The days leading to the Sinulog this year were gloomy and rainy — and muddy.

Doubts were thrown at the decision of the Cebu City Government under Mayor Michael Rama to choose the South Road Properties (SRP) as the new venue for the grand parade and ritual showdown, which resumed on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, after a two-year hiatus because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite the opposition to holding Cebu’s longest-running festival in an untested, ill-prepared new venue, Rama put his foot down and said the Sinulog would be showcased at the SRP.

Then came Sunday. The Sinulog festivities pushed through. At the SRP. And the sun was out.

A miracle, perhaps Rama and his fellow Sto. Niño faithful would say.

Either way, the weather condition was a welcome respite for Cebuanos, believers and non-believers alike, from the rain. They could finally hang their clothes to dry.