Sinulog 2018: Four Things You Can Look Forward To Apart From Raves and Street Parties

“Celebrations infuse life with passion and purpose. They summon the human spirit.” –Terrence E. Deal 

Ever since the inception of Cebu’s yearly fiesta celebration called Sinulog back in the year 1980, Cebuanos were then known to be the individuals with the longest Christmas celebration.

Typically held on the third Sunday of January every year, Sinulog is taken from the Cebuano word Sulog which means like water current movement. Consequently, this is a ubiquitous dance movement among Sinulog contingents during their dance numbers consisting of steps forward and one step backward done to the sound of the drums. More importantly, Sinulog is celebrated to honor the fiesta senior known as Santo Nino, the miraculous child Jesus and the magnet of love. With this in mind, Cebuanos can expect an influx of both foreign and local visitors every January. As this is the grandest of all festivals in the country, it would be inevitable to individuals and revelers who wish to witness the event flood the streets of the city. 

Sinulog events commence as early as the first week of January and last all the way to the end of the month. If you have been planning to experience the festivities yourself, take a gander at the list of the fun-filled events you can experience. So that when you book that cheap hotel in Cebu, you already have a Sinulog itinerary in mind.

1.)    Walk with Jesus 

While Sinulog has largely been associated with wild and colourful street parties, headlining DJ’s coming to the Queen City of the South and a myriad of other revelries, it is still first and foremost a religious celebration. Sure, parties may be happening all over the city but amid the liquor shower and paint smearing on the streets, it is actually a dance in honor of the image of Santo Nino. The dance had pagan origins but Ferdinand Magellan changed this by replacing the wooden idols with the Holy Child. One of the religious activities you can participate in is the Walk with Jesus opening salvo. The procession starts at Fuente Osmeña and ends at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.

2.)    Sinulog sa Lalawigan 

Most participants of the Grand parade are college students but this does not mean that elementary and high school students are barred from joining. Every year, elementary and high school students are given the avenue of showcasing their dancing skills during the Sinulog sa Kabataan. As the event got more popular, more and more contigents started participating which prompted organizers to divide it into two categories: students based in Cebu City and students from towns and cities outside Cebu City. In anticipation of the grand parade, this is an excellent kick starter event you should not miss.

3.)    Cultural  Shows 

In anticipation of the grand Sinulog event, various cultural shows are held in different local universities in Cebu. In the past, these were all held aptly in Fuente Osmeña  considering that this was the heart of Cebu. Today, they are held in college universities which would effectively give college students a chance to show their talents to locals and visitors of Cebu. This year, cultural shows will be held at the Plaza Independencia.

4.)    Sinulog Festival Queen 

One of the events most visitors and locals look forward to is the Sinulog Festival Queen, known as one of the highlights of the festival. The competition is centered in pitting lead dancers of the contingents participating in the Grand Parade. Apart from being a beauty pageant, the show is largely a contest among the Sinulog lead dancers who would then showcase their talents while performing their Sinulog dance routine. On the Friday before the Grand Parade, the Festival Queen will be crowned.

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