[Sinulog #1] Sinulog — The Best Fiesta in the Philippines!

I’m back loaded with stories and pictures to share about Sinulog which is so far the best Fiesta in the Philippines! I’ve always been fascinated with the Philippines Fiestas and I’m hoping to be able to blog all of them. People from all over the world visits Cebu to witness this Phils’ “Mardi Gras” in Cebu City and it would be a shame if we, Filipinos, will not be able to experience this awesome fiesta at least once in our lifetime. This year’s Sinulog has the biggest crowd ever and I literally have to walked all over Cebu during the entire day just to experience it.

I’ve been looking for an insider’s account on what to expect in Sinulog but you would have to talk to locals so that you can fully understand what happens there. As a starting point, there is an official website where you can find the official schedule, history of the Sinulog, and winning photos in the past years (Sinulog is a perfect time for photography).

Sinulog is a dance ritual in honor of the miraculous image of the Santo Niño. The dance moves two steps forward and one step backward to the sound of the drums. This resembles the current (Sulog) of what was then known as Cebu’s Pahina River. Thus, in Cebuano, they say it’s Sinulog. I will attempt to give an experiential account on Sinulog 2006 and maybe, I would be successful in convincing you that this is the best fiesta in the Philippines and you should take the next chance of witnessing this in Cebu. It is always scheduled on the third sunday in January.

I’ve taken a photo of the story of the devotion to the Sto. Nino de Cebu in the Ayala Center Sto. Nino Exhibit. You got to read this and it is an essential background information on what the festival is all about. (Also check this out –> history of the Sinulog). Sinulog’s claim to fame is its Grand Parade which is held on the third Sunday of January. Although, most people missed out that the Sto. Nino de Cebu is miraculous and a pilgrimage to the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino is a MUST because it is only during this time that the original image is exposed inside the Church.

I’m starting an entire series on the Sinulog 2006 which is an experiential account of my first Sinulog experience:
[Sinulog #1] Sinulog — The Best Fiesta in the Philippines!
[Sinulog #2] Essential Guide to the Sinulog Fiesta
[Sinulog #3] The Grand Parade
[Sinulog #4] Cebu de Sto. Nino Devotion
[Sinulog #5] Sinulog’s Beauty and the Beasts (postcards)
[Sinulog #6] Sto. Nino Collections (part 1)
[Sinulog #7] Sto. Nino Collections (part 2)
[Sinulog #8] And the Sinulog winners are…