The Sinulog Festival 2024 is on and we just got the schedule of activities for the biggest festival in the Philippines. If you’re planning to visit Cebu for the Sinulog Festival, here’s everything you need to know so far.
The Sinulog Festival in 2023 got a generally underwhelming response from patrons and visitors as the city government decided to move the street dancing competition to the South Road Properties (SRP), which is a bit far from the city center. The Sinulog Festival street dancing competition and grand parade, where participants clad in colorful costumes dance to a drumline, is probably the most anticipated event during this month-long celebration. In 2024, it’s been confirmed that the competition will continue to be held at SRP.
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If you don’t know what the Sinulog Festival is, it is mainly celebrating Santo Niño de Cebu (Child Jesus of Cebu), a statue of baby Jesus that Portuguese-born Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan gave to the Rajah of Cebu in 1521.
For Roman Catholic believers, the festival marks the introduction of Catholicism to Filipinos. For others who don’t observe this, the Sinulog Festival is still an eventful celebration where people get to enjoy street parties, funfairs, and other events. The Sinulog Festival Grand Parade is one of them.
What Is the Date of the Sinulog Festival 2024?
Sinulog Festival happens every third Sunday of January in Cebu City, Philippines. In 2024, the Sinulog Festival falls on January 21.
The Grand Parade (where participants dance on the streets) and Grand Ritual Showdown (where participants dance on stage) will also happen on the same day. The event typically runs for about 12 hours, even longer, as more than 20 contingents from all over the country compete in a dance competition for different categories.
If you want to enjoy the Sinulog festivities, we highly recommend arriving in Cebu City 2 to 3 days before the Grand Parade.
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Where Is the Sinulog Festival 2024 Being Held?
The main activities for the Sinulog Festival 2024 will take place at the SRP. The Grand Parade starts at the Cube Wing at SM Seaside on the morning of January 21, while the Grand Ritual Showdown follows at the SRP grounds.
The Sinulog Festival Grand Parade is where big groups of street dancers clad in extravagant, colorful costumes dance. Before the pandemic, the usual route of the parade was along the major thoroughfares in downtown Cebu City, mainly along Mango Avenue (officially known as General Maxilom Avenue), Fuente Osmeña Circle, Jones Avenue, and Osmeña Boulevard.
The Grand Parade also includes competitions for the best floats, Higante (which means ‘giant’ in the local language), and Puppeteers. Other activities will be held at Plaza Independencia, Fuente Osmeña Circle, and at the malls.
The official route of the Sinulog Grand Parade 2024 has not been officially announced yet, but it’s most likely be the same as last year when they started at the Cube Wing at SM Seaside.
At the SRP grounds, there will be tents around the area where you can buy a variety of local delicacies, souvenir items, and more. Since SRP is pretty new, do note that it will be extra hot as there are no full-grown trees yet just like last year.
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Sinulog Festival 2024 Schedule of Activities
Here’s the confirmed schedule of activities for the Sinulog Festival 2024 so far:
January 6: Sinulog Fun Run
January 11: Walk with Jesus / Opening Salvo Mass / Sinulog Dance Crew Competition Finals
January 12: Sinulog Idol at Fuente Osmeña (8 PM)
January 13: Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan at Cebu City Sports Complex (1PM) / Sinulog Idol at Fuente Osmeña (8 PM)
January 14: Parade of Participants at Plaza Sugbo to Jakosalem, Juan Luna (1 PM) / Sinulog sa Barangay at SRP (2 PM) / Sinulog Idol at Fuente Osmeña (8 PM)
January 15: Sinulog Idol at Fuente Osmeña (8 PM)
January 16: Sinulog Idol at Fuente Osmeña (8 PM)
January 17: Miss Cebu 2024 / Sinulog Idol at Fuente Osmeña (8 PM)
January 18: Sinulog Festival Queen Runway Competition / Sinulog Idol Grand Finals at Fuente Osmeña
January 19: Walk with Mary / Festival Queen Coronation Night / Fireworks Display Competition at Il Corso (7:30 PM)
January 20: Fluvial Procession at CCLEX 3rd Bridge (6 AM) / Reenactment of Historical Events at Basilica Minore del Santo Niño (9 AM) / Solemn Foot Procession of the Venerable Image of Senior Santo Niño (1 PM) / Sinulog Fireworks Display and Competition (7 PM)
January 21: Mañanita Mass at Basilica Santo Niño (4 AM) / Misa Pontifica De La Fiesta Señor at Basilica Santo Niño (6 AM) / Sinulog Grand Parade 2024 at SRP (9 AM)
January 22: Awarding Ceremonies
January 23: HUBO at Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
We will constantly update this Sinulog Festival schedule of activities. Stay tuned!
Fully Booked Hotels
Sinulog Festival attracts millions of local tourists from Cebu Province and all over the country. As previous years have proven, hotels and other types of accommodation will most likely be fully booked. If you still need to book your stay in Cebu, now is the best time to do so.
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Signal Shutdown
In the Philippines, it’s pretty common to have mobile networks temporarily shut down for huge events like this within the area of activities to strengthen security protocols. Take note that phone calls and text messages will not come through.
Scarce Public Transportation
Public transportation in Metro Cebu can be a hit-and-miss on a regular day, especially during peak hours. On the day of the Sinulog Festival, expect jeepneys and modern jeepneys to be packed to the brim. Even taxis/cabs will not be enough to accommodate the surge of passengers.
Even if taxis are vacant, expect drivers to ask where you are headed and put a high price on your trip before taking you. These drivers won’t likely take you if your drop-off point is too far, too near, or near closed roads.
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One-day Liquor Ban
The city government will also be implementing a one-day liquor ban on January 21. Expect convenience stores, grocery stores, bars, and restaurants to follow this.
That’s it for now. We will be updating this post from time to time. Stay tuned!
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