My Cebu Guide

Sinulog Festival

Sinulog is Cebu’s biggest and most popular festival, celebrated in honor of the Holy Image of Santo Niño de Cebu. The event is highlighted by a grand solemn procession and a colorful and vibrant Mardi Gras parade. Sinulog is one of the biggest festivals in Southeast Asia. Essentially, the Sinulog, which takes place in the third week of January, can be defined as the feast day of the Santo Niño. As such, the procession in which an icon of the saint is carried around and followed by devotees comprises an essential element of the fiesta. The dancing in the parade on the following day, Sinulog Day, is a tribute to the Santo Niño. A fluvial procession is also a traditional part of the festivities; both processions take place on Saturday. Sunday is Sinulog Day.

The ceremonies in Cebu begin with this early morning fluvial procession, reenacting the coming of the Spaniards. The image of the Santo Niño is usually kept in a glass case bedecked with blossoming flowers, which will be carried by a “galleon” towards His destination. There will be a long procession of boats following the main boat that has the Santo Niño.  The sound of drums beating and trumpets roaring in the wee hours of the morning would not affect the solemnity of the ritual. Fireworks, ship’s bullhorns, sirens and yells from the Santo Niño devotees can add vibrancy to the decorated motorboats sailing under a brilliant sun. Air Force helicopters from Mactan Air Base and other private planes will be hovering above and showering petals in the flotilla, which include motorized bancas, passenger boats, yachts, barges and fast crafts.

Tags: Cebu, Santo Niño, Sinulog Festival

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