Cebu City, Philippines – Cebu remains one of the most popular destinations for Filipinos—whether based in the Philippines or abroad—and even foreign tourists. While world-famous for its many beautiful beach resorts, historical sites, dive spots, and even as a culinary destination (there’s nothing quite like Cebu lechon!), Cebu is also known for the Sinulog festival—something truly worth experiencing if a trip to the Queen City of the South is in your PH itinerary.
Sinulog is perhaps the biggest cultural and religious festival in the Philippines in honor of the Santo Niño, what Roman Catholics call the child Jesus. In 2024, the theme of the 459th Fiesta Señor is Santo Niño: Magnet of Love in the Synodal Church. The theme is actually a reflection of the vital role of the infant Jesus in the lives of religious devotees.
Sinulog routinely attracts over a million attendees—made up of local and foreign tourists, balikbayans (Filipinos living abroad who are returning home), and Cebuanos—for the month-long celebration that culminates in the Grand Parade on the third Sunday of January, which falls on Jan. 21 this year. Cebu City officials expect more festivalgoers to flock the streets of Cebu City in 2024 after its post-pandemic comeback last year at a new location: South Road Properties (SRP).
The term “Sinulog” comes from the Cebuano Sinug, which pertains to the “water-current movement,” as seen on the forward and backward dance steps of the parade. Although there are many events to choose from, here are some of the much anticipated gatherings that might interest you in Sinulog 2024:
Nine-Day Novena Mass
Jan. 11 marks the start of the solemn 4:00 a.m. dawn novena mass at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, where earnest devotees gather, either to give thanks or pray for divine supplication. The dawn masses continue until the day of the Grand Parade on Jan. 21. There are also several masses during the day leading to the actual Fiesta. Check out the schedule of the holy mass at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño for Sinulog 2024 ahead of your visit so you can plan your days accordingly.
Photo courtesy of Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Facebook Page
Tip: The Basilica overflows with people young and old, so it might be best if you bring with you an umbrella and native fan, and wear rubber shoes for better comfort. You might want to check out the numerous little souvenir stalls leading to the Basilica, showcasing Sinulog memorabilia such as the Santo Niño image, colorful Sinulog shirts, feathered hats, and whistles, to name a few. You get value for money when you purchase your Sinulog treats here.
Sinulog Street Fair
Aside from the religious aspect of the Sinulog, it is also popular for the Street Fair held at Osmena Boulevard, Fuente Osmena Rotunda, and Plaza Independencia. It kicked off last Dec. 3, 2023, and will last until the end of January 2024. Expect a lot of street food, singing, dancing, and all the amazing fanfare that includes the Sinulog Idol competition.
Take a stroll from Fuente Osmena Rotunda, and follow the buzz all the way to Plaza Independencia to experience street party like no other. Imagine a captivating display of colors, as the whole city is decorated with Sinulog lanterns, thrilling competitions, delightful and mouthwatering eats, art exhibits, cultural shows, and more amazing surprises!
Fluvial Parade & Procession
Photo courtesy of Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Facebook Page
Because Sinulog is essentially the veneration of the Santo Niño, there is a dawn fluvial procession that re-enacts the arrival of the holy child Jesus in the 16th century through the expedition of Magellan, who is known to have brought Christianity to the islands. The fluvial procession (which is scheduled on Jan. 20. this year) is best seen at the CCLEX bridge, where you get a beautiful vantage point of the whole channel of Mactan down to Cebu City. This is an experience that you should not miss because it showcases vibrant displays of flowers and religious images on water. The spiritual aspect of the Sinulog is best seen in this solemn parade.
Photo courtesy of Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Facebook Page
At 2:00 p.m. on the same day, an actual foot procession from the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño will go through major city streets, participated in by countless devotees. It is said that those who wish to ask for a favor from the Santo Niño should join the procession as they pray for personal petitions.
Tip: Again, be sure to wear your walking shoes as the actual procession can go on for several hours, and word has it that this time, the organizers have decided on a longer route. In previous years, the procession continued until past 8:00 p.m. Check the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño website and Facebook page for updates, as the actual route is still unavailable as of this writing.
Sinulog Mardi Gras
On the actual day of the festival, which falls on Jan. 21 this year, everybody gears to secure a spot at SRP for a whole day of street dancing from different contingents from within and around Cebu, magnanimous floats, euphoric beating of the drums, fireworks, and a wide array of local delicacies, especially Cebuano favorites such as lechon and BBQ, that await everyone along the streets of Cebu where revelry abounds. Usually the crowd starts to build up at noon at the Basilica and downtown Cebu all the way to the SRP, where a massive stage is set for the whole performance.
Photo courtesy of Sinulog Foundation, Inc. Facebook page
The World Tent City is also a place for you to hang out in the midst of all the festivities. Various exhibitors from hotels, malls, and food stalls will be available for tourists who would like to stay in Cebu and explore more of the city and the province after Sinulog. The World Tent City is nestled in SRP where Sinulog 2024 culminates.
Tip: If you are bringing a car or will get driven there, better if you park somewhere at the uptown area and walk your way with the crowd; just have a blast exploring downtown Cebu on foot and all the exciting Sinulog treats that await you. It is a long walk, but just let the rhythm of Sinulog lift your spirits as you join in the fun and excitement! Throughout the celebration, always bring your own water bottle to keep you hydrated in the heat. Also, expect heavier traffic than usual, as all roads lead to Cebu at this time of the year. But all this is part of the package of Sinulog fever!
The main attraction of Sinulog is how it brings both locals and foreigners together in celebration—of the devotion to the Santo Niño for the faithful, and the possibility of reaching out to the divine for the curious agnostics who want to experience a truly original Cebuano Festival. Viva Pit Senyor!
Visit the Sinulog Festival website to get updated on the latest news about Sinulog 2024. You may also visit the Sinulog Foundation Facebook page and Sinulog Official on TikTok and YouTube.
