For the past 30 years Sinulog Festival in Cebu attract thousands of visitors. Local and international tourists flocked to Cebu City, the Queen City of the South to celebrate, one of the countries most popular festivities. For some Sinulog is just a festival of colors, street dancing and partying but for devoted Cebuanos, it is an honor to be a part of the celebration that marked the commencement of their Christian Life.
Sinulog is a Cebuano word for current. It resembles the current of Pahina River in Cebu. Sinulog is a dance ritual in honor of the Santo Niño, it is a signed of reverence to the Patron Saint of Cebu. Together with the beat of the drums which resembles the current of the Pahina River that is more popularly known as Sinulog in Cebuano dialects, people are dancing on the streets in elegant costumes and vibrant colors.
Cebu’s Sinulog Festival 2011 marked the 31st anniversary of the countries one of a kind activities, that was sought-after not only by its neighboring provinces and cities but it is one of the most-awaited calendar of events for the year 2011. Sinulog Festival have grown from an ordinary festivities to become one of the grandest event in the Philippines.
Sinulog One Beat One Dance One Vision was the theme of the 2011 Sinulog Festival. Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama was the Chairman and over-all in-charge of all the activities regarding the Sinulog Festival. Together with the Sinulog Foundation Inc. and Local Government Units, different working committees are formed for the success of this yearly festival in Cebu.
Sinulog Grand Parade is the culminating event, it will be held on Sunday January 16, 2011. Before the Sinulog Grand Parade a Fluvial Procession was also held at dawn from Mandaue City to Cebu City. A M(–foul word(s) removed–) on the Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño will follow afterwards. It is attended by thousands of devotees before going out to the streets to watch the Grand Parade.
The significant of Cebu’s Sinulog Festival is the devotion of the Cebuanos, that gives importance to their long history of giving back to the Lord of whatever achievements they have right now. It is the time of showcasing not only their talents but also bonding towards one another in remembering the days when their pagan worship have evolved into a Catholic Worship.
Some may not agree with the way the Cebuanos are spending too much resources for this festivities, but in a country where people are given all the privileged and freedom of expressions it is up to us to decide. Is this kind of activities fruitful or not.