The Sinulog Festival is one of the most magical and amazing cultural experiences I have ever had! The entire Cebu shuts down and everyone celebrates around the city where people march, chant and follow the famous floats and parade. People are cheering “Viva Pit Senyor” while tossing handfuls of colored powders on people. The environment is full of fun and smiles all around. If you have never been to the Philippines or to Sinulog in particular then we will cover some of the basics and background of this incredible annual festival.
With this, Sinulog gives Cebuanos (and tourists as well) reason to continue celebrating even after welcoming the New Year. There are also street parties and events held by different companies/brands in order to make the festival even more memorable.
BRIEF HISTORY OF SINULOG
The word “Sinulog” is derived from a Cebuano term which means “movement of water”, which seems familiar because the action of the wave is exactly how dancers do it.
What do water movements have anything to do with the Sinulog Festival?
The dance one step backward and two steps onward resembles Cebu’s Pahina River wave current, which means “sulog” in Cebuano dialect, thus, the Cebuanos began to call it “Sinulog”.
Historians believe that the Sinulog Festival is a proof that the Filipinos were once pagans before they were reformed into being a Roman Catholic, according to historical accounts, back before Ferdinand Magellan went to Cebu to claim the Philippines for Spain’s ruler on April 7, 1521, natives were already dancing the Sinulog, but instead of dancing it for the Santo Niño, they danced it to honor certain anitos.
WHAT TO EXPECT
One Beat, One Dance, One Vision.
Was the theme adopted for the 2012 Sinulog Festival. There will be music, dancing, and there will be fun with the celebration’s evolution, the Sinulog Festival has become a month-long tradition in Cebu.
The most-awaited being the Sinulog Grand Parade every 3rd Sunday of January.
The parade starts south toward the South of the city and makes its way to the Fuente Osmeña Circle.
Sinulog Festival is popular for its rave parties, but its main purpose is to celebrate the Feast of Santo Niño. Here in the Philippines, anything that has something to do with religious activities is a great excuse to leave town.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR SINULOG
1. Wear comfortable clothes
Roaming around the streets is different from being inside a mall so be ready to encounter different kinds of people. Go for clothes that make you confident enough without having to worry about other people judging you, so you can focus more on having fun!
2. Take care of your belongings It’s best to carry a small sling bag so it’ll be easier for you to keep an eye on your belongings. I usually just bring a few bills with me and leave my wallet at home. It’s better to be ready than sorry.
3. Fuel up for Long walks
Since long walks are expected during Sinulog, don’t forget to eat and best to always bring water bottle with you.
4. Book your Accomodations and Plan Ahead
If you don’t have relatives in Cebu, then it’s going to be difficult booking hotel rooms. Sinulog is a huge event, and by the time that you get there to book a hotel, every slot would have been filled already.
So, the best thing to do is to book early. With event as big as Sinulog, it’s going to be hard to navigate your way, especially if you’re surrounded by crowds, so always plan ahead, as the mobile network also shuts down at this time.
Snippets of the fluvial parade
