Cebu Celebrates "Sinulog"

Every 3rd Sunday of January, Cebu also known as the "Queen City" of the south, celebrates the feast of Sto. Niño (Holy Child Jesus). The "Sinulog" or the dance ritual performed by the locals is their way of paying homage to the Sto. Niño for all the favors, divine graces, abundance, good health, answered prayers and all the good things that they received and enjoyed.

The "Sinulog" festival is said to be the "Cream of the Crop" of all the festivals in the Philippines. Contingents clad in colorful costumes dance to the rhythm of drums, trumpets and native gongs. Recently, the cultural event has been commercialized as a tourist attraction and instead of traditional street-dancing from locals, it also mean a contest featuring dancing contingents from various parts of the country.

The "Sinulog" is a nine(9) day religious celebration. Activities lined-up on these days include but not limited to the following:

1. Walk For Jesus
2. Sinulog sa Kabataan (Cebu City and Cebu Province)
3. Fluvial Procession
4. Miss Cebu Pageant/Coronation
5. Solemn Procession
6. Grand Street Parade

To all the tourists (local and foreign)  out there, please come and visit Cebu and experience the "one of a kind" religious fulfillment. Dance to the beat, feel the rhythm and experienced the gentleness and friendliness of the Cebuanos. Cebu has a lot to offer. Discover them yourselves and cherish the mem'ries. For sure, your "Sinulog" experience will be a great and mem'rable one.

We have a lot of reasons to celebrate "Sinulog". This is our way of saying "Thank You" to the grateful Sto. Niño. I myself have reasons to celebrate "Sinulog" with the rest of my family. I will continue to celebrate "Sinulog" and be his devotee for the rest of my life.

Viva, Pit Señor!

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Photos courtesy of Anthony Leuterio.