My 2024: Noteworthy Sinulog Festival Experience Here in Cebu City

Have you guys ever felt like you’re inside a movie? Especially in the Disney movie "Coco," tradition and family were the themes. The loud festive music during the day and the dazzling lights around the town during the night. These things are just the settings; more things come into play when you experience an actual festival. Here in Cebu, Philippines, the famous Sinulog Festival is an annual tradition during the third Sunday of January. Let me delve deeper into my experience as I share the things I did during the festival.

Before doing so, I want to congratulate everyone for being able to survive the second half of the month. As the month comes to a close, I want to thank everybody for doing well and fine in their own lives. Now, let’s get into my blog!🥳

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The 8th and 9th days of Novena

_{This picture was taken during the 9th day of Novena. The mass schedule 4:00 pm-5:00 pm}

There are 9 days of Novena masses for the Sinulog, and I’m lucky enough to be able to attend the last two novena masses. The Basilica Minore del St. Niño de Cebu is a church that’s pretty far from our home, and my grandparents wouldn’t let us go there alone. So, we waited for my uncle to come home from Bohol so he could drive us near the church and go to the mass with us. Traffic surrounded the place, which made us very late for the 8th mass, scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Nevertheless, we continued praying and finished the Novena. Everything felt so gratifying. The feeling of being able to wave your hand and pray to St. Niño, singing the songs, and making prayers with the family. That night kind of reminded me how great it is to be a Cebuano and pray to St. Niño.

The church is the home for people, who strengthens their faith by praying and learning the holy words and actions that are right and just. Entering the church, was like a feeling of home and completeness. There's nothing I would want to have, since being able to stand, listen, and pray fulfills my soul.

The Night Market in Plaza Independencia

_{I'm sorry the photo doesn't seem so appealing, the place was too crowded for me to take pictures. I just couldn't take the risk of putting out my phone.}

Now, the festival won't be complete without the night market! An alley filled with stalls and foods that can satisfy everyone's hunger after the long parade. What do you say about taking dinner here? Would you guys say yes? Well, definitely, I'd say yes! My family gathered here in Plaza Independencia to have dinner after the Novena. We settled near the entrance and bought barbecues for our dinner. We took our time listening to the crowd behind the market since there was a stage setup and people were having fun too. The place was filled with lights and sound systems, enough for us to be entertained while savouring our flavorful dinner. We finished our dinner with a soft drink, and it didn't take a long time since many people are also waiting for a vacant space for them to eat.

The Fun and Playful Street Party

_{I'm obviously having fun here. Heh.}

Playful, I’d say. People would stay on the corners or at the side road along with their paint and dirty faces covered with colors. We went to the Baseline Mall with my friends, and we were welcomed in an unexpected yet fun way. Strangers with paint on their hands brushed their hands at our faces. At first, we were so taken back by their actions. Then I realised that this was part of the festival. People looked so messy and bright with their sweet smiles. Some people are busy capturing the moment of play on the road, with the loud festive music blurred by the huge speakers.

People would also throw some colorful powder randomly onto you. Of course, who wouldn't be surprised, right? However, people are celebrating the festival and no one can afford to get mad. It was all just fun and smile-filled activity.

The Fireworks Display

_{Fireworks!🤩 I'm in love with the sight.}

Me and my family already went home after the long night we experienced. We knew that there’s a fireworks display; however, we wouldn’t want to get stuck in traffic. Yet, to our surprise, the fireworks were so close to us. We were inside the car when the fireworks started to appear above us. My uncle stopped the car for a while, and he let us watch the dazzling display. I was in love. I was really in love with the fireworks and the colours they showed.

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The week has been pretty simple yet memorable. The moments I've spent was worthy of my time and presence. Everything filled my child spirit, as I witnessed the festival.

Before our classes start, I’m more than ever grateful for the things and experience that was bestowed upon me. Sinulog 2024 was a blast! I gave my prayers, embraced the spirit of the festival; experienced the traditional activities, and I’m more than happy to be able to do it with my friends and family. Viva Pit, Senyor St. Niño!

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This ends my blog for today. Thank you so much,guys, for reading my blog, and if you’ve reached this far, you've nailed it! Until the next blog! “Don't waver; keep going; keep looking for a rainbow ending.” I love you guys! from rainebow0407:)