Every January in the Philippines, it is the tradition of the Filipinos to celebrate the Feast of the Sto. Nino or the Holy Child Jesus. It is a symbol of the birth of Catholicism in the country more than 500 years ago.
In the province of Paete, Laguna, this tradition preserves and deepens even more our dependence on God in what it calls Salibanda, where a variety of Sto. Nino, clad in colorful garb, is paraded throughout the place. Such as Sto. Niño Palaboy, Sto. Niño la Naval, Sto. Niño Pescadores, Sto. Niño d raiders, Sto. Niño De Tribunal de Gobernadorcillo de Paete (1720) and many more.
Every week, the Salibanda is observed which culminates in the last Sunday of January, where Paetenos go out of their way to participate in the big celebration. Bands play music while the participants do street dancing to its tune, not minding if they get wet because other celebrators and spectators throw water on them. Every one is happy as the Feast of the Sto. Nino is a gift from God.
Indeed, the Salibanda is Paetenos way of showing their devotion to the Lord.
