Beloved Santo Nino

The famous Santo Nino de Cebu

January marks the start of fiestas here in the Philippines. Aside from celebrating New Year, January also the date of several well-known feasts of the Filipinos that include
the feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila and the well-loved Santo Nino. Perhaps
the famous image of the child Jesus has been venerated nationwide and most of the
towns here in the Philippines have patron which is the Santo Nino. Famous are in Tondo and Cebu.

The image is being venerated by most adults and young ones alike...it depicts the
playful and innocent youth of Jesus. The image is being processioned with a parade of
loud drums and beating to the tune of ethnic dance or even modern ones. People dance and sway as the Santo Nino is being tossed and sway. The feast of the Santo Nino is a festive occassion where children marches in glee.

Truly, the feast of the Santo Nino gives more color to our Filipino culture and we can
joyfully celebrate our faith by this kind of veneration.