Sinulog 2015: Another Awesome Sinulog is in the offing

Sinulog is the Queen of the festivals in the country. This is Cebu's main fiesta and practically the whole country will celebrate it with Cebu. Local pilgrims and foreign tourists are arriving in numbers here in Cebu to join the festivities.

There are basically aspects of Sinulog, one is the religious side and other is the fun side. Many come for just one aspect but the majority usually have a dose of both.  Sinulog is the celebration for Santo Nino or Child Jesus.  The Sinulog is celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January. 

The religious aspects starts 10 days before the big day as the novena starts with a Walk for Jesus.  There are 11 novena masses daily for 9 days and it is packed to the rafters. On the Friday before the Sinulog, the relic of the Virgin of Guadalupe will join the Sto. Nino via Walk with Mary on Friday dawn and then both relics will be moved to the St. Joseph Parish in Mandaue.  The transport is called the Translacion. On early morning Saturday, the Holy Family will go back to the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu via the fluvial parade. It is participated by several boats that are full of people. Later on that day, the grand procession will commence. There is still masses on Sunday but the main activities in that day will be related to the fun aspect.
Novena Mass at Basilica del Sto Nino
5:30 AM is packed



In the fun aspect, Sinulog season is full activities like the Cebu City marathon, the outdoor parties like Lifedance, and many cultural activities. The main highlight though is that grand parade where several contingents prepare amazing Sinulog presentations along with uber-fun street dancing.  The contingents are dressed in colourful and creative costumes.  In the grand parade there are also floats from major companies.  These floats usually have a celebrity guest. There are also giants and it is similar to the Mardi Gras. The grand parade this year will be held this Sunday.  There are also a lot of parties along the parade route.

This  year, I expect to immerse in the fun aspect of the Sinulog festivities. I have guests coming for the weekend and I know we will have a great time even if a weather disturbance can affect Cebu. Sinulog is like an extended Christmas party for the Cebuanos and it is time for us to showcase our hospitality and make our visitors say that "It is Really More Fun in Cebu!"

I will be posting about my Sinulog 2015 adventure in the coming days.

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