Sinulog: All roads lead to Cebu in January

It’s been said that every third week of January, all roads lead to Cebu.

It is the oldest city in the Philippines and a top tourist destination.

This island province is known not only for its pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage but also for its mineral resources – limestone, copper, gold, silica, iron, marble, gypsum, oil and gas (inland). Cebu, also known as the “Queen City of the South” also has some other metals, including nickel and iron.

This central Visayas island, however, plays an outsized role in the country’s history – marked every January.

Sinulog Festival

Each year, Cebu celebrates “Sinulog” festival.

From the native “Sulog” (meaning stream/current) it is widely known as the “Grandest Festival” in the Southeast Asian nation, with every celebration routinely attracting an estimated 4 million+ attendees.

A look to the past 

Many Cebuanos believe that the Philippines as a nation and Christianity as a force in Asia were both born in Cebu.

Ferdinand Magellan, exploring under the Spanish crown, reached Cebu on April 8, 1521. 

Magellan led the Spanish expedition to the Spice Islands and is credited for helming the world's first circumnavigation.

Notes from the voyage’s chronicler Antonio Pigafetta show that Magellan told his Malay assistant, Enrique, to assure the people of Cebu that they came as friends not as enemies. 

Role of Rajah Humabon and wife Humamay (Juana)

Cebu is significant in Christianity because it was the site of the first recorded Christian baptism in the Philippines, in 1521. 

The Cebu ruler then, Rajah Humabon, welcomed the Spaniards. Gifts were exchanged, and two parties sealed their friendship with a blood compact. 

The baptism took place on April 14, 1521, involving around 800 natives, including the ruler Humabon and his wife Humamay, later named Juana.

On April 15, 1521, Mass was celebrated in Cebu. A cross was erected. Today, this place is known as Magellan’s Cross, a major tourist spot.

Sinulog festivities

Aside from the religious aspect of the festival, Sinulog is also famous for its street parties, usually happening the night before and the night of the main festival.

This vibrant event features:

• Street parades with colourful costumes and synchronised dance routines.

• Religious processions, including the iconic fluvial parade.

• Cultural showcases highlighting Cebuano traditions.

Culture, community

Sinulog is not just a festival but a convergence of culture, and community, drawing locals and tourists alike to witness this unparalleled spectacle.

The street parade is one of the most-awaited events of the annual celebrations. This year, as in the previous events, was marked with great anticipation.

Whichever way you look, the joy is palpable among the residents and visitors. As the street dance was witnessed by tourists and devotees, who ascribe to the Child Jesus as their source of peace in the walk of life.

Child Jesus celebrated in other places

Other places in the Philippines also celebrate their own version of the festival in honour of the Santo Niño, both within Cebu like Carmen, and outside Cebu, including Tondo, Kabankalan, General Santos, Maasin, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Pagadian, Balingasag, and Don Carlos, Bukidnon, as well as overseas parishes, including St Mary's Church in Dubai.

GETTING THERE

Emirates flies daily to Cebu (Mactan International Airport) from Dubai, then to Clark International Airport, before flying back to Dubai. Qatar Airways also operates direct flights to Cebu from Doha. Cebu Pacific also operates numerous flights from Manila and other key cities in Asia.

Other airlines flying to Cebu City are Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebgo (direct from 19 cities), Sunlight Air, Jeju Air, Jin Air.