THE Sinulog Festival has long been a part of Philippine history; in fact, Cebuanos have been celebrating it for the past 32 years.
This festival, now labeled the “Mother of All Festivals,” aims to celebrate Santo Niño de Cebu. It is done to tell the history of Filipinos with Christianity – how it was introduced to them, and how they came to accept it with time.
In particular, it shows people how the Santo Niño was given to Rajah Humabon by Ferdinand Magellan when he came to the country in 1521.
Now, the festival is celebrated in Cebu every third Sunday of January, with its preparations starting as early as nine in the morning. Millions of people go to the city to partake in the festivities, both from the Philippines and out of the country, and for good reason.
The festival is a great way to immerse yourself in both the rich history and culture of the Philippines, as well as to simply enjoy yourself and let loose whilst being surrounded by a flurry of colorful costumes.
Preparations
Though Sinulog is held on the third Sunday of January, its festivities start days in advance. Expect a number of parties on the streets of Cebu, notorious for its face painting and for showering beer on unsuspecting passersby.
Before the festival, there is the Fluvial Parade, which serves as a reenactment of Magellan’s arrival in the Philippines. Here, a ship carrying the Santo Niño approaches the shores of Cebu and is then carried to be used for the Solemn Procession.
Following this is the Solemn Procession, wherein performers recreate the time when Queen Juana and Raja Humabon were gifted the Santo Niño and were aptly converted to Catholicism by the Spaniards.
Other things to look forward to are the Sinulog sa Dakbayan, the Sinulog sa Lalawigan, and the Sinulog Dance Crew, wherein different dance groups from different hometowns compete for a cash prize
Miss Cebu or Binibining Cebu is also conducted during this time. The longest-running beauty pageant in Cebu, it is a contest that highlights the qualities of a Cebuana, while also looking at the history and culture of Cebu as a whole.
Sinulog Day
The first thing that happens during Sinulog is the Grand Street Parade, considered to be the biggest festival in the Philippines.
During this time, people dressed in bright costumes dance along the streets of the city, chanting “Pit Senyor,” which is a Cebuano phrase for “Long live the Christ Child,” highlighting the devotion of Cebuanos toward Catholicism.
Following this, fireworks fill up the sky at night time for the grand finale of the festival.
However, it’s important to note that you don’t have to be in Cebu to celebrate this festival. During the pandemic, for example, many people continued to celebrate Sinulog at home by watching masses online and praying to the Santo Niño.
Sinulog is something that can be celebrated anywhere, but you have to admit that it’s a hell of a lot more fun when you get to do it with millions of other people.
This is a perfect event when it comes to bringing people together. Regardless of who you are or where you come from, you can partake in this tradition and enjoy the festivities, and then wait for it all to happen once more in just a little over 11 months.
