“Viva, Pit Senyor!”

If you are familiar with this phrase, then you have probably heard of Sinulog. The Santo Nino Festival, more commonly known as Sinulog Festival, is an annual celebration in Cebu, Philippines. 

While it is primarily religious, the festival is known for its lively street parties and energetic parades. Aptly called the “Mother of all Festivals,” it is one of the province’s most awaited events each year. Every January, millions of travelers flock to Cebu to marvel at the brightly colored decorations and partake in the lively celebrations.

Related Article: Top Reasons Why We Keep Coming Back to Cebu

How Did the Sinulog Festival First Transpire?

The story of Sinulog is tied to one of the country’s most significant moments in history: the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan and the start of Christianity in the Philippines. It all goes back to 1521, when the explorers from Spain, led by Magellan, arrived on the shores of Cebu to spread Christianity. 

When they met with Rajah Humabon and his wife Amihan, Magellan handed over an image of infant Jesus to the couple, thus signifying their acceptance of the faith. Rajah Humabon was later baptized as King Carlos and Amihan as Queen Juana. 

There were talks that Queen Juana danced with joy while holding the image of Jesus after her baptismal. Over 800 locals were baptized that day, and they followed her in dancing and celebrating the momentous occasion, which many have recognized as the first-ever Sinulog dance. 

The dance has been perpetuated in future Sinulog celebrations where a female dancer holds the Sto. Nino while dancing and “blessing” the people. The term Sinulog comes from the Cebuano word “sulog,” which means “like water-current movements,” alluding to the backward and forward movement of the dance.

How is Sinulog Celebrated Today?

The first-ever Sinulog parade was organized in 1980 by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, headed by David S. Odilao, Jr. The team gathered young and enthusiastic students and taught them the Sinulog dance.

Later, the students would parade around the Basilica, catching the attention of the greater Cebu community and its leaders. The following year, the Sinulog Festival came to fruition and became the iconic event it is today.

Nowadays, Sinulog is known for its grand street parties, talent shows, and week-long festivities. The fun starts as early as the first week of January as devotees visit the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino, which houses the Sto. Nino relics from Magellan.

The festival line-up consists of parades, parties, trade shows, talent competitions, nightly shows, pageants, firework displays, and other events spread over nine days, leading up to the primary Festival Day, which is on the third Sunday of January.

The primary festival day starts with a mass at the Basilica, followed by the grand parade and street parties where you will hear the iconic “Viva Pit Senyor!” chant. During the parade, competing Sinulog dance groups also participate in an epic dance battle to showcase and most-awaited parts. 

Giant floats and puppets made by local Cebu artists are showcased during the parade. At night, parties, concerts, and fireworks shows are hosted in various parts of the metropolis. 

The Return of Sinulog Festival

For the last two years, the Sinulog Festival was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions upheld by both the local and national governments. However, it was announced previously that the most-celebrated Cebu festival will come back in 2023.

The theme for 2023’s Sinulog Festival is “Sto. Niño: Our Source of Peace in the Walk of Faith.” It will hold festivities from January 5 through the 15th, kicking off with a Penitential Walk with Jesus and an Opening Salvo Mass on the first day. Throughout the week, the cities and towns of Cebu will come alive with events and activities leading up to the primary Festival Day on January 15, 2023. 

The 2023 Sinulog Festival will make the 458th celebration of the historic occasion – a testament to Sinulog’s role as one of the cultural pillars and the Filipinos’ resilience and undying faith.

For more info on what to do while in Cebu for the Sinulog Festival, check out our Cebu Travel Guide page.

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Featured Image: Jeremiah Odejerte (via Pexels)