CEBU -- The rainy and cold weather did not stop devotees from joining the Sinulog 2017 fluvial procession early Saturday, January 14.

The fluvial procession departed from Mandaue City around 6:45 a.m. and arrived in Cebu Port Pier 1 around 7:20 a.m.

The Philippine Coast Guard said around 55 vessels registered for the fluvial procession.

A Spanish galleon replica carried the images of Sto. Niño and Our Lady of Guadalupe, which were welcomed by devotees and Sinulog dancers at Cebu Port Pier 1.

Maria Loe Singson, a Sinulog dancer and devotee, said she has been joining the the fluvial procession for more than 10 years.

Singson, who has been longing to have a baby, said she adopted a child last year who she considers as a gift from Sto. Niño.

After the arrival of the images in Cebu City, a foot procession to Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño followed, where a reenactment of the first mass, wedding, and baptism was held.

Humabon and Juana were the first couple converted to Roman Catholicism. (SunStar Philippines)