Editorial: Making the celebration enjoyable

Friday, January 13, 2012

TOMORROW is the feast of the Sto. Niño. To label it solely as the day of the Sinulog Grand Parade is to veer away from the original intention of the festivities. The religious precedes the cultural aspect of the celebration.

Masses will be held at the Basilica del Sto. Niño. Meaning, Catholics are advised to first attend masses before going to the Sinulog festivities. That will be a good preparation for the activities that they will indulge in after that.

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In joining the revelry, people should be reminded that Fiesta Señor is the year’s biggest activity not only in Cebu City but in the entire province. It attracts thousands of devotees and visitors and, tomorrow, fills the streets with crowds that could reach a million or more.

That, admittedly, is difficult to secure, promises by the province’s law enforcers to be up to the challenge notwithstanding. It is good, therefore, to be always prepared for any untoward incident that may occur.

As a precaution, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has advised revelers not to wear jewelry and other valuables during the grand parade. Drunkenness and unruly behavior are prohibited.

The holding of the activities at the Basilica and the festivities on the street, though, have traditionally been peaceful. While crowd control has been a problem in past parades, instances of violent incidents breaking out have been few. Credit that to our bias for calm and sobriety.

The grand parade is carousel type and participating contingents are made to dance in some areas of the 5.1 kilometers route. One is therefore given a chance to enjoy the presentations for the duration of the parade.

The mantra of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. is “rain or shine,” meaning the activity will proceed even if it rains. That is better said than done, of course.

The weather bureau’s forecast is that of a rainy fiesta, and the rain has poured daily since the novena masses at the Basilica started. While prayers for fine weather may help, it would be better to brace for the worst. So bring your umbrellas and stay away from flood prone areas.

Let us all make the Basilica activities solemn and Sinulog 2012 as enjoyable as possible.