Thousands join Sto. Niño fluvial procession, foot parade in Dinagyang prelude

After Cebu's Sinulog and Kalibo's Ati-Atihan, the celebration continues honoring the Sto. Niño or the Child Jesus, this time in Iloilo.

As a prelude to the city's annual Dinagyang Festival, a fluvial procession was held on Friday afternoon bearing the Sto. Niño image.

Thousands gathered at Fort San Pedro to watch the fluvial procession make its way toward Muelle Loney Street.

The vessel carrying the Sto. Niño image led the fluvial procession on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, in Iloilo City. Danny Pata

Philippine Coast Guard personnel were also aboard the boat to provide security.

Philippine Coast Guard personnel joined the fluvial procession on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, in Iloilo City. Danny Pata

This was followed by a solemn foot procession going to the Provincial Capitol then the San Jose Parish Church.

A solemn foot procession followed the fluvial procession on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, in Iloilo City. Danny Pata

A parade of floats followed at 6 p.m. from Diversion Road to Sen. Benigno Aquino Ave. toward the Iloilo Business Park where a fireworks display was held, to the delight of onlookers. 

Dinagyang Festival is the city's annual feast drawing thousands of local and foreign tourists.

This year's official theme is "Perfect Vision: Celebrating the Ilonggo Spirit in Honor of Senyor Santo Niño."

READ: LIST: Schedule of activities at the Dinagyang Festival 2020 this weekend

—KG, GMA News