FILIPINOS in Edmonton, Canada, celebrated the Feast of Señor Sto. Niño with a Sinulog Festival at The Royal Palace Edmonton on January 18, 2025.
Over 800 people participated in the event, with five groups—Oponganon, Batang Opon, Tribu Leduc, Olds Alberta, and Vismin Youth—performing traditional dances in honor of Señor Sto. Niño.
Janelle Arcayos-Bascon, originally from Balamban, Cebu, shared that this was her first time joining the Sinulog celebration after nearly eight years of living in Canada.
While she noted that celebrating Sinulog abroad felt different from celebrating it in Cebu, she emphasized that the significance remained the same, as it was a meaningful way for the Catholic Filipino community to honor Señor Sto. Niño.
"Nindot kaayo sa feeling nga mohalad sa Sto. Niño, samot na mokanta sa Bato Balani, mag-wave sa kamot. Feel kaayo naku ang Sinulog spirit," Bascon said in an interview with SunStar Cebu.
(It feels really great to offer something to the Sto. Niño, especially when singing "Bato Balani" and waving your hand. I can really feel the Sinulog spirit.)
Bascon also acknowledged the dedication of the Edmonton community, highlighting that the success of the event was made possible by their collective effort and commitment. (CLC)