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Sinulog Festival 2024 Schedule of Activities
Sinulog Festival 2024: Schedule of Activities and Everything You Need to Know
The Sinulog Festival is one of the biggest and most colorful festivals in the Philippines, held annually on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City to honor the Santo Niño or the child Jesus. The festival attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world who come to witness the grand parade, street parties, and religious processions.
Cebu Sinulog by Erwin Lim
Sinulog 2024 is just around the corner, and preparations are underway for what promises to be another unforgettable celebration. The Sinulog Festival 2024 Schedule of Activities includes a variety of events such as the Sinulog sa Kabataan, Sinulog Idol, and the Grand Parade, which will take place on January 15, 2024. The parade will start at the Basilica del Santo Niño and end at the Cebu City Sports Center.
The Sinulog Festival is steeped in tradition and has been celebrated for centuries. It is a time for the people of Cebu to come together and celebrate their faith, culture, and heritage. The festival is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Cebuanos, who have managed to keep the tradition alive despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
History and Significance
Origins of Sinulog
Sinulog Festival is an annual cultural and religious celebration that takes place in Cebu City, Philippines. The festival is held in honor of the Santo Niño, or the child Jesus. The origins of the festival can be traced back to the 16th century, when Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the Philippines and introduced Christianity to the locals. The Sinulog Festival is said to have originated from the traditional dance called the “sulog” which was performed by the locals in honor of their animist gods.
Over time, the dance evolved and was eventually incorporated into the Catholic faith as a way of honoring the Santo Niño. Today, the Sinulog Festival is one of the most popular and highly-anticipated festivals in the Philippines, drawing in thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Santo Niño de Cebu
The Santo Niño de Cebu is a wooden statue of the child Jesus that is believed to have been given as a gift by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to the wife of Rajah Humabon, the ruler of Cebu, in 1521. The statue is considered to be one of the oldest religious relics in the Philippines and is widely venerated by the Catholic faithful.
The Sinulog Festival is a celebration of the Santo Niño and is an expression of the deep religious faith and cultural traditions of the Cebuano people. The festival is a colorful and vibrant experience that showcases the rich history and culture of the Philippines. It is a time for locals and visitors alike to come together and celebrate the fiesta señor, or the feast of the Lord, in a spirit of joy and camaraderie.
Cebu Sinulog by Constantine Agustin via Flickr Creative Commons
Sinulog 2024 Schedule
The Sinulog Festival 2024 is a much-awaited event that celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the Philippines. The festival is set to take place from January 11 to 26, 2024, and is expected to draw in thousands of visitors from all over the world. This section will provide a breakdown of the Sinulog Festival 2024 Schedule of Activities, including the opening events, religious activities, cultural competitions, main parade and festival day, and closing ceremonies.
Opening Events
The Sinulog Festival 2024 will kick off with the Walk With Jesus, a solemn procession that will take place on January 11, 2024. This will be followed by the Opening Salvo Mass, which will be held at the Basilica del Sto. Niño. The opening events will also include the Walk With Mary, which will take place on January 18, 2024.
Religious Activities
The Sinulog Festival 2024 is a celebration of the country’s deep Catholic faith, and as such, religious activities play a significant role in the festival. The festival will feature a Solemn Procession on January 21, 2024, which will be followed by a Mass at the Basilica del Sto. Niño.
Cultural Competitions
The Sinulog Festival 2024 will showcase the best of Philippine culture through various competitions. The Sinulog Idol, a singing competition, will be held on January 14, 2024, while the Sinulog Festival Queen, a beauty pageant, will take place on January 19, 2024. The festival will also feature a range of other cultural competitions, including the Sinulog Dance Competition, which will be held on January 20, 2024.
Main Parade and Festival Day
The highlight of the Sinulog Festival 2024 is the Grand Parade, which will take place on January 21, 2024. The parade will feature thousands of street dancers in colorful costumes, as well as various floats and marching bands. The festival day will also include a range of other activities, including the Grand Ritual Showdown, which will be held at the SRP grounds.
Closing Ceremonies
The Sinulog Festival 2024 will come to a close with the Hubo, a ritual that involves the changing of the Sto. Niño’s vestments. The Hubo will take place on January 26, 2024, and will be followed by a Grand Finale at the Cebu City Sports Center.
2024 SINULOG FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES (AS OF OCTOBER 11, 2023)
Inclusive Dates
Activity/ies
Venue
December 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024
Sinulog Street Fair
Osmena Blvd (outside Abellana) , Fuente Osmena, Plaza Independencia
January 11, 2024
4:00AM
Walk With Jesus*
Basilica del Sto. Niño Assembly Fuente Osmeña, Jones, Osmeña Blvd to Sto. Niño
6:00AM
Opening Salvo Mass*
Basilica del Sto. Niño
January 12, 2024
Sinulog 2023 Kick Off
10:00AM
Sinulog Trade Fair c/o DTI
2:30PM
Mass
Basilica Pilgrim Quadrangle
3:00PM
Launching Parade (traditional route)
Basilica to CCSC Or Alternative
7:00PM
Sinulog Idol
Fuente Osmena
8:00PM
Nightly Show
Fuente Osmena & Plaza Independencia
January 13, 2024
1:00PM
Sinulog sa Kabataan
SRP Grounds
6:00 PM
Cultural Show
Fuente Osmeña
7:00PM
Sinulog Idol
Fuente Osmena
8:00PM
Nightly Show
Fuente Osmena & Plaza Independencia
January 14, 2024
1:00PM
Parade of Sinulog sa Kabataan Participants
(Plaza Sugbo or Plaza Independencia to SRP) or (Plaza Sugbu to Jakosalem, Juan Luna)
2:00PM
Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan
SRP Grounds
6:00 PM
Cultural Show
Fuente Osmeña
7:00PM
Sinulog Idol
Fuente Osmena
8:00PM
Nightly Show
Fuente Osmena & Plaza Independencia
January 15, 2024
6:00 PM
Cultural Show
Fuente Osmeña
7:00PM
Sinulog Idol
Fuente Osmena
8:00PM
Nightly Show
Fuente Osmena & Plaza Independencia
January 16, 20234
6:00 PM
Cultural Show
Fuente Osmeña
7:00PM
Sinulog Idol
Fuente Osmena
8:00PM
Nightly Show
Fuente Osmena & Plaza Independencia
January 17, 2024
6:00 PM
Cultural Show
Fuente Osmeña
7:00PM
Sinulog Idol
Fuente Osmena
8:00PM
Nightly Show
Fuente Osmena & Plaza Independencia
January 18, 2023
6:00 PM
Cultural Show
Fuente Osmeña
7:00PM
Sinulog Festival Queen Runway Competition
SM Seaside City (Mountain Wing)
8:00 PM
Sinulog Idol Grand FInals
Fuente Osmena
8:00PM
“Handumanan”
Mall Venue (TBA)
Nightly Show
Fuente Osmena & Plaza Independencia
January 19, 2024
4:00AM
Walk with Mary*
Fuente to Basilica Assembly Fuente Osmeña, Jones, Osmeña Blvd to Sto. Niño
9:00AM
Grand Orientation for ALL Sinulog 2024 Contestants (Contingents, Floats, Puppeteers, Higante, etc)
6:00 PM
Cultural Show
Plaza Independencia
7:30PM
Sinulog Festival Queen Coronation Night
SRP Grounds
Nightly Show
Fuente Osmena & Plaza Independencia
January 20, 2024
6:00AM
Fluvial Procession
CCLEX Bridge
9:00AM
Re-Enactment of Queen Juana & Rajah Humabon’s Baptism*
Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño
2:00PM
Solemn Procession*
Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño
8:00PM
Nightly Show
Fuente Osmena & Plaza Independencia
January 21, 2024
4:00AM
Mananita Mass*
Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño
5:00AM
Pontifical Mass by his presence Jose S. Palma*
Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño
8:00AM
Sinulog Fiesta Day Holy Mass Celebration
SRP Stage
9:00AM
Sinulog 2024 Grand Parade
SRP Grounds
7:00PM
Sinulog 2024 Grand Finale & Grand Fireworks
SRP Grounds
8:00PM
Nightly Show
Fuente Osmena & Plaza Independencia
January 22, 2024
Sinulog 2024 Awarding Ceremonies
SRP Grounds
Basilica Thanksgiving Day
Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño
January 26, 2024
“Hubo” *
Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño
TBA
Photo Contest Judging
TBA
TBA
Photo Contest Awarding Ceremonies
TBA
TBA
Photo Exhibit
TBA
TBA
Video & Short Film Judging
TBA
TBA
Video & Short Film Awarding Ceremonies
TBA
Cebu Sinulog Festival Schedule
Key Events and Highlights
The Sinulog Festival 2024 is a vibrant and colorful celebration of faith and culture in Cebu. This year’s festival features a wide range of events and activities that showcase the rich history and traditions of the Philippines. Here are some of the key events and highlights that visitors can look forward to:
Sinulog Grand Parade
The Sinulog Grand Parade is the centerpiece of the festival and is held on the third Sunday of January. The parade features participants dressed in colorful costumes, dancing to the beat of drums, trumpets, and native gongs. The parade route starts at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño and ends at the Cebu City Sports Center. Visitors can expect to see a stunning display of street dancing, floats, and cultural performances along the way.
Festival Queen Competition
The Sinulog Festival Queen Competition is a highly anticipated event that showcases the beauty and talent of young women from all over the country. Contestants compete in a series of rounds that test their poise, grace, and stage presence. The winner of the competition is crowned the Sinulog Festival Queen and receives a cash prize and other exciting rewards.
Sinulog Idol and Cultural Shows
The Sinulog Idol and Cultural Shows are a series of events that feature local and international performers showcasing their singing, dancing, and other talents. Visitors can enjoy a variety of performances that highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.
Street Parties and Fireworks
The Sinulog Festival is known for its lively street parties and spectacular fireworks displays. Visitors can join in the fun by dancing the night away with locals and other tourists. The festival culminates in a grand fireworks display that illuminates the night sky and leaves visitors in awe.
Overall, the Sinulog Festival 2024 promises to be a memorable and exciting event that celebrates the unique culture and traditions of the Philippines. Visitors can expect to see a stunning display of street dancing, music, and cultural performances that will leave them with lasting memories.
Venues and Locations
Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño
The Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño is the focal point of the Sinulog Festival 2024. It is where the image of the Sto. Niño, the patron saint of Cebu, is enshrined. The basilica will host several religious events, including the Novena Masses, the Traslacion, and the Sinulog Grand Mass. The Novena Masses will start on January 5, 2024, and will culminate on January 13, 2024. The Traslacion, which is the transfer of the image of the Sto. Niño from the basilica to the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City, will happen on January 14, 2024. The Sinulog Grand Mass, which is the high point of the religious celebration, will take place on January 15, 2024.
Cebu City Sports Complex
The Cebu City Sports Complex is the venue for the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan and the Sinulog sa Barangay. The Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan is a competition for young dancers, while the Sinulog sa Barangay is a competition for barangay contingents. Both events will happen on January 13, 2024.
Fuente Osmeña Circle
The Fuente Osmeña Circle is one of the most popular venues for the Sinulog Festival 2024. The circle will host the Sinulog Idol, which is a singing competition, on January 13, 2024. The circle is also one of the locations for the Sinulog Street Fair, which will run from December 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. During the Sinulog Street Fair, vendors will sell food, drinks, and souvenirs.
SRP Grounds
The South Road Properties (SRP) Grounds is the venue for the Sinulog Grand Parade, which is the highlight of the Sinulog Festival 2024. The parade will take place on January 21, 2024. The SRP Grounds can accommodate thousands of spectators, and it is advisable to arrive early to get a good spot. The parade will feature colorful floats, lively music, and energetic dancers from various contingents.
Overall, the Sinulog Festival 2024 will take place in various locations in Cebu City, including the Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño, Plaza Independencia, Fuente Osmeña, and the SRP Grounds. Each location will host various events that showcase the rich culture and heritage of Cebu.
Participation and Contingents
The Sinulog Festival 2024 is expected to draw in thousands of participants from various cities and provinces in the Philippines. The festival is known for its colorful street dancing parade where contingents showcase their unique cultural dances and costumes.
Local Contingents
Cebu City is expected to have the most number of contingents participating in the Sinulog Festival 2024. These contingents will represent different barangays and schools in the city. The contingents will be judged based on their choreography, costume design, and overall performance.
Visiting Contingents
Aside from the local contingents, there will also be contingents from other cities and provinces in the Philippines that will participate in the Sinulog Festival 2024. These visiting contingents will showcase their own cultural dances and costumes. Some of the contingents that are expected to join the festival are from the provinces of Bohol, Leyte, and Negros Oriental.
Sinulog Sa Kabataan
The Sinulog Sa Kabataan is a special competition that is exclusively for elementary and high school students. This competition is divided into two categories: Sinulog Sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan and Sinulog Sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan. The Sinulog Sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan is for students in Cebu City, while the Sinulog Sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan is for students from the different municipalities and cities in the province of Cebu.
In this competition, students will showcase their own cultural dances and costumes. The Sinulog Sa Kabataan is a great opportunity for young students to showcase their talents and skills in dancing and performing.
Travel and Accommodation
Hotels and Lodging
Cebu City is expected to be crowded during the Sinulog Festival 2024, so it is recommended to book your accommodation early. There are many hotels and lodging options available in the city. Some of the popular hotels include the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino , Radisson Blu Cebu , and Marco Polo Plaza Cebu . These hotels offer a range of amenities and services, including free Wi-Fi, swimming pools, and fitness centers. Visitors can also opt for budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels and guesthouses.
Transportation Tips
Cebu City is well-connected by air, sea, and land. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is the main airport in the city, and it is served by both domestic and international airlines. Visitors can also reach Cebu City by ferry from other parts of the Philippines. The city has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, jeepneys, and taxis. During the Sinulog Festival 2024, it is recommended to use public transportation as parking can be difficult to find.
Tourist Information
Visitors to Cebu City can find tourist information at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the Cebu City Tourism Office, and at various tourist information booths located throughout the city. The Cebu City Tourism Office provides maps and brochures on tourist attractions, events, and activities in the city. Visitors can also find information on tours, transportation, and accommodations at these locations. It is recommended to check the official Sinulog Festival 2024 Schedule of Activities to plan your trip accordingly.
Tips and Guidelines
Safety and Security
The Sinulog Festival 2024 is a very crowded event, so it is important to take safety precautions. Visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and keep an eye on their belongings. It is also recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as the festival can be quite physically demanding.
The local authorities will be present during the festival to ensure the safety of all participants. Visitors should follow the instructions of the police and other officials to avoid any incidents.
Etiquette and Customs
The Sinulog Festival 2024 is a celebration of the Christian faith and the local culture. Visitors should respect the traditions and customs of the local people. It is important to be respectful when taking photos or videos, especially during the religious processions.
Visitors should also be mindful of their behavior during the festival. It is not appropriate to be overly intoxicated or engage in any inappropriate behavior.
What to Wear and Bring
Since the festival takes place in January, the weather can be quite warm during the day but chilly at night. Visitors should wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the weather. It is also recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect against the sun.
Visitors should also bring a small bag to carry their belongings, such as a camera, water bottle, and snacks. It is important to stay hydrated during the festival, so visitors should bring enough water to last the day.
Merchandise and Souvenirs
Visitors to the Sinulog Festival 2024 will find plenty of opportunities to purchase souvenirs and other items to commemorate their experience. From official festival merchandise to locally made handicrafts, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to find merchandise and souvenirs during the festival.
Official Merchandise
The Sinulog Festival 2024 offers a wide variety of official merchandise for visitors to purchase. These items include t-shirts, hats, bags, keychains, and other items featuring the festival’s logo and other designs. Official merchandise can be purchased at various locations throughout the festival, including the Sinulog Foundation Inc. website [1] .
Local Handicrafts
In addition to official merchandise, visitors can also find a variety of locally made handicrafts and other items. These items include handwoven baskets, carved wooden figurines, and other items made by local artisans. Visitors can find these items at various locations throughout the festival, including the street fairs and other markets [2] .
Food and Delicacies
No festival experience is complete without trying the local food and delicacies. Visitors to the Sinulog Festival 2024 can sample a variety of local dishes, including lechon, a roasted pig dish that is a staple of Filipino cuisine. Other popular dishes include kinilaw, a type of ceviche made with raw fish, and puso, a type of rice cooked in woven coconut leaves. Visitors can find these dishes and more at various locations throughout the festival, including the street fairs and other markets.
Sinulog Festival 2024 Schedule of Activities by Jumelito Capilot via Wikimedia cc
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the official dates for the Sinulog Festival in 2024?
The official dates for the Sinulog Festival in 2024 are from January 10 to January 21, 2024. The festival is a week-long celebration, and the main events take place on the third Sunday of January.
Where is the Sinulog Festival 2024 going to be held?
The Sinulog Festival 2024 will be held in Cebu City, Philippines. The festival is one of the most popular and highly anticipated events in the country and attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.
How can one purchase tickets for Sinulog 2024 and what are the prices?
Tickets for the Sinulog Festival 2024 can be purchased online or at designated ticket outlets in Cebu City. The prices for the tickets vary depending on the event and the seating arrangement. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines and sold-out events.
Can you provide the schedule of activities for Sinulog Festival 2024?
The schedule of activities for Sinulog Festival 2024 includes a variety of events such as the grand parade, street dancing, cultural shows, and religious ceremonies. The full schedule of activities can be found on the official website of Sinulog Festival 2024.
What is the central theme for Sinulog Festival in 2024?
The central theme for Sinulog Festival in 2024 is “One Beat, One Dance, One Vision for the Future.” The theme emphasizes unity, diversity, and inclusivity, and aims to promote a shared vision for the future.
How long has the Sinulog Festival been celebrated and what is its historical significance?
The Sinulog Festival has been celebrated for over 40 years and is one of the most significant festivals in the Philippines. The festival has its roots in the country’s pre-colonial past and is a celebration of the country’s Christian heritage. The festival is also a celebration of the Santo Niño, the patron saint of Cebu City, and serves as a symbol of the city’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
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