Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival 2008--Dawn Procession and Mass

For those who choose to celebrate the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival in a more solemn way, away from the loud beating of the drums and the fun and frenzy of the people, the dawn penitential procession provides for them a good venue. It starts at four o'clock in the morning during the vesper celebration, Saturday.



A morning shot of the Kalibo Cathedral

Upon arrival at the Kalibo Cathedral, a mass follows immediately. At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, the priest shouts the famous salvo for three times "Viva kay Sr. Sto. Niño!", and to which the devotees respond in a great uproar three times "Viva!" The Kalibo Cathedral is also known as the St. John the Baptist Cathedral. It's is the Shrine of Sto. Niño de Kalibo.


The renovation of this edifice after it was declared unsafe
due to an earthquake was the handiwork of national artist
Architect Leandro V. Locsin


Schedule of the 2008 fiesta novena masses
and other religious activities at the cathedral


During The Procession










During the Holy Mass


The holy mass begins






Devotees approach the aisle for the holy communion


The choir sings at the loft while devotees listen


My good friend Cyril A, a Eucharistic Minister,
administers the distribution of the Host


This is the part where devotees shout three times "Viva!"


Devotees prepare to leave


The original icon of Sto. Niño de Kalibo


Some devotees approach the icon and pray before leaving


Devotees go out out of the cathedral to a cold and misty
morning, reminiscent of the Simbang Gabi experience



Still some light candles near Mary's grotto site