Pit Senyor!
Welcome to CDN Digital’s live updates page of the Fiesta Señor celebration and the Sinulog Festival 2025, Cebu’s grandest and most colorful celebration in honor of Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu!
Bookmark this page and refresh often as we bring to you the latest updates on this annual celebration in the Queen City of the South.
Sinulog, the vibrant festival of Cebu, is a celebration of faith, culture, and creativity.
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‘Baby holding the baby’: Meet Santo Niño’s little devotee
On January 10, during the mass at 2:30 p.m. at the Basilica for the opening of the Sinulog 2025, CDN Digital captured a child’s expression that later captured the devotees’ hearts.
Alova, who was carried by her mother, Mary Jean “MJ” Agupitan, during the Bato Balani, was among the devotees who raised and waved their Santo Niño images.
The 21-month-old Alova was holding her small statue of the Holy Child, with her curious expression that reflected a sense of wonder at the heartfelt devotion surrounding her.
Sinulog 2025: Road closures in Cebu City to watch out for
Drone shot of the Sinulog Grand Parade at the SRP on January 21, 2024. | Dwane Baring
Cebu City has once again come alive with locals and tourists roaming the streets, churches, and shopping malls in time for the celebration of the Sinulog Festival 2025.
In line with the biggest festival in the province, several activities, religious and cultural, have been scheduled throughout the week.
With this, authorities have decided to close off some roads across downtown Cebu City to ensure that the activities will go smoothly without major disruptions.
Sinulog 2025: Concerns over alleged unfair judging raised
Concerns about the integrity of Sinulog 2025 have sparked public outrage after a Facebook post questioned the involvement of an event organizer who is reportedly linked to two competing contingents.
The controversy began on January 13, when the Facebook page “Ambot Cebu” claimed that the Sinulog Foundation’s overall organizer also served as a choreographer for Toledo City and Talisay City contingents.
Sinulog 2025 Festival Queen: Know your stunning 21 candidates
A new Sinulog Festival Queen will be chosen out of the 21 candidates during the coronation night at the Cebu City Sports Center on Friday, January 17. | CDN Photo/ Emmariel Ares
Twenty-one ladies from around the Philippines will be competing for the title as Sinulog 2025 Festival Queen.
The candidates, each an epitome of grace and beauty, were officially introduced to the public during the Runway Competition held at the SM Seaside Cebu on Monday, January 13.
Danao City’s festival queen candidate is ‘Best in Runway’ winner
Sinulog Festival Queen 2025 candidate Franz Pilapil of Danao City was named as the winner of the Runway Competition held on Monday, January 13. | CDN Photo/ Emmariel Ares
Danao City’s Sinulog Festival Queen 2025 candidate Franz Pilapil was awarded the Best in Runway during the runway competition on Monday, January 13.
Pilapil, a 21-year-old college student, shone the brightest among the 21 contestants who strutted the runway for the first time on Monday.
Weaving faith: Darsy Tampus, making vestments for Sto. Niño a devotion
Darsy creates dresses for Sto. Niño, typically taking one to three days to complete each piece, depending on the design. In the photo, a dress of this size is priced at approximately P350 to P500. | Contributed Photo
Devotion comes in many forms. For some, it’s praying quietly in church. For others, it’s joining processions or singing hymns.
However, for a select few, devotion is crafting something with care and precision, day by day, stitch by stitch.
Darsy Dave Tampus, 28, has his devotion to Señor Sto. Niño stitched into every seam and thread. He makes dresses or vestments for the Holy Child as both his passion and his way of showing faith. What was once a simple craft has grown into a commitment with each stitch a silent prayer and each design a reflection of his devotion.
Sinulog fashion from tradition mixed with trend
Performers dance during the street parade of the Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2025 in Cebu City. | Josh Almonte
Over the years, it has not only become a hallmark of Cebuano identity but also a showcase for fashion that evolves with the times. From traditional wear to modern, diverse styles, Sinulog fashion has transformed into an artform that reflects both the festival’s essence and the creativity of its people.
Let’s zoom back 10 years ago. It was a bit different, when you see people roaming the streets in shirts with big holes on the sides and some would just even go with less clothes in time for the mayhem.
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Double win for Lumad Basakanon in Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2025
It was a sweet and memorable night for the Lumad Basakanon as they bagged not just one but two wins in Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2025 on Sunday, January 12.
The group was crowned as this year’s champion in both the Street Dance and Ritual Showdown categories.
They also took home special awards including the Best in Choreography, Best in Costume, and 4th place in the Best in Musicality.
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CDN MINUTE
PIT SENYOR! PARA SA MGA BATA KINI!
SOME FESTIVAL QUEENS
WATCH: Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2025 livestream
Here is the Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2025 livestream coverage of CDN Digital from the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) held last Sunday, January 12, 2025.
The competition is a prelude to the big event, the Sinulog Festival 2025, which will be held on January 19.
The multi-awarded Lumad Basakanon of Brgy. Basak San Nicolas emerged as the biggest winner, reaping the championships in both the Street Dance and Ritual Showdown categories. They also took home the Best in Costume award.
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TRAFFIC ADVISORY FOR SINULOG GRAND PARADE
LIST: Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2025 Winners
Lumad Basaknon festival queen Maria Rose Jane Arreza poses for a photo with her Santo Niño image during the Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2025 awarding ceremony on Sunday, January 12, at the Cebu City Sports Center. Lumad Basakanon won two of the major awards in the competition – ritual showdown and street dancing. | Photo by Josh F. Almonte
At least 18 contingents from Cebu City competed in the 2025 edition of the Sinulog sa Dakbayan at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) last Sunday, January 12.
The competition, which is a prelude to the big event the Sinulog Festival 2025, was a historic first in several aspects.
One, organizers from the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) included Brgy. Mabolo in its Street Parade contest to pay tribute to the barangay’s role in keeping the Sinulog alive throughout the years.
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More street dancing shots
More street dancing photos
More Sinulog sa Dakbayan shots
Tribute to photographers
Lead dancers
Street dancing Champion: Lumad Basakanon
‘BEST SINULOG SO FAR’
Lumad Basakanon festival queen
SINULOG SA DAKBAYAN 2025 FIREWORKS DISPLAY
Winners all
I Love Cebu dance finale
2 wins for Lumad Basakanon
Announcement of winners
Brass Band winners
Fireworks display
Bag-ong Tribu: Kasambagan
Hugpong Day-asanon
UP Cebu
Barangay Kalunasan
Landonian Tribe of Barangay Kamagayan
Banay Labangon
Banay San Nicolasnon ang Brgy. Banilad
Asian College of Technology and Barangay Zapatera
Street dancing: UP and Basak Pardo
ANS ug Basak San Nicolas
MAAMPOONG BANILADNON
SAYAW SA TAGA TISA UG INAYAWAN
LOOK: Here are some photos from the street dance performances of the contingents from Barangays Tisa and Inayawan during the Sinulog sa Dakbayan on Sunday, Jan. 12. | via Niña Mae Oliverio #CDNDigital #SinulogSaCDND #FiestaSeñorSaCDND #Sinulog2025
BANAY LABANGON
BANAY SAN NICOLASNON
BARANGAY ZAPATERA
SAYAW SA TAGA DAY-AS UG BINALIW
LOOK: Here are some photos from the street dance performances of the contingents from Brgy. Day-as and Brgy. Binaliw during the Sinulog sa Dakbayan on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 12. | via Niña Mae Oliverio #CDNDigital
ACT-IEF MISALMOT SA SINULOG SA DAKBAYAN 2025
LAMBO MABOLO
BANAUAN CULTURAL GROUP
TRIBU LUMAD BASAKANONS
UP CEBU AND BRGY. BASAK PARDO
560TH AIR BASE GROUP MARCHING BAND
Kamagayan and Kalunasan contingents
ABELLANA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
INAYAWAN TALENTS GUILD CULTURAL DANCE TROUPE
HUGPONG MASIDLAKON
Richoy Colina’s Brass Band
RNB YOUTH SYMPHONIC
AKTIVONG BINALIWHANON
LAPU-LAPU MARCHING BAND
BAG-ONG TRIBU: KASAMBAGAN
HUGPONG DAY-ASAON
BFP-7’s Saint Florian Marching Band
UP CEBU’S HUGPONG MANANAYAW NG BAYAN
LUCIANO BAND
BARIO BASAK PARDO
KALUNASAN CULTURAL DANCE TROUPE
RICHOY COLINA’S BRASS BAND
HALAD SA TAGA MABOLO
Imus Avenue
Waiting for the Sinulog sa Dakbayan contingents to pass
Sinulog sa Dakbayan officially opened
Mga brass band duol na sa CCSC
Saint Florian Marching Band
Giblessingan ni Rev. Fr. Sabello ang mga contingents
560TH AIR BASE GROUP MARCHING BAND JOINS SINULOG 2025 BRASS BAND PARADE
RNB Youth Symphonic Band
DONDON HONTIVEROS MIKUYOG SA BRASS BAND PARADE
Ang mga brass band ready na pod
Contingents ready na
Hapit na magsugod ang Sinulog sa Dakbayan
Scenes from the Jan. 12 Novena Mass at the Basilica
Sinulog 2025: Spectators enjoy first brass band competition
Saint Florian Marching Band of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Central Visayas (BFP-7). | CDN Digital photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Some Cebu City streets were filled with music as the performers blew their trumpets while they marched to the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
Clad in various colors of red, yellow, green and white, six participating contingents gave their all during the brass band competition on Sunday, January 12.
It was the first time for the Sinulog organizers to include a brass band competition in the annual festival.
Ronnie Jabadan: Cebu City sweeper shares his journey of faith and duty
Ronnie Jabadan during his duty street sweeping along Osmena Boulevard early this morning. | Jay Ba-a
The Sinulog Festival in Cebu City is known as the grandest festival in the Philippines.
With its week-long celebration of festivities, concerts, grand parades, and novena masses, thousands of people from different provinces visit the city to witness the events of this highly anticipated festival.
But amidst the crowd and the thousands of visitors every day, who ensures that the city’s welfare and cleanliness are maintained despite the expected huge volume of garbage?
Meet Ronnie Jabadan, a 60-year-old street sweeper who has dedicated 20 years to his job and remains a faithful devotee of Señor Sto. Niño.
Fiesta Señor: Vendor of religious icons dismayed over stalls’ relocation
Due to the heat, a vendor attaches a cloth to his stall to protect himself and his items from the sun. | CDN Digital photo by Shannah Rose Pardo
Maximo Parrera, religious icon vendor, said that they were suddenly told to relocate their stalls along F. Gonzales Street.
This relocation affected vendors as many customers are also devotees visiting the Basilica. Many of their long-time customers were also accustomed to their location there.
Sinulog 2025 weather: Cloudy skies and showers expected
Umbrellas shield devotees who brave the rainy weather to attend one of the Novena Masses at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño during the Fiesta Señor in January. (CDN File Photo)
Eventgoers should brace for varying weather conditions during the 459th Fiesta Señor and Sinulog Festival 2025, with rain showers and thunderstorms expected leading up to the highly anticipated Sinulog Grand Parade on January 19.
However, clearer skies are forecast for the big day which will provide attendees a chance to celebrate with minimal disruptions.
‘Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan’ returns to its roots in Mabolo
Titang Diola (with drum) leading a Sinulog performance before a house sometime in the 1970s, screenshot from the ‘Sugbo, Sinulog ug ang Santo Niño’ episode of the Kabilin television show aired on SugboTv in 2012.
This year, the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan retraces its historical origins and brings the celebration back to Barangay Mabolo, the birthplace of the iconic dance, to pay tribute to the revered keeper of the original Sinulog beat.
The late Estelita “Titang” Diola, hailed as the Keeper of the original Sinulog beat, devoted her life to preserving the tradition.
The Sinug is a prayerful expression of faith. It is marked by intricate dance steps, rhythmic drumbeats, and soulful chants in Old Bisaya and Latin. Traditionally performed in prominent Cebuano homes, the Sinug has become a cultural treasure. The Sinulog traces its roots back to the early 1980s in Mabolo, where children in costumes danced to the Santo Niño’s beat, guided by Titang Diola.
Walk with Jesus procession ‘successful and peaceful’ – PRO-7
Thousands of devotees participated in the Penitential Walk with Jesus along Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City with their candles and images of Sto. Niño. | CDN Photo/ Niña Mae Oliverio
Security forces described this year’s “Walk with Jesus” dawn procession as a successful and peaceful event which signaled the beginning of the 460th Fiesta Señor and Sinulog Festival celebrations.
The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) reported that the Penitential Walk with Jesus dawn procession and first novena mass on Thursday, January 9, unfolded exactly as they anticipated.
What’s in store for Sinulog 2025?
Are you ready to partake in this year’s Sinulog celebration in Cebu City?
For sure, you’ve missed having the grand festival celebrated at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC). Here are some things to look forward to this year.
Read full story here.
Ending the day with Sto. Niño
Sinulog 2025: Devotees reminded of Basilica’s strict dress code
Pilgrims who will be visiting the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu for the Fiesta Señor and Sinulog 2025 are advised to abide by the church’s proper dress code policy.
Devotees must be clad in proper attire suitable for worship or they will not be allowed entry.
Read full story here.
Sinulog 2025: Tribu Mabolokon is no more but…
For the first time since its inception, Barangay Mabolo’s Tribu Mabolokon will not take part in the Sinulog Festival.
Instead, the barangay is set to introduce a rebranded team, “Lambo Mabolo.”
Read full story here.
Traffic scheme for Sinulog launching
Sinulog 2025 contingents
Sinulog 2025: Police to deploy ‘bust buses’ to hold troublemakers
The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) will be deploying “bust buses” across Cebu City during the upcoming Sinulog Festival 2025.
According to CCPO Deputy Director for Operations Police Lieutenant Colonel Maria Theresa Macatangay, the bus will serve as a “temporary detention facility” for individuals who will be causing trouble on the streets during the festivities.
Must-visit spots in time for Cebu’s Sinulog
The Cebu City government earns more than P1 million from cash tickets of night markets held in the city this year including the Colon night market. | CDN Digital File Photo
The Sinulog Festival is a beautiful mix of tradition and modern events. We have the religious aspects which draw in tradition, and traditional shows that get a modern touch.
But while some of us wait for that grand third Sunday of January, there are some places you can visit during the Sinulog season around Cebu that would make your Sinulog a memorable one.
BATOBALANI SA GUGMA
VIVA PIT SENYOR!
: Paul Lauro #CDNDigital
IMAGE OF SEÑOR STO NIÑO ARRIVES AT BASILICA
: Morexette Marie Erram #CDNDigital
WAITING FOR THE STO. ÑINO TO ARRIVE FROM THE WALK WITH JESUS
: Paul Lauro #CDNDigitalDEVOTEES WAVING THEIR HANDS AND SINGING ‘BATO BALANI SA GUGMA’
: Niña Mae Oliverio #CDNDigital
Sinulog 2025: Devotee City to open on January 17
The Devotee City for this year’s Fiesta Señor and Sinulog festivities will soon be accepting out-of-town registrants who wish to join the celebrations in Cebu City,
This was after Cebu City Councilor Pancrasio Esparis, chairman of the committee for the Devotee City, confirmed to CDN Digital that the city will officially open on January 17, Friday, but there will be a pre-registration around 6 p.m. of January 16.
At least 30 container vans will be installed on Tuesday, January 14, by the Cokaliong Shipping Lines, the event’s sponsor. The location is still the same as last year which is in front of the Cebu Central Post Office along Pigafetta Road, Cebu City, within Plaza Independencia and beside the famous Fort San Pedro.
Walk with Jesus 2025: CCTO announces several road closures
A few roads in Cebu City will be temporarily closed on the early hours of Thursday, January 9, for the “Walk with Jesus” foot procession, which will kick off the 460th Fiesta Señor celebration.
The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) has issued a traffic advisory for the religious event that will start at 4:00 a.m.
Attendees of the procession will begin their walk at the Fuente Osmeña Circle until they reach the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu where a Mass will be celebrated.
SALAMAT, NIÑO!
: Niña Mae Oliverio #CDNDigital
Over 3K security forces deployed for Sinulog Festival 2025
The send-off ceremony for the 460th Fiesta Celebration of Señor Sto. Niño and Sinulog Festival 2025 was held at the Cebu City Sports Complex on Wednesday, January 8. | CDN Photo/ Emmariel Ares
A total of 3,031 members from various law enforcement units in Cebu City were officially deployed to cover the upcoming 460th Fiesta Celebration of Señor Sto. Niño and the Sinulog Festival 2025.
Thousands of security personnel were sent to their respective assignments across the city following the send-off ceremony held early Wednesday morning, January 8.
The event, conducted at the Cebu City Sports Complex, was attended by Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia and other officials.
121 vessels to join Fiesta Señor 2025’s Fluvial Procession so far
An aerial shot of the 2024 fluvial procession in honor of Señor Sto. Niño. The galleon carrying the images of the Sagrada Familia sailed through the Mactan Channel on January 20, 2024. | Dwayne Baring
Registration for this year’s Fluvial Procession, one of the highlights of the Fiesta Señor celebration, has been extended.
The Philippine Coast Guard in Central Visayas (PCG-7) on Wednesday, January 8, announced that participants who want to join the water-bourne parade can sign up until January 10.
Sinulog guests told: Do not book ‘illegal’ accommodations
Officials here urged visitors who want to join the Sinulog festivities to book their stays in accredited accommodations and establishments only.
The Department of Tourism in Central Visayas (DOT-7) made this reminder following reports of residential condominiums being illegally rented out to tourists in time for the Sinulog season.
“We encourage our travelers to make sure to engage in our accredited facilities,” said Judy Gabato, DOT-7 director, during the Kapihan sa Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on Wednesday, January 8.
Sinulog 2025: 9 contingents to compete in brass band competition
The Cultural and Historial Affairs Office (CHAO) has released on Tuesday the official contingents for the first-ever Brass Band Competition in Sinulog 2025.
A total of nine contingents will be competing this Sunday afternoon, Jan. 12 at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
SEND OFF OF LAW ENFORCERS FOR FIESTA SEÑOR
Sinulog 2025 tickets: 50% Off for online buyers on January 8 only
Sinulog fever is heating up early this year as Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia announced a one-day, 50-percent discount on tickets for the Sinulog 2025 Grand Parade.
The discounted tickets will be available exclusively on January 8 through the festival’s official website.
No signal jam for Sinulog 2025
Organizers of this year’s Sinulog Festival will not push through with shutting down mobile phone signals.
Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia on Monday, January 6, said there is no measure for a signal jam being introduced.
Sights and sounds at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
WATCH: Devion De La Cruz shared in his TikTok account the video of devotees of the Holy Child inside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu church as they experienced the remarkable waving of hands during the singing of “Batobalani sa Gugma” which is the most emotional part of a mass at the Basilica.
LIST: Fiesta Señor 2025 activities
will officially kick off with the Opening Salvo on January 9, 2025. It will also mark the start of the nine-day Novena Masses.
Fiesta Señor is the fiesta celebraton in honor of the Snr. Sto. Niño de Cebu. Its secular counterpart is the Sinulog Festival.
SENYOR SANTO NIÑO KALIPAY KA SA NAGSUBO
Street parties banned, other activities regulated
To ensure a safe and smooth celebration of Sinulog in Cebu City on January 18 and 19, Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia signed an executive order (EO) imposing regulations on business activities, including a ban on street parties.
EO No. 31, signed by Garcia on Monday, January 6, 2025, prohibits concerts, shows, performances, gigs, events, and other activities that entail or require putting up or using loudspeakers and other sound devices along the Solemn Foot Procession route and Sinulog Parade route from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on January 18 to 12:01 a.m. to 10 p.m. on January 19.
LIST: Sinulog Festival 2025 Schedule
Organizers of the Sinulog Festival 2025 have unveiled the list of activities for next year’s festivities.
Touted as one of the grandest and largest festivals in the Philippines, the Sinulog is the secular counterpart for the Feast of the Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu which is celebrated every third Sunday of January.
Millions are expected to flock to Cebu City to join the celebration. For 2025, organizers and the Cebu City government decided to hold the festival back at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) after spending two years at the South Road Properties (SRP).
The Grand Ritual Showdown and Street Parade will take place on January 19, 2025, with the former at the grandstand at the CCSC.
Sinulog 2025 attendees could double than last year
With the Sinulog 2025 festivities returning to the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), organizers anticipate a crowd size that could double last year’s turnout.
In turn, Elmer “Jojo” Labella, Executive Director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI), said that crowd management is one of the top priorities for their preparations.
In 2024, around three million people attended the Sinulog festivities and the Fiesta Señor in Cebu City.
Sinulog 2025 venue preparations
Brass band competition included in Sinulog 2025 calendar
A brass band competition will be the latest and most exciting event to be witnessed among the Sinulog 2025 calendar of activities this year.
The competition is the newest being included in the lineup of Sinulog activities of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI).
SFI Executive Director Elmer “Jojo” Labella told CDN Digital in a phone interview on Thursday said that the competition will take place on January 12, Sunday, at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
Liquor ban set, street parties pending – Garcia
A liquor ban will be implemented during the Sinulog 2025 festivities, while decisions on allowing street parties remain under study, Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia announced.
In a press conference on December 23, Garcia revealed plans to issue an executive order this week prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcohol within 200 to 300 meters of the Sinulog grand parade route.
He noted that the specific hours of the ban was still being determined.
Beyond the liquor ban, Garcia said he was also evaluating whether to allow street parties.
Sinulog partial list of contingents
Here is the partial list of the competing contingents for Sinulog 2025 as of December 9, 2024, according to the Sinulog Foundation Incorporated.
Out of Town
1. City of Kidapawan Performing Arts Guild City of Kidapawan Province of Cotabato
2. Antipolo Maytime Festival Bukluran Dance Troupe
3. Bais City Festival Of Harvests Negros Oriental
4. James L. Chiongbian National Trade School Performing Arts Guild Saranggani Province
5. Tribu Kamanting Performing Arts Guild Barug Dinagat Foundation, Dinagat Islands
6. Baile Filipina Dance Guild Inc. Dipolog City
7. Kabilin Mindanao Province of Davao Occidental
8. Zamboanga Hermosa Festival
9. Tabaco College – Albay
10. Bakhaw Performing Arts Guild Nan Del Carmen Del Carmen, Siargao
Cebu City (Barangays / Schools)
1. Barangay Kamagayan Landonian Tribe
2. Asian College Of Technology Internation Education Foundation
3. Banauan Cultural Group
4. Aktivong Binaliwhanon
5. Banay San Nicolasnon
6. Abellana National School
7. Kalunasan Cultural Dance Troupe
8. Barrio Basak Pardo
9. Barangay Zapatera
10. Inayawan Talents Gu
11. Maampoong Baniladnon
12. Hugpong Day Asanon
13. Tribu Mabolokon
Cebu Province
1. City of Talisay
2. Malipayong Alegrianhon
3. City of Mandaue
What to expect for Sinulog 2025: Original venue, bigger crowds, 30+ contingents
Sinulog, touted as one of the grandest and largest festivals in the Philippines, is only a few weeks away.
So far, here are a few things spectators and festival goers might want to keep an eye out.
Sinulog 2025: Cebu City Mayor Garcia invites President Marcos
Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has officially extended an invitation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to attend the Sinulog Festival 2025.
Garcia announced the invitation during a press conference on December 2, 2024, stating that only the President would be allowed to speak at the event.
He added that incumbent and reelectionist senators would be acknowledged but not given speaking roles, to prevent the grand festival from being used as a platform for political campaigning.
“Dako kaayo nag garbo ug honor nato nga no less than the President muanhi.. Just let the President speak, and the incumbent and reelectionist senators will be acknowledged,” Garcia said.
(It’s a big honor that no less than the president will come.)
Sinulog 2025: Garcia promises it will be ‘biggest, grandest ever’
Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia declared that the Sinulog Festival of 2025 will be the “grandest ever in the history of the city of Cebu.”
The declaration comes amid growing speculation and excitement over the festival’s return to its traditional venue at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
“I am expecting that the 2025 Sinulog will be the biggest and grandest Sinulog in the history of Cebu City,” Garcia said in an interview on September 13.
Sinulog 2025 will return to CCSC – Raymond
The Sinulog Festival will return to the Cebu City Sports Center in 2025.
Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia made the announcement during the 1Cebu Expo opening program on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
“I am excited to see and this [Pasigarbo] will also be a learning experience for the City of Cebu because we will also be hosting and holding the Sinulog very soon in January at CCSC… So, Gov [Gwen] show us the way,” Garcia said in his speech.
Sinulog, an annual cultural and religious festival in honor of the Señor Santo Niño, was moved to the South Road Properties (SRP) in 2023 and 2024 on the insistence of suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.
A deep dive into Sinulog’s origins
Festivities around the world tend to quiet down after the New Year—but in Cebu, the celebration goes on.
Every January, the city bursts to life with the Sinulog Festival, drawing millions of visitors from across the globe.
Considered as the “grandest and largest festival” in the Philippines, is the secular celebration of the Feast of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu, held on the third Sunday of the month.
Though the Santo Niño is not the official patron saint of Cebu City, this Holy Child holds deep cultural and religious significance not only for Cebuanos but devotees from different parts of the world.
The festival’s rich traditions, both spiritual and festive, have kept this devotion alive for centuries, making Sinulog more than just an event—it’s a reflection of faith and identity.
In this story, CDN Digital delves into the fascinating origins and evolution of the Sinulog Festival.
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