fiesta masses at the churchyard (patio) as the church is currently being demolished. Ten holy masses will be offered from 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Novena masses were held from January 8 to 16.