Lakbayaw: The People's Dance of Devotion

Lakbayaw: The People's Dance of Devotion

Written by Eunice Anny Morales • Board by John Ivan Pasion | 26 January 25

Filipinos are known for their love of singing and dancing, and these passions shone brightly during the Sto. Nino Festival, also known as Lakbayaw in Tondo, Manila. The term Lakbayaw is a combination of two Filipino words: "lakbay," which means journey, and "sayaw," which means dance. This festival shows how Filipinos express their faith through movement and music. Participants adorn themselves with colorful costumes, carrying religious icons as they dance their way through the streets,  joyfully shouting "VIVA! VIVA! STO. NIÑO!" The rhythmic drum beats, chants, and festive energy create an atmosphere of deep devotion and joyous celebration.

Celebrated every third Sunday of January, the festival is Manila's version of the Sto. Niño festivities, similar to the renowned local festivals such as Sinulog in Cebu, Dinagyang in Iloilo, and Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Aklan. This longstanding tradition in Tondo welcomes everyone whether you're an adult, a teenager, or a child, anyone can participate in Lakbayaw. The community transforms into a lively and colorful spectacle– the streets are decorated with vibrant banderitas, the aroma of delicious food lingers in the air, and the sound of laughter can be heard throughout the neighborhood. According to the Manila Bulletin, around 45,000 people from various parts of the country joined the Lakbayaw Festival in celebration of the Feast Day of Sto. Niño this year.

For Gerald, a 21-year-old altar server who has been participating in Lakbayaw since grade school, the festival is his personal tradition. “Every fiesta, nag-oorganize ako ng Lakbayaw… Nakasanayan ko na rin kasi at ito yung way ko to show my faith kay Sto. Nino since more than 7 years na ako nag-seserve sa simbahan," he shared.

Aside from the street dancing, the festival is marked by grand processions of Sto. Niño icons, elaborate floats, and community masses held at the Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish Church. The faithful offer prayers of thanksgiving and petitions, as the festival is also considered a time for miracles and answered prayers.

Various barangays organize competitions such as beauty pageants, singing contests, and the highly anticipated dance showdown to determine the most outstanding Lakbayaw performer. Families and barangays work tirelessly to prepare for the occasion—cooking large quantities of food and decorating their homes with festive ornaments. 

One of the most cherished aspects of the festival is the tradition of "makiki-fiesta or kainan," where homes open their doors to visitors, offering free food and hospitality. You can go to any house and eat as much as you like, like an unlimited buffet but for free. “Ang pinaka-memorable talaga for me is yung makiki-fiesta. Bukod sa maraming pagkain. Kahit ‘di kayo masyadong magkakilala, masaya lahat parang isang pamilya” Gerald added.  Even individuals often perceived as "scary" street drinkers extend their generosity by offering drinks to passersby, which creates a sense of camaraderie and harmony. He also highlighted the generosity of the Tondo as a community during this season, saying, “Dito mo mararamdaman na lahat handang mag-share kahit sa simpleng paraan. Minsan kahit hindi gaanong nakakaluwag, may handa pa rin para lang may maibigay.”

As the festival continues to thrive, it stands as a beacon of hope and unity for the people of Tondo. A day when the community comes together, setting aside differences and embracing the joyous spirit of devotion and festivity. Gerald summed it up beautifully: “Ang Lakbayaw ay hindi lang basta-basta selebrasyon, ito ay isang debosyon, panata. Isa rin itong paalala na kahit anong hirap, basta sama-sama tayo, kakayanin natin. VIVA STO. NIÑO!”