Filipinos In Europe Celebrate Feast Of Sto. Niño And Sinulog

Spain: Historic Installation at Valencia Cathedral

Valencia, Spain — On the Feast of the Santo Niño, a replica image of the Santo Niño de Cebu was solemnly installed at the Valencia Cathedral, marking a historic moment of spiritual unity for the Filipino community in Spain. This milestone was achieved through the joint efforts of the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, the Archdiocese of Valencia, and Honorary Consul Manuel Carrión Sánchez.

The sacred image, donated by Cebu-based lawyer Joy Pesquera, was carried in a procession from the Archbishop’s Palace to the cathedral’s Puerta del Hierro. Archbishop Enrique Benavent Vidal, who presided over the Holy Mass, highlighted the Santo Niño as a bridge between nations. Father Edgar de la Cruz Balboa noted that the image reflects the living faith of Filipinos and their desire to share this heritage with the Spanish community. The celebration concluded with a vibrant Sinulog dance presentation witnessed by a diverse international congregation.

United Kingdom: Celebrations in the North of England

Leeds and Liverpool, England — The Filipino community in England also joined the continental festivities in the cities of Leeds and Liverpool. Devotees gathered to honour the feast with traditional prayers and cultural displays, ensuring that the spirit of the Sinulog festival remains a cornerstone of the Filipino diaspora's identity in the United Kingdom.

France: Faith and Tradition in Paris and Nice

Nice, France — At the Église Saint-Martin–Saint-Augustin in Vieux Nice, the community honoured a replica of the Basilica Minore Sto. Niño de Cebu brought by the European Pilgrims of Sto. Niño Devotees. The Mass, presided over by Rev. Fr. Carlito Laureta, was coordinated by Rommel Balistoy and Sarah Decenteceo, uniting the Filipino diaspora across the French Riviera.

Paris, France — Hundreds of devotees gathered at the Sainte Bernadette Church, bringing their own images of the Holy Child for a Mass celebrated in the Filipino language by Father Michael Ryan. The gathering served as a powerful reminder of home for many. Following the service, the community performed the traditional Sinulog dance as a gesture of thanksgiving and petition.

Germany: Four Decades of Devotion and Community Ties

Frankfurt, Germany — Filipino communities from Frankfurt, Limburg, Wiesbaden, and Wetzlar gathered in the Diocese of Limburg to celebrate the Sinulog Festival. The event featured traditional dance performances and prayers, which the local Filipino Catholic Communities noted were essential for preserving their heritage and strengthening ties with the wider German community.

Berlin, Germany — The Filipino community in Berlin marked 40 years of devotion to the Sto. Niño with a festival that filled the church. During the event, Philippine Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Gerardo “Gerry” P. Abiog addressed the faithful, announcing the anticipated arrival of the new Philippine Ambassador later this month.

Vienna, Austria — The Filipino community in Vienna celebrated the Sinulog Festival on 18 January 2026 at the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy in the 10th District. The event, organized by the Chaplaincy and the Kapunongan ng mga Bisaya sa Austria (KBA), began with a Holy Mass led by Fr. Ely Dalanon, who blessed Sto. Niño images and highlighted the devotion’s spiritual importance.

After the Mass, devotees performed the traditional Sinulog dance, chanting “PIT SENYOR!” as an expression of faith and gratitude. The celebration continued with a cultural program and shared lunch, strengthening community bonds.

Credits

• Valencia: Denis Tanoc and Sandra Sotelo-Aboy, TFCN Barcelona

• England: Carol Murphy

• Paris: Bong Agustinez, TFCN Paris

• Nice: Rommel Balistoy

• Frankfurt: Jessica Gross, TFCN Germany

• Berlin: Grace Sheela Pickert, TFCN Berlin

• Vienna: Hector Pascua, TFCN Vienna