Sinulog tourist spots 101
THE colorful bunting are up in different areas in Cebu City; A sign that the grandest festival of the Queen City has arrived.
Thousands of people from different parts of the country as well as from different parts of the world are in Cebu for the Sinulog festival. These days, Cebuanos are busy accommodating balikbayans, foreign guests and friends, throwing a grand feast in celebration of the Sto. Niño. The festival is widely known for its exciting set of activities each year to honor the Holy Child.
To make things easier for guests from out of town, here are some suggestions of fun spots that they might want to visit during the Sinulog festival this weekend:
Dance with the Sinulog contingents
Move to the beat of the traditional Sinulog dance during the annual Sinulog Grand Parade this Sunday at the Cebu City Sports Complex. This is one of the favorite events that festival-goers really enjoy. Watch dancers from different provinces in the country in their colorful costumes and with their enormous props. Be amazed by the grand fireworks display at the end of the event. It may be a competition but still, Sinulog dancers offer their dance to Sto. Niño.
Tour around Cebu’s popular heritage spots
Cebu just doesn’t have a pool of talented people but it is also rich in culture and historical heritage. Some of the iconic places to visit are the Magellan’s Cross, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, The Heritage of Cebu Monument, Colon Market, Casa Gorordo Museum, Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, Fort San Pedro and, of course, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. Immerse in the Cebuano culture; Dive deeper into its rich history.
Witness the fluvial parade and solemn procession
A day before the Sinulog Grand Parade on Sunday, the miraculous image of the Sto. Niño will be honored with a seaborne procession. The seaborne procession starts in the morning, while the solemn procession will be in the afternoon. There will be programs such as the re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. Join the devotees as they drop flowers to welcome the image of the Holy Child.
Party with the locals
Some of the best parties in the country happen in Cebu during the Sinulog Festival. Right after the sun goes down, the city switches from lit candles to bright party lights. The music booms from everywhere as locals dance with good food and cold beverages. This is what most of the younger Cebuanos anticipate every year during Sinulog, a time when they can party all night and enjoy each others’ company.