Sinulog Festival 2024: 12 Cool Things to Do at Cebu’s Sinulog
The Sinulog Festival in Cebu is one of the most-visited festivals in the Philippines.
And for good reason.
Cebu is such a party town on a regular day. But it totally transforms into a lively, cultural, colorful, and welcoming city every year during Sinulog Festival.
Sinulog Festival History and Origins
The Sinulog Festival in Cebu, Philippines, is a cultural and religious celebration with deep historical roots.
The festival’s origin can be traced back to the early 16th century when Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the Philippines in 1521.
Magellan gave a statuette of the Santo Niño (the Holy Child) as a baptismal gift to Queen Juana, who, along with her people, embraced Christianity.
Fast forward to 1565, Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi arrived in Cebu and found the Santo Niño image in an indigenous settlement.
The discovery marked the beginning of Cebu’s fervent devotion to the Santo Niño, and it is said to be the oldest religious relic in the Philippines.
What does “Sinulog” mean?
The word “Sinulog” itself is derived from the Cebuano word “sulog,” meaning “like water current movement.”
The term describes the forward-backward movement of the traditional Sinulog dance.
The dance imitates the flow of the river and is performed by participants during the festival.
Modern-day Sinulog Festival
The Sinulog Festival as it is known today began in the 1980s.
The first official Sinulog Parade took place in 1980. It featured street dancing and a reenactment of the historical events surrounding the Santo Niño.
Over the years, the Sinulog Festival has grown into one of the grandest and most popular festivals in the Philippines. It attracts millions of local and international tourists.
The festival’s main highlight remains the Grand Parade, where participants don colorful costumes and perform the Sinulog dance in the streets of Cebu City.
Beyond the religious aspect, Sinulog has become a celebration of Cebuano culture, unity, and the resilience of the Filipino spirit.
When is the Sinulog Festival 2024?
The Sinulog Festival is usually held for 9 consecutive days in Cebu.
The Sinulog Grand Parade usually commences on the third Sunday of January and marks Santo Niño’s Feast day.
In 2024, the main Sinulog Festival events will be held on January 19 (Friday), January 20 (Saturday), and January 21 (Sunday).
12 Things to Do at the 2024 Sinulog Festival
There are many things to do at Sinulog Festival, but here are my top 12 recommendations:
1. Attend the Grand Parade
The Sinulog Grand Parade is the festival’s centerpiece, featuring vibrant street dancing, lively music, and colorful costumes.
Thousands of performers move to the beat, celebrating the Santo Niño with joyous energy.
- Travel Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the parade route, and consider wearing comfortable clothing and footwear for an enjoyable experience.
2. Visit the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is a significant religious site housing the image of the Holy Child.
Pilgrims flock to this historic church to pay their respects and attend special Masses during the festival.
- Travel Tip: Check the schedule for religious activities and arrive early for a chance to join the devotees in prayer.
3. Experience the Fluvial Procession
Witness the mesmerizing Fluvial Procession, where the image of the Santo Niño is carried on a beautifully adorned boat, sailing along the Mactan Channel.
Pilgrims and spectators gather along the shores to witness this spiritual and picturesque event.
- Travel Tip: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning moments during the procession.
4. Participate in the Sinulog sa Kabataan
Sinulog sa Kabataan is a youth-focused event showcasing the talents of young performers in a colorful and competitive street dancing competition.
It’s an inspiring display of creativity and cultural pride.
- Travel Tip: Find a good vantage point along the competition route to appreciate the enthusiasm and dedication of the young participants.
5. Explore the Festival Queen Competition
The Festival Queen Competition is a dazzling showcase of beauty, talent, and cultural awareness.
Contestants represent different municipalities and cities, displaying intricate costumes and performing traditional dances.
- Travel Tip: Attend the competition early to secure a seat and appreciate the cultural diversity reflected in the participants’ presentations.
6. Join the Walk with Jesus Dawn Procession
The festival kicks off with the Walk with Jesus Dawn Procession.
This solemn and prayerful event is celebrated with devotees walking the streets, expressing their faith and devotion to the Santo Niño.
- Travel Tip: This is a religious event, so dress modestly and respectfully. Consider participating in this spiritual journey to fully immerse yourself in the festival’s religious traditions.
7. Visit the Fuente Osmeña Circle
The Fuente Osmeña Circle serves as a focal point for various Sinulog activities, including the launching of the festival.
It’s a great spot to experience the festive atmosphere, with live performances, food stalls, and colorful decorations.
- Travel Tip: Plan to visit the circle during the evenings when the area comes alive with lights and entertainment.
8. Join the Fluvial Parade and Solemn Procession
The Fluvial Parade and Solemn Procession mark the end of the Sinulog Festival.
The Santo Niño is transported back to Cebu City through a fluvial parade, followed by a grand procession showcasing cultural dances and religious rituals.
- Travel Tip: Be part of this concluding event to witness the profound culmination of the festival and the unity of the community.
9. Experience the Sinulog Fireworks Competition
The Sinulog Fireworks Competition lights up the night sky with dazzling displays from different pyrotechnic teams.
It’s a breathtaking spectacle that adds a touch of magic to the festival celebrations.
- Travel Tip: Find a good vantage point, preferably elevated, to enjoy the full impact of the fireworks and capture stunning photos of the illuminated city.
10. Discover the Street Parties
Sinulog comes alive with electrifying street parties and concerts throughout the festival.
From pulsating music to lively dance floors, the streets of Cebu transform into a massive celebration.
- Travel Tip: Plan your evenings to explore different party zones, and be prepared for large crowds by wearing comfortable clothing and staying hydrated.
11. Engage in Cultural Exhibits
Various cultural exhibits are organized during the Sinulog Festival, showcasing traditional arts, crafts, and local products.
It’s an opportunity to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Cebu and interact with local artisans.
- Travel Tip: Take some time to explore these exhibits, and consider purchasing handmade souvenirs to support local artists and commemorate your Sinulog experience.
12. Try Local Delicacies at the Food Festival
Indulge in the diverse flavors of Cebuano cuisine at the Sinulog Food Festival.
Local delicacies and street food stalls offer a gastronomic adventure, allowing you to savor authentic dishes while immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere.
- Travel Tip: Come hungry and be open to trying new flavors, as the food festival provides a culinary journey through the region’s delectable offerings.
2024 Sinulog Festival Schedule of Activities
|
Date Inclusive |
Activity/ies |
Venue/s (Route for Parade, Procession, Street event) |
|
January 5, 2024 10:00 AM |
Balik Cebu Booth Opening |
Ayala Center Cebu |
|
January 6, Every 10AM |
LCP National Festival Summit (Cross Cultural Exchange Workshop & Presentation) |
(Video Greetings of Mayors & Festival Presentation or Promotional Videos) |
|
January 6-7, 2024 |
1st Sinulog sa Sugbo International Dragon Boat Festival |
IL Corso, Citi De Mare, Cebu City |
|
January 7, 2024 (Sunday) |
SINULOG DANCE CREW COMPETITION Elimination |
TBA |
|
January 10, Wednesday |
Miss Cebu 2024 Pre-pageant
|
Sinulog World Tent City |
|
January 10-11, 2024 |
OSANiñno at 40 Exhibit by order of Saint Augustine |
SM Seaside |
|
January 11, (THU) |
c/o Basilica |
|
|
4:00 AM |
Walk with Jesus |
Basilica del Sto. Niño Assembly Fuente Osmeña, Jones, Osmeña Blvd to Sto. Niño |
|
5:00 AM |
Opening Salvo Mass (MORNING) |
Basilica del Sto. Niño |
|
4:00 PM |
Sinulog Dance Crew Competition Finals |
Sinulog World Tent City |
|
January 11-13, Thursday & Friday |
Cebu Marathon Expo |
Mountain Wing Atrium, SM Seaside City Cebu |
|
January 12, 2024 (FRIDAY) |
Kick – off for Sinulog 2024 |
|
|
2:30 PM |
Mass |
Basilica Pilgrim Quadrangle |
|
3:00 PM |
Launching Parade (traditional route) |
Basilica to CCSC Or Alternative |
|
6:00 PM |
Battle of the Bands |
Plaza Independencia |
|
6:00 PM |
Ceremonial Opening |
CCSC |
|
7:00 PM |
Opening Salvo |
Fuente Osmeña |
|
8:00 PM |
Sinulog Idol |
Fuente Osmeña w/ SM or other venue |
|
January 12-22, 2024, 6PM |
SINULOG FESTIVAL NIGHTLY SHOWS |
SRP, FUENTE OSMEÑA, PLAZA INDEPENDENCIA |
|
January 12-22, 2024 |
FOOD PARKS |
SRP |
|
January 13, (SATURDAY) 1:00 PM |
Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan (Parade of Participants) |
CCSC |
|
2:00 PM |
Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan |
CCSC |
|
6:00 PM |
Cultural Show by Department of Education – Cebu Province |
Fuente Osmeña |
|
6:00 PM |
Cultural Show by Cebu Technological University – Danao Campus |
Plaza Independencia |
|
8:00 PM |
Sinulog Idol |
Fuente Osmeña or other Venue |
|
January 14, 2024 (SUN) 12:30MN – 8:30 AM |
Cebu Marathon |
SM Seaside, SRP Area |
|
1:00 PM |
Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan (Parade of Participants) |
Capitol Grounds to CCSC |
|
2:00 PM |
Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan
|
CCSC |
|
6:00 PM |
Cultural Show by University of Cebu Main Campus |
Fuente Osmeña |
|
6:00 PM |
Cultural Show by Mandaue City Science High School and Mandaue City School for the Arts |
Plaza Independencia |
|
8:00 PM |
Sinulog Idol |
Fuente Osmeña Plaza Independencia |
|
January 15, 2024 (MON) |
||
|
4:00 PM |
Festival Queen Runway Competition |
SM Seaside |
|
6:00 PM |
Cultural Show by University of Southern Philippines Foundation |
Fuente Osmeña |
|
6:00 PM |
Cultural Show by Cebu Normal University |
Plaza Independencia |
|
8:00 PM |
Sinulog Idol |
Fuente Osmeña |
|
January 16, 2024 (TUE) |
||
|
6:00 PM |
Cultural Show by University of San Jose Recoletos |
Fuente Osmeña |
|
6:00 PM |
Cultural Show by University of the Visayas |
Plaza Independencia |
|
8:00 PM |
Sinulog Idol |
Fuente Osmeña |
|
January 17, (WED) |
||
|
6:00 PM |
MISS CEBU 2024 |
Pacific Grand Ballroom, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel |
|
6:00 PM |
Cultural Show by Department of Education – Cebu City Division |
Fuente Osmeña |
|
6:00 PM |
Cultural Show by Cebu Technological University Main Campus |
Plaza Independencia |
|
7:00 PM |
Ms. Cebu 2024 (Pageant Night) |
TBA |
|
8:00 PM |
Sinulog Idol |
Plaza, Fuente Osmeña |
|
January 18, (THURSDAY) 9:00 AM |
Balikbayan Welcome |
Airport (MCIAA T1) |
|
5:00 PM |
“Balik Cebu”, Welcome Dinner (Tourism) |
Ayala Center Cebu, Terraces |
|
6:00 PM |
“Handumanan” |
Ayala Terraces |
|
6:00 PM |
Cultural Show by University of San Carlos |
Fuente Osmeña |
|
6:00 PM |
Cultural Show by University of San Jose Recoletos |
Plaza Independencia |
|
8:00 PM |
Sinulog Idol Grand Finalist |
Fuente Osmeña or Possible Sponsored Venues |
|
San Miguel (Sponsorship event) |
Plaza Independencia |
|
|
January 19, (FRIDAY) 4:00 AM |
Walk with Mary Procession |
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church – V. Rama Ave. – left to B. Rodriguez St. to Fuente Osmeña – Basilica |
|
9:00 AM |
Grand Orientation all Contestants (Contingents, Floats, Puppeteers, Higante etc.) |
City Hall 9th floor or Social Hall |
|
6:00 PM |
Mayor’s Night |
Nustar Convention Center |
|
7:00 PM |
Cebu Pop Music Festival |
TBA |
|
San Miguel (Sponsorship event) |
Fuente Osmeña |
|
|
Pocari Sweat (Sponsorship event) |
Plaza Independencia |
|
|
8:00 PM |
Festival Queen Coronation Night |
CCSC |
|
January 20, (SATURDAY) 6:00 AM |
Fluvial Procession of Miraculous Image Sr. Sto. Niño |
CCLEC 3rd Bridge |
|
7:00 AM |
Balik Baroto Regatta |
South Road Property |
|
9:00 AM |
Re-enactment of historical events (Planting of the Cross, Baptism & Wedding)
|
Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño |
|
1:00 PM |
Solemn Foot Procession of the Venerable Image of Sr. Sto. Niño |
Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño |
|
8:00 PM |
“Party at the Parks” |
Fuente Osmeña & Plaza Independencia |
|
Pocari Sweat (Sponsorship event) |
Plaza Independencia |
|
|
Visual Merchandising Contest |
TBA |
|
|
Worldwide Tiktok Dance Contest (Online) Finals |
TBA |
|
|
January 21, 2024 (SUNDAY) |
Sinulog Grand Parade |
SRP Grounds (Designated route for parade, consider Carousel route) |
|
4:00 AM |
Mañanita Mass |
Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño |
|
6:00 AM |
Misa Pontifical de la “Fiesta Señor” by his excellency Archbishop Jose S. Palm, DD |
Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño |
|
8:00 AM |
Sinulog Fiesta Day Holy Mass Celebration |
SRP Stage |
|
9:00 AM |
Sinulog Grand Parade – Carousel Formal Opening |
SRP |
|
7:00 PM |
Grand Finale & Grand Fireworks |
SRP (SRP grounds) |
|
8:00 PM |
Street Party Band |
Plaza Independencia and other workable Venue |
|
9:00 PM |
Pyrospectacular Show – Pyro Musical |
For scheduling SM City / Ayala/SRP TBA |
|
January 22, 2024 (MON) |
Awarding Ceremonies, Basilica, Thanksgiving Day (Trophies) |
CCSC (Awarding) |
|
January 26, 2024 (FRI) |
“Hubo” |
Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño |
|
January 26, 2024 (FRI) |
Video & Short Film (Judging) |
TBA |
Schedule of Sinulog Festival 2024 comes from the event organizer Sinulog Foundation Inc. Check their page for updated list of Sinulog Festival activities as they may change without notice.
You can also download the festival app (fancy, no?). It’s available on Google Playstore and Apple App Store.
Sinulog Festival and Beyond
Cebu is also known to many awesome beaches, but they’re a bit far from the city. It’s perfect if you want to check out Sinulog Festival, but want to get away from the crowds as well.
Make sure to check out other January festivals in the Philippines. If you have time to explore other cities in the Visayas, go for Iloilo – the City of Love also celebrates their lively Dinagyang Festival this month.
