Sinulog Festival Cebu

The Sinulog Festival Cebu is celebrated in honor of the Sto. Niño. This annual event that takes place on the 2nd week of January is, I dare say, Philippines’ grandest and most colorful festival. The week long celebration builds itself to climax on Sunday when the grand parade happens. Today it is all happening in Cebu City.

Sinulog Festival 2009

I am not there now. But looking at the streaming photos in facebook took me back to 2009 when I joined the festival for the first time. It was an amazing experience where I met and was hosted by the couchsurfing group in Cebu, many of whom I stayed friends with.

The grand parade starts its vigorous drum beating as early as 6 in the morning, waking the people in Mango Avenue, where it will continue until the evening. The parade will be colorful, and captivating. Thousands of locals and travelers from all over flocked in to join the party. It is comparable to the many world class festivals, if not in the effects, definitely exceed in the spirits! Because the Filipinos are the number one fiesta people in this side of the world.

I don’t know how strict they are right now but I remember fondly sneaking into the corded area where only official photographers with official IDs were allowed. Somehow the guards let me go in and out as I pleased, perhaps thinking that I’m just a harmless crazy foreigner who probably doesn’t understand Bisaya or English.

Sinulog will be a feast of the eyes, ears, and definitely will get your body into the rhythm of its dance.

Good times! I hope to return one day. Pit Senyor!