There have been a lot of changes throughout Sinulog history.
What is Cebu known for?
Aside from its stellar beaches, tourists visit Cebu to witness the cultural phenomenon that is the Sinulog Festival.
Celebrated on the third Sunday of January every year, this is the busiest and liveliest time for residents of Cebu City.
Throughout its history, there have been various changes, transitioning from a short street parade of local students to becoming a month-long celebration with participants from all around the country.
It harkens back to Cebu’s pagan past, where dances were used to pay homage to wooden idols and images. This later led to the formation of the modern Sinulog dance, which is still being practiced today.
However, its origins are attributed to a moment during the island’s early days as a Christian region.
THE INSPIRATION
Like many festivals in the Philippines, religion plays a big part in the origins of Sinulog.
The festival pays homage to the Sto. Niño de Cebu, the image that was given by Ferdinand Magellan to the rulers of the island, Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana. One of its miraculous feats is ascribed to creating the Sinulog dance.
Legend says that Rajah Humabon’s trusted adviser Baladhay suddenly fell sick. Humabon brought him to the room where the image of Sto. Niño was kept in order to be healed.
A few days later, Baladhay was cured, later seen dancing to a “two steps forward, one step backward” motion. This exact moment is considered the first time the dance had ever been performed.
Its name comes from the local word “sinug”, which refers to the movement of a water current. Baladhay explained that this specific movement resembles the flow of a river.
The dance became a sign of reverence for the image when it was later housed inside the Basilica del Sto. Niño. It was only performed by a few devotees, but most importantly, candle vendors around the church.
The sinug is used as an enactment of the petitions of churchgoers, with candle vendors dancing while screaming “Pit Senyor!”
After the dance is performed, the churchgoer takes the candle and continues praying inside the Magellan’s Cross.
However, the dance became more widely known around the island because of one man: David S. Odilao.
HOW DID IT START?
Odilao, the former Regional Director of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development (MSYD), is often considered the “Father of Sinulog”, as he organized the very first Sinulog parade on January 20th, 1980.
According to an article in the Philippine Star, Odilao invited several Physical Education teachers to learn the “two steps forward, one step backward” motion. They later enhanced the steps further, taking inspiration from the candle vendors outside the Basilica. (2014)
This group of teachers established the first parade consisting of seven universities and schools representing Cebu’s traditions and its devotion to the Sto. Niño.
The parade started from Plaza Independencia up to the Basilica. This impressed many Cebuanos, including the local government who looked to create an even bigger celebration.
The project was later turned over to the Cebu City Historical Committee, which paved the way for the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI). They are responsible for organizing the festival every year, including the Grand Parade and the Ritual Showdown at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
MODERN SINULOG HISTORY
The Sinulog Festival continues to welcome millions of viewers every year.
Today, the festival spans several weeks starting as early as December. Private establishments host their own events, while SFI organizes and facilitates several exciting festivities such as pageants, contests, and exhibits.
Every year, the festival gathers millions of viewers from around the world, making January the island’s busiest time tourism-wise. While many come to see the street parade, others stay up to experience the late night street parties.
In recent years, Sinulog history has experienced several changes from its structure to its venue, but has kept its energetic spirit that many have come to know about the festival.
In 2023, the festival was moved to the Cebu South Road Properties to highlight the area’s recent development projects. However, issues regarding the lack of shaded areas and amenities caused several contingents to back out of the celebration the following year.
In 2025, the festival officially returned to its roots, as it was held in the downtown area, with the Ritual Showdown returning to the CCSC.
This celebration was considered “the grandest Sinulog ever”, hosting the most number of contingents and bringing the highest number of audience members in Sinulog history.
*****
Many have said that the Philippines has the longest holiday season in the world, starting from the “ber” months. This goes even further in Cebu, wherein the festivities continue towards the Sinulog Festival.
As one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines, it’s a must watch for anyone looking to know about the culture and beauty of Cebu.
If there’s one thing this cultural event has taught us, it’s that it consistently elevates itself into something much bigger every year. It’s also no wonder why many have described it as the “Mother of All Festivals”.
REFERENCES:
The Philippine Star. 2014. “A brief history of Sinulog.” Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/travel-and-tourism/2014/01/11/1277688/brief-history-sinulog
