ILOILO City – In a historic move to enrich the spiritual significance of the Dinagyang Festival, Iloilo City will hold its first-ever traslacion, a solemn religious procession, on January 23.
Fr. Nelson G. Zerda, OSA, parish priest of San Jose Parish Church, announced that the traslacion aims to enhance the spiritual dimension of the festival, which is globally celebrated for its cultural vibrancy and devotion to the Santo Niño.
Dinagyang started in 1967. A replica of the Santo Niño de Cebu was brought from Cebu to the San Jose Parish Church. The image was enthusiastically received by the Ilonggos who danced on the streets of Iloilo City
The traslacion will begin with a 5:30 a.m. Mass at the San Jose Parish Church.
The revered image of the Santo Niño will then be transferred to a church in Lapuz, where it will stay until the morning of January 24.
On January 24 at 1 p.m., the image will be brought to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Bacolod Wharf for the traditional Fluvial Parade. Afterward, a foot procession will lead the image to the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, one of the festival’s main venues.
The introduction of the traslacion adds a significant spiritual layer to the internationally renowned Dinagyang Festival, which is celebrated for its dynamic performances and devotion to the Sto. Niño.
Organizers expect this new event to deepen the festival’s religious essence while continuing to captivate both local and international audiences./PN
