‘Traslacion’ and Fluvial Parade Highlight Dinagyang

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Mariela Angella Oladive

For the first time, a traslacion, or the solemn transfer of the sacred image of Señor Santo Niño, will be held today, January 23, in Iloilo City as part of the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival’s religious activities.

The event begins with a 5:30 a.m. Mass at San Jose Parish Church in Placer, after which the image of Señor Santo Niño will be brought in a solemn procession to the Our Lady of Fatima Church in Lapuz District.

Rev. Fr. Nelson Zerda, parish priest of San Jose Parish and organizer of the festival’s religious activities, explained that the traslacion is a new element of this year’s celebration, designed to deepen the spiritual significance of the Sto. Niño devotion.

“This traslacion brings the image of Señor Santo Niño closer to the embarkation area for the fluvial procession and reflects the Church’s theme of synodality,” Zerda said.

The Santo Niño will remain at the Our Lady of Fatima Church overnight. On January 24 at 1 p.m., the fluvial parade will commence from the Lapuz Wharf, with 10 fiber boats joining the procession.

Each vessel will operate at 50 percent capacity to ensure safety.

The route will pass through the Guimaras Strait, travel along the Iloilo River, and conclude at the dock on Muelle Loney Street. Devotees will then carry the image of Santo Niño in a foot procession through Montinola, Iznart, JM Basa, and Zamora Streets, culminating at San Jose Parish Church near Plaza Libertad.

The Blessed Virgin Mary will accompany the Santo Niño in the foot procession, symbolizing the Holy Family’s unity. “This inclusion of the Blessed Virgin Mary underscores the theme of synodality in the Catholic Church,” Zerda added.

On January 25, the celebrations will continue with a two-hour sadsad (merrymaking) in front of San Jose Parish Church at 7 p.m. A pontifical Mass will follow on Sunday at 6 a.m.

The Dinagyang Festival remains a vibrant religious and cultural tradition in Iloilo City, honoring the Child Jesus and uniting communities in celebration and devotion.