Throngs of Catholic devotees joined the town of Pakil in Laguna in celebrating its annual Salibanda Festival on January 18, 2025. 

The festivity is in honor of the Santo Niño or the Holy Child Jesus, culminating the long Christmas season in liturgical calendar. 

The revelry commenced from the San Pedro de Alcantara Parish Church with a vibrant procession around town including ritual washings at the Estaca, along the shores of Laguna Lake, and at the “Panghulo” (Turumba Swimming Pool).  

Devotees carry the revered image of the Santo Niño as they danced on the streets in a celebration that included water splashing, symbolizing blessings and purification. 

The Feast of the Santo Niño dates back to the time when Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan presented a statue of the Holy Child to Rajah Humabon in Cebu marking the beginning of Christianity in the Philippines. 

The Salibanda Festival is a long cherished tradition reflecting the deep-rooted devotion of Pakilenyos to the Santo Niño, which believed to possess miraculous powers.

The festival’s name, “Salibanda,” is derived from “Saliw sa Banda” (dance to the music band) which originates from Pakil’s neighboring town of Paete. 

2025 Salibanda is notable for the participation of devotees from in and out of the province and a merriment highlighting the Filipinos enduring faith and tradition.

(Photos and text: Elmer Nev Valenzuela)