Have you ever heard of this famous Filipino street fest? Sinulog is from the province of Cebu which is in the Visayas area of the Philippines.

I've been to Dinagyang in Iloilo before the pandemic but I haven't been able to go to any other Visayan province festival since then. Last year and this year we're already doing the usual things we do prior to COVID-19 lockdowns. Despite that I still didn't plan to go to any of the many grand festivals in the country.

No I'm not sad nor penniless but I can't go traveling around until the middle of the year. Maybe, hopefully. 😅 Still, if I could I would be going around the many islands we have just for fun. And so I was a bit surprised when I saw the announcement in our parish. There would be a Sinulog parade on January 19 after the Solemn High Mass and I was like... whoa. "For real, are they really gonna do it?"

^{Parish announcement image | image source}

What is Sinulog?

Sinulog is like Dinagyang which originated from the Ati-atihan. The three Visayan festivals are large scale street dancing and celebrations dedicated to the Santo Niño (Holy Child), the child Jesus.

"What's the big deal?" you might ask. Well, this is done in commemoration of when the image of a Santo Niño was presented to the early Filipinos during the 16th century. Of course they converted wholeheartedly and even the wife of the chieftain (Rajah Humabon) during that time, loved the statue she received.

It was during the 1980's that Sinulog began. And so up to this day it's really one of the three events people all over the country (and even the world) look forward to every year. This is why I was kinda wondering if my fellow parishioners could pull it off. 😁

I've never seen it done here before. Well because I wasn't religious since I was a kid until Lent 2023. And so I never bothered much with church activities in the past. Previous parish priests didn't allow such Santo Niño celebrations apparently (something I heard at church during mass). Well hey because we have a new priest since last year, this time it was allowed! Oh la la!

Check out the youth in their Sinulog costumes! ❤️ Ah somehow it reminds me of my life in the province as a child. 😍

In front were the sacristans with the crucifix and such. Didn't get closer to them because all the "fun" was behind them haha.

I mean, look they are really dressed up for this parade! 😍 Lol, been a long time since I've seen any colorful and celebratory procession. 😆

Am happy to see the youth so active in this endeavor. 😀 For sure they were also happy and excited to do it. ❤️

Of course the highlight of the parade is at the end. Viva Señor Santo Niño! 🙌 (Hail, Lord Holy Child!)

What do people do in such an activity?

Whenever people join either of the 3 fiesta celebrations, everyone also shouts "Viva Pit Señor!" It means "Hail Lord, listen to our prayers!"

There will be people who dances/sways with the figure of the Child Jesus they carry too. Why? Because the parade, dance and shoutout is a praise and petition to God to grant whatever the person is praying for.

Pit is a shortened version of the Cebuano word "sangpit", and the closest English translation would be "appeal" to someone unseen or far away. Imagine what the blind man at the side of the road did, calling out to Jesus for healing. (Luke 18:35-43)

Anyway, overall it was fun to watch the short yet colorful parade. Even if it's just a parish activity I'm happy enough to see a number of people dressed up and performing with smiles on their faces! They honor the Child Jesus with happiness. 😍

Here's a video of some of what I was able to capture. 😉

Ever seen such in person? What was it like? Feel free to share in the comments!

XOXO,


@artgirl