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 SINULOG
FESTIVAL

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 SINULOG
FETIVAL
The Sinulog Festival is an annual celebration
held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu
City, Philippines. This vibrant and lively festival
honors the Santo Niño de Cebu, a religious
icon believed to be the oldest Christian relic in
the Philippines.The Sinulog Festival has its
roots in the indigenous Cebuano culture, and
the name "Sinulog" refers to the fluid, sinuous
movements of the dance that is performed
during the festival. The dance is performed to
the beat of drums and other traditional
musical instruments and is believed to be a
form of prayer and tribute to the Santo Niño. #1
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SINULOG FESTIVAL
Where and when does Sinulog
Festival celebrated?
The Sinulog-Santo Niño Festival is an annual
cultural and religious festival held on the third
Sunday of January in Cebu City, and on the
fourth Sunday of January in Carmen, Cebu,
and is the centre of the Santo Niño Catholic
celebrations in the Philippines.
The Sinulog Festival is also a major tourist
attraction, drawing visitors from all over the
world to experience the unique culture and
traditions of Cebu. The festival is a time for
people to come together and celebrate the
rich history and traditions of the region and is
an important part of the cultural fabric of
Cebu.
HISTORY AND ORIGIN
Sinulog is held in celebration of one of the
country’s most famous historic relics: the Santo
Niño de Cebú. This was the statue of the baby
Jesus that was handed to the Rajah Humabon
of Cebu by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand
Magellan in 1521.
This was one of the most important events in the
religious history of the Philippines as it paved the
way to the birth of Christianity in the country.
At the moment of receiving the holy image, it
was said that Queen Juana, the main consort of
Rajah Humabon, danced with joy holding this
image of the child Jesus. The other natives
followed her example, and this event was
regarded as the first Sinulog dance. The same
event was used as the basis for most Sinulog
dances.
THE RELIGIOUS ASPECT OF THE SINULOG FESTIVAL
At the Sinulog Festival, people worship, praise, and thank Jesus as a child
called Santo Niño, which is said to be miraculous. The celebration starts with a
novena that lasts for nine days in a row. Followers of the Sto. Niño from all over
the world go to the island of Cebu to participate in the event’s religious activities.
Pit Senyor. You’ll often hear “Pit Senyor!” during the festivities. People yell “Pit Senyor,” a short
way of saying Viva Pit Senyor, which means “Long Live the Christ Child!”. People from Cebu
shout this with great vigor.
The name “Senyor Santo Niño” is also used for the Holy Child. It is a short form of the phrase
“Sangpit sa senyor,” which means “a plea to Sir.” or “to call, ask, and plead to the King.” This
call for help brings believers together in the crowded streets of Cebu every third Sunday of
January.
ong Religious Beliefs. The strong religious beliefs of Cebuanos make the event a success. The
faith of the people of Cebu helps Sinulog work. While celebrations are going on outside the
Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, the church itself is bustling with worshippers. It shows that the
people of Cebu haven’t forgotten that the religious aspect is the actual reason why they
celebrate the occasion.
 IMPORTANCE OF
SINULOG FESTIVAL
The Sinulog Festival is an important part of
Cebuano culture and celebrates the region's
rich history and traditions. It is a time for
people to come together and celebrate the
unique culture and heritage of Cebu and is
an event that should not be missed by
anyone visiting the region. So, if you are
planning a trip to the Philippines, make sure
to include the Sinulog Festival in your itinerary
and experience the vibrant and lively culture
of Cebu for yourself.
 SINULOG FESTIVAL
What are the activities held in
Sinulog Festival?

Numerous events occur during the Sinulog Festival,

such as a parade, street dances, and fireworks.The
dance competition is the most thrilling aspect of
the festival. Here, people dance to express their
happiness and joy. The festive and upbeat
atmosphere makes it a great place to spend a
day. Aside from the parade and the dance
performances, there are also other events and
activities held during the Sinulog Festival. These
include religious ceremonies, pageants, and sports
competitions, as well as a variety of food and
souvenir stalls. There are also cultural workshops
and demonstrations, where visitors can learn more
about the local culture and traditions of Cebu.
 S I N U L O G

What to expect in Sinulog Festival

The Grand Street Parade, which is the focal event for Sinulog Festival, normally
starts on the third Sunday of January at around 8 or 9 in the morning. On Sunday
night, there are pyromusical shows that will treat you to a beautiful display of
fireworks. There are also a series of fun events organized days and weeks prior to
the main festival.
Things to do during Sinulog Festival:
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Watch the grand parade
Join the street parties
Enjoy the food :)
Watch the fireworks
Explore the city
T h a n k
Y o u !