IN EVERY celebration, there’s always something that visitors or spectators look forward to: be it the first and last dance of a debutante on her 18th birthday, a couple’s vows at a wedding, or a forthcoming baby’s gender during a baby gender reveal party.
A celebration as established as the Sinulog is not an exception. With revelers coming from all over the world and majority of the Cebuanos taking part in the celebration in one way or another, one cannot help but look forward to the different Sinulog and Fiesta Señor activities.
So many religious and cultural activities happen during the Sinulog, a lot of which appeal to the younger generation.
Novena masses
Try checking a friend’s Instagram story or his or her Messenger Day, and you’ll be sure to see updates on how many novena masses they’ve attended or concerts they have seen. These stories usually include “Day 7” or “7/9” of the mass, with matching emojis or quotes from the day’s Gospel.
More than the stories or the posts the youth make about the Novena masses, what’s praiseworthy here is the initiative of the young ones to take part in and to carry on the religious tradition in their own modern ways.
Sinulog fashion
In addition to the usual straw hats and shirts, another thing to watch out for this season is the Sinulog-themed fashion accessories, with the Sinulog ear cuff being a favorite.
Ever since Miss Universe 2019 Catriona Gray appeared on TV last December in her lava gown and signature ear cuff, the latter has become a trend not only among the young Sinulog revelers but also among the titas of Cebu.
Depending on the sizes and material used, one can buy these cute accessories made out of colorful feathers at around P100 to P200.
Free concerts
Having some of the popular bands and singers in town to perform live this Sinulog season for free is undeniably one of the events the young revelers are excited about.
To be able to sing along with the band and feel the Sinulog energy is one awesome way to celebrate the festival.
Sinulog grand parade
Prititit! The last but definitely not the least among all the events to look forward to is today’s (Jan. 20) grand parade.
For various personal reasons, the youth usually participate in the culmination of the region’s grandest festival. It is not a surprise to see them scattered along the parade route with their pouches and smart phones, always ready to take a selfie.
More than the celebrity-spotting during the grand parade, it is usually part of the youth’s #Sinulogchecklist to capture and record Sinulog moments posted with #lit captions or narrations for their #vlogs, or write something about Sinulog 2019 in their different social media accounts.