CANCELED EVENTS. The holding of street parties and parades are not allowed for the coming Sto. Nino fiesta in Tondo and Pandacan amid the threat of Covid-19. Manila Mayor Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso has issued Executive Order. No 2 on Tuesday (Jan. 12, 2021) imposing stringent regulations and guidelines for the event. (Photo by Marita Moaje)
MANILA – Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso on Tuesday issued stringent guidelines to be observed for the Sto. Niño fiesta in Tondo and Pandacan.
Included in the list issued by Domagoso is the prohibition of holding street parties and grand parades due to the prevailing health crisis.
Tondo and Pandacan are set to celebrate the feast day of Sto. Niño on Jan. 16-17, which is scheduled every third Sunday of January.
Sto. Niño fiesta in Tondo is known for its long mardi-gras or street dancing known as Lakbayaw, which usually starts early morning until late in the evening.
The fiesta is also known for its street parties, public games, and stage presentations.
After the Traslacion for the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo was recently canceled this year due to the pandemic, Domagoso said street parties and parade for the Sto. Nino fiesta are also prohibited.
Moreover, the guidelines also state that liquor ban and curfew hours, among others, will be strictly implemented.
“No street party, stage show, parade, palarong kalye (street games), or other similar activities that will draw crowd shall be held upon effectivity of this executive order and until such time that national and local authorities will allow the same,” the order reads.
In an interview, Domagoso said everyone should learn to “adapt to the new normal while living normally”.
Domagoso, meanwhile, extended his gratitude to authorities, officials of the Quiapo Church, barangay officials, and all the devotees of the Black Nazarene for heeding his call regarding the celebration of the biggest religious event in Manila.
Hopefully, he said residents of Tondo and Pandacan will do the same and follow the guidelines during the celebration of the Sto. Niño fiesta.
“Selling of liquor and other alcoholic beverages within the Pandacan and Tondo areas shall be strictly prohibited on January 16-17, 2021,” the order further reads.
Drinking of any alcoholic beverages is likewise strictly prohibited, Domagoso said. (PNA)
