Sinulog Festival in Cebu

Pit Señor Sto. Nino!

When compared to previous years, the Sinulog Festival will never be the same due to the pandemic. However, because the restrictions have been eased, I was able to feel the spirit of Sinulog when I visited Robinson's Galleria Mall.

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It was perfect timing that when I walked in, a group of dancers was performing the traditional Sinulog dance all over the mall, right in front of me. I used to not mind this, but since I hadn't seen it in a while, it got me interested, and I actually waited until it was over.

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Then, a few days later, I went to SM City Cebu Mall. In the lobby, there were a few images of the patron saint, Sto Niño.

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A Sinulog Queen outfit was also on display. During the dance ritual, the Queen will bring the image of the Sto Niño and carry it for the duration of the performance.

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Let me tell you more about the Sinulog Festival Celebration and its festivities.

The Sinulog Festival is a major festival in the Philippines. The festivities last the entire month of January, but the main event takes place on the third Sunday of the month.

It is a ritual to honor Cebu's patron saint, Sto Niño (The Holy Child Image). More information about Sinulog's history can be found on this website: https://www.beyondcebu.com/cebu/festivals/the-sinulog-festival

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Image from https://www.zenrooms.com/blog/post/sinulog-festival/

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I haven't heard the sound of the Sinulog Song in over two years. Yes, that song can be heard all over Cebu. In my experience, it can be heard everywhere—on jeepneys, side streets, malls, buses, anywhere. That song is always played at the beginning of January 1. I used to laugh about it at work because after celebrating New Year's after 12 o'clock hit, they always played the Sinulog Song a few hours later in our office.

As previously stated, the Sinulog Festival is a month-long celebration filled with competitions and festivities. Fireworks displays, big event parties, and, of course, the Sinulog street dancing competitions. There were numerous categories for street dancing. The most important is the category in which any city or municipality in the Philippines can participate. Following the street dancing, each contender performs a ritual dance. All activities are also broadcast throughout the country.

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Image from https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/history-culture/sinulog-festival-cebu-guide#history-of-sinulog-festivala-a-a-aa-a-a

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Every third Sunday in January, the parade is packed with people, ranging from celebrities in floats representing a specific company or program to an ocean of people watching the street dancing. The entire city of Cebu is filled with people walking because they would rather walk than be stuck somewhere in their car, and public transportation is very limited.

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I can only imagine what will happen when the Sinulog festival returns. Either Cebu will be filled with tourists again or it will be less crowded as a result of the trauma caused by the pandemic.

Cebuanos (people living in Cebu) have always looked forward to the Sinulog Festival, and we will never know when everything will return to normal.