WITH the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic still raging for more than two years now, the yearly celebration of the Fiesta Señor or the feast of the Sto. Niño in Cebu continues to endure.
For the past two celebrations, Cebuanos were suddenly prevented from doing their traditional practices every second to third Sunday of January.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Cebuanos are no longer permitted to visit the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño in droves to pray or attend mass.
They are no longer allowed to attend mass physically but through social media.
But most of all, they are no longer allowed to revel in the usual fiesta celebration that often accompanies the religious activities.
But despite the pandemic, the Cebuanos’ faith in the Sto. Niño is still present especially during the solemn motorcade that occurred on Saturday, January 15, or the vespers of this year’s feast.
Though the traditional solemn procession was no longer allowed due to Covid-19 restrictions, a motorcade organized by the Basilica that brought the image of the Sto. Niño to Cebu’s four major cities still continued to attract people.
Amidst the pandemic, faith in Sto. Niño lives on.