Streets explode in merrymaking for Sto. Niño in Pagadian City
PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, Philippines — The streets of this capital of Zamboanga del Sur province exploded in merrymaking as devotees and the local community celebrated on Sunday the feast of the city’s patron, Señor Sto. Niño.
The festivities began in the morning and way into the evening.
Outside the Sto. Niño Cathedral on Sunday morning, both young and old devotees carried images of the child Jesus and danced with their prayers of gratitude and adoration.
READ: 50,000 devotees flock to Pagadian City for Sto. Niño feast
Disk jockey Annabelle Guitarte, who joined the crowd in dancing, told the Inquirer she’s doing it for “thanksgiving for all the blessings and even the trials that strengthened me.”
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Dancing at every feast has been a family tradition, “our way of honoring the child Jesus, of expressing faith,” elementary school teacher Evelyn Rule shared.
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Local businessman Charnyl Albarracin, along with his wife and two kids, also joined, saying they danced as an expression of faith and gratitude.
“Our dancing was an act of worship to Sr. Santo Niño and a way to thank Him for blessings and answered prayers,” Albarracin added.
Broadcaster Kenneth Alvin Bustamante said he started dancing since 2017 for his wife’s normal delivery of their eldest child.
A church volunteer himself, Bustamante continued yearly his expression of thanksgiving, a practice that “deepened my faith to the patron for the protection of my family and loved ones.”
On Sunday afternoon, the local government organized a street dancing competition as part of the Pasalamat Festival with eleven contingents from the different barangays, with P3.8-million in prizes at stake.
Around a thousand young performers flashed lively moves from the city’s rotunda in uptown, down to the seaside boulevard.
On Sunday evening, the local government arranged a street party at the heart of the city, bringing in performing artists and musical bands that attracted thousands of partygoers.
Private establishments also held street parties in different parts of the urban district.