Friday, January 11, 2008 ‘One of longest parades ever’
THIS year’s Sinulog carousel promises to be one of the longest parades ever, said Sinulog Foundation Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros Jr. in a press conference yesterday.
If all the community-based youth will join along with the regular contingents, spectators are in for an extended show.
At least 37 contingents have made it to the list for Sinulog 2008 so far, including elementary and high school groups scheduled to compete in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan and Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan.
20 floats
As of Jan. 9, the foundation registered 20 floats, 15 free interpretation contingents and fewer than 10 Sinulog-based groups.
Dancers can help keep the parade orderly by making some adjustments in their routines. In case big gaps develop between groups, Ballesteros suggested that they employ their fast moves to catch up.
Contingents that walk, instead of dance, during the parade will be moved out.
An estimated 13,000 volunteers and police operatives will be fielded for crowd control, particularly at the intersections of Osmeña Blvd., Gen. Maxilom Ave. and other areas prone to crowds building up.
Giveaways
Crowds will be prohibited from following floats. As one way to lessen disorder, those on floats will be asked not to toss products or giveaways at spectators.
Call time for the participants in the Jan. 20 parade is at 5 a.m., or four hours before the event starts. Ballesteros said the parade should end at 7 p.m. to give way to the fireworks display.
When asked about the possibility of overtime, he said they have organized a system to monitor the parade. In this way, they can tell the participants to move faster so they can all reach the Cebu City Sports Complex as scheduled. (Lyra Fe Serafin, La Salle University-Ozamiz Intern)
