Sinulog Festival Cebu. One Beat, One Dance For The World - One of the Grandest Festivals in the Philippines

Sinulog Festival - Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines 

Sinulog is an annual event held every 3rd Sunday of January here in Cebu City, Philippines, in honor of  Señor Santo Niño (child Jesus). SINULOG 2020 is on JANUARY 19, 2020. If you haven't visited Cebu yet, I recommend you witness this momentous event. This is the most popular festival here in the province of Cebu and one of the grandest events in the Philippines. The capital city of Cebu is flocked with tourists from all over the world. Some fellow countrymen, Cebuanos in particular go home at this time of the year to witness the festivity. (Check out Top 12 Beaches in Cebu, Hotels in Cebu Near Ayala Mall; Hotels in Cebu Near SM and Robinsons; Hotels in Mandaue City Cebu Near Parkmall, JCentre Mall, Gaisano and Other Parts of Mandaue City) Last updated: 12/30/19

Sinulog Contingent - Sinulog 2016

As you already knew, the Philippines is predominantly Catholic but even if you are from another religion, you can still enjoy this event because this isn't only spiritual, there is a cultural side of this, the Sinulog dance competition where contingents from Cebu and other provinces in the Philippines vie for a significant amount of prize. Catholics or non-Catholics flock to the streets to see local celebrities, floats and "higante" (giant) parade and see some contingents dancing in preparation for their actual presentation on the stage at Cebu City Sports Complex. For the past several years, you can see all the contingents performed along the streets of Osmeña Boulevard, Mango Avenue, P. del Rosario St. or on the streets where they are being judged but lately, the judging and presentation is now done at the sports complex.

2019 GRAND CHAMPION - SINULOG SA KABATAAN SA LALAWIGAN

2018 GRAND CHAMPION - SINULOG BASED

2018 GRAND CHAMPION - FREE INTERPRETATION

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SPIRITUAL ASPECT

There is a nine-day Novena Mass held at Basilica del Sto Nino Pilgrim Center prior to the event and on the day before the Grand Parade (Mardi Gras), there is a Fluvial Procession of the miraculous image of Santo Niño from the waters of Lapulapu City (where mother Mary is situated: Nuestra Senora Virgen de Regla) and Mandaue City (where Senor San Jose is situated) to Cebu City where the child Jesus is situated (Senor Santo Nino).

CULTURAL ASPECT

Prior to the Sinulog Mardi Gras, you can hang out to several places in Cebu City where you can mingle with a lot of people from all walks of life. You can check out Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Cebu, Liv Superclub, City Time Square, Crossroads, IT Park, Mango Avenue or just basically anywhere in the city where several pre-Sinulog events are held. Cebu City is in the festive mode during this time of the year. There are also several events prior to the Grand Parade such as Sinulog Idol, "Sinulog Sa Kabataan" and several others including concerts from local and international artists.

With my family during Sinulog, 2014, 2015, 2016

If you want to go here and experience Sinulog, it would be better to check in at your favorite accommodations 3 to 5 days in advance prior to the 3rd Sunday of January so as to enjoy the many events before the Mardi Gras. (Check out Top 12 Beaches in Cebu, Hotels in Cebu Near Ayala Mall; Hotels in Cebu Near SM and Robinsons; Hotels in Mandaue City Cebu Near Parkmall, JCentre Mall, Gaisano and Other Parts of Mandaue City)

THE GRAND PARADE: 

Sinulog 2014

On the day of the Sinulog Mardi Gras, you can expect a sea of people on the streets of Osmeña Boulevard, Mango Avenue, P. del Rosario St, Colon St, F. Ramos St, walking, dancing, piling up to see the contingents, floats, "higante" and some local celebrities paraded on the streets. You can also expect some floats from various companies including the famous one from IPI and "tv/movie" floats where you can see local celebrities starring on those movies/tv shows they are promoting. After the event, there are fireworks display in SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, among others.

Sinulog Festival happens every 3rd Sunday of January in Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines. It is one of the grandest festivals in the Philippines. (Photo: Sinulog.ph)

One of the float entries, Sinulog 2016

RECOMMENDATION

If you are the formal type, the best recommendation for you is to buy a ticket for the entrance so you can watch all the contingents perform at the Grand Stand in Cebu City Sports Complex situated at the back of Abellana National School. You can purchase the Grandstand ticket online here.

"Higante" (giant) entry, Sinulog 2016

WHAT TO EXPECT
Expect to walk, walk and walk as most jeepneys (public transportation) are rerouted and short-routed. Some streets near the city center are closed to accommodate the contingents. 






WHAT TO BRING AND WHAT TO WEAR

During the Mardi Gras/Grand Event (3rd Sunday of January), do wear comfortable clothes and wear a visor/cap/hat if you want, grab a pair of sunglasses and bring a bottle of water to quench your thirst.

Enjoy and have fun! Now is the best time to book a ticket and reserve a room at your hotel of choice here in Cebu, Philippines. 

SINULOG 2020 INFO

SINULOG 2020 TICKET or email ticketsales@sinulog.ph or call +63-32-2533700 for Ticket Inquiries

For Trade Fair and Booth Inquiries, email streetfair@sinulog.ph. For Sponsorship inquiries, email marketing@sinulog.ph. Visit sinulog.ph (the official website for Sinulog) for more news and updates. (Bato Balani sa Gugma lyrics)

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Last updated: 12/30/19 | HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! | VIVA PIT SENOR!

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