our city's main church has the Three Kings as their patron saint.
So tomorrow is the feast of the Epiphany, that celebrates the visit of the Magi to the Christ child. This older blog has photos and the story of the local church.
So we will have a big parade and parties in homes.
But we aren't the only ones celebrating:
in Manila they are preparing for the Black Nazarene procession. which essentially shuts down parts of Manila as millions join the procession.
the Black Nazarene is a figure of Jesus carrying his cross, and people in the procession identify their sufferings with those of Jesus and ask him for help in their daily problems.
secular video on the procession.
Later in the month: The El Nino celebrations,.
The El Nino here is the Christ child, often pictured as a child with a hat. This depiction points to the legend of Christians jailed in a dungeon by the Muslim rulers of Spain. and a child brought them food. So this ElNino is also the patron of miners and POWs...this is from an AI summary but I don't know how to link it:
The devotion to "El Niño" in Spain centers on the Santo Niño de Atocha, the Holy Child of Atocha, a revered image of the infant Jesus depicted as a pilgrim in pilgrim's attire (hat, cloak, staff) who miraculously brought food and water to Christian prisoners in 13th-century Spain. Originating near Madrid under Moorish rule, this devotion highlights the Child's role as a protector of the vulnerable, pilgrims, and travelers, a tradition that spread from Spain to the New World, particularly Mexico and the Philippines. Key Aspects of the Devotion Origin Story: During the Moorish occupation, only children under 12 could bring sustenance to Christian prisoners in Atocha. A mysterious child, believed to be Jesus, appeared daily, carrying a basket and gourd that never emptied, providing hope and sustenance. Iconography: The image typically shows the Santo Niño in pilgrim's garb, often with a brimmed hat, cloak, staff, and a basket (sometimes of roses or food) and a water gourd, symbolizing his journey and aid. Patronage: He is the patron of pilgrims, travelers, prisoners, and children, invoked for protection, healing, and assistance in difficult times. Tradition: The worn shoes of the statue in Spain became a significant sign, as they were replaced but always found dusty and worn again, signifying his tireless journeys to help those in need. Spread: Spanish explorers brought the devotion to the Americas, where it flourished, especially in Mexico and the Philippines, becoming deeply embedded in local culture and traditions
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