Every third Sunday of January, it has been an annual tradition in Cebu city
to celebrate Sinulog Festival in honor to one of the country’s most famous historic
relics: the Santo Niño de Cebú. Not only has it attracted millions of Filipinos
from all over the country but many others from across the globe.
It wouldn’t be called “Mother of all festivals” for nothing. Just a
quick history, the Santo Niño de Cebú was a century-old statue of baby Jesus
that was handed by the Portuguese-born Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan to
the Rajah of Cebu in 1521. Thus became one of the most significant events in
the history of the Philippines. The word “Sinulog” means, “Graceful dance”,
which refers to the flowing movements of the dancers that resembles “sulog” or
water current of Pahina River.
Now that you know what the festivity is all about, it’s time to get the
preparation started. Just like any other festivals in the country, expect a
full-day procession, locals competing in a street dance competition all adorned
by brightly colored costumes, and numerous street parties! And with over 1-2
million people to expected to participate Sinulog Festival, better come
prepared than miss out the festival highlights, right?
Lucky for you, we already listed down 6 handy tips on how to survive in the biggest
celebration in the country:
BOOK EVERYTHING WEEKS AHEAD!
As we mentioned, Sinulog Festival is a huge event and
planning ahead will eventually save you time, money, and even from stress. With
the flock of people even a week before the main event, you may have a hard time
with booking a hotel room, tours and even flights since every slot would have
been filled right away.
What to do? Book your flights, ferry tickets, transfer
services, and even tours as early as a month before the event. As for the
accommodation, don’t wait until you get to Cebu city to find one. Make sure
that before you arrive, you already booked a hotel ‘cause chances are, hotels
and inns are going to be fully booked.
PREPARE A SOLID PLAN
It’s a week long celebration with people going out on
the streets and having the best time of their lives, and so should you! Get
updated with the 2019 Sinulog Festival schedule, road closures, and start
planning your itinerary.
Just little pro-tip, days before the main event, go
out and explore downtown Cebu. It may sound touristy but it’s a sin to miss to
walking by Basilica Minore del Sto Niño (the main highlight of the festival), offering
prayers and candles at Magellan’s Cross, and passing by Colon Street, Osmeña
Boulevard, and Fuente Osmeña Circle.
BRING WATER AND ENOUGH CASH
With a celebration this big, it’s common to see people
passing out on the streets because of the heat. How not to pass out? Bring your
own water in a tumbler, not in a plastic bottle! Also, make sure to bring
enough cash. Well, credit cards will also do but who knows if you saw a cute
souvenir in a small shop or want to try out some mouthwatering street foods
right? Just bring extra money, but not too much.
Sinulog festival is quite chaotic; just make sure to be
equipped with the essentials. Oh, and be attentive to your surroundings ‘cause
pickpockets might also be attending the festival too so don’t wear flashy
jewelries and let your guards down!
WEAR COMFY CLOTHES
Don’t ruin your Sinulog vibes with uncomfortable
clothings like a super tight skinny jean. Though we get it, you want to stay
fashionable and express yourself. But just to warn you, some events happen
outdoors, so better stay cool and comfortable than cringy and sweaty. Also, don’t
ever forget the sunblocks, glasses, and even hats! You wouldn’t want to go back
to your hotel room crying because of the crazy sunburns right?
JOIN THE LOCALS
When you’re in the Philippines, attending festivals you’re best option
if you want to get along and feel the warm welcome of the locals. Aside from
the religious part of the event, Sinulog Festival is well-known for various concerts,
contests, pageants, cultural shows, fireworks display, fun runs, and street
fairs.
So whether you’re going out solo, with your friends, or with your
family, there is an activity for you.
DON’T MISS THE MAIN HIGHLIGHT
From the start of the festival until its main highlight, the streets of
Cebu City will be filled with unwavering and tireless celebration of love and
devotion for Señor Sto. Niño. They have this 9-day novena mass that when you
complete it all, you’re prayers will be heard the Child Jesus. On January 19, they
will be having the Solemn procession route which will begin and end at the Basilica
Minore Del Santo Nino where
the statue is housed in glass casing.
As for the main highlight, feed your eyes with large floats and vibrant
street dancers during the Grand Parade. The route will start near the Careta
Cemetery and will end at Cebu City Sports Complex. If we were you, better head
there early so that you can take snaps of the floats and performers before the
crowd gets heavy.
Ragardless how many people attends and how big the festival gets every
year, still, the essence of this festivity is never forgotten, to give thanks
to the Santo Niño de Cebú. Do you feel the festival spirit yet? If so, start
packing up your bags and make sure that you had taken notes of our whole
Sinulog guide for a fun yet safe Sinulog celebration.
For more information, you may also check out Sinulog Foundation Inc's Website. Click here: https://sinulog.ph/
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