Sinulog

The Sinulog is a festival organized in Cebu City, Philippines on the third Sunday in January. The festival is dedicated to the the Santo Niño (Holy Child) or Baby Jesus. The festival commemorates Pagan past and acceptance of Roman Catholicism by the local people. The festival lasts for 9 days. The highlights of Sinulog are held close to its ending.

Sinulog festival, 2010

At dawn of eighth the day before the big parade locals organize the Fluvial Procession where a pump boat, decorated with flowers, carries a statue of the Santo Niño from Mandaue City to Cebu City. The statue is actually carried to the city Basilica where the mass is held. The mass includes special symbolical act that shows the acceptance of Christianity. In the afternoon of the same day another, several hours long, procession is held on the main streets of Cebu City.

Sinulog festival, 2010

The most important part of festival is the Sinulog Grand Parade held on the ninth day. It includes people wearing beautiful colourful costumes and dancing the traditional Sinulog dance. The dance includes two steps forward and one step backward, done to the sound of drums.