The Sinulog Festival, a vibrant celebration of faith and culture, is scheduled to make a grand return to the Cebu City Sports Center in January 2025. After a two-year stint at the South Road Properties, the festival will once again grace its traditional venue, as announced by Elmer Labella, the executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc., on Monday. A total of 35 contingents from various parts of the country have been approved to participate in this much-anticipated event.
Labella highlighted that the decision to move back to the Cebu City Sports Center was finalized after considering feedback from the contingents, who had expressed a preference for the familiar setting. The change aims to enhance the festive atmosphere that the festival is known for. To ensure smooth preparations, the registration period was intentionally kept short, lasting only a week, to facilitate arrangements for billeting, itineraries, logistics, and security.
The festival will showcase a diverse array of performances from notable out-of-town groups such as the City of Kidapawan Performing Arts Guild from Cotabato, the Bukluran Dance Troupe of Antipolo’s Maytime Festival, the Bais City Festival of Harvests from Negros Oriental, and the James L. Chiongbian National Trade School Performing Arts Guild from Sarangani Province. Other participants include the Tribo Kamanting Performing Arts Guild from Dinagat Islands, Baile Filipina Dance Guild from Dipolog City, Kabilin Mindanao from Davao Occidental, and the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. Additionally, groups from Albay’s Tabaco College and Siargao’s Bakhaw Performing Arts Guild will add to the cultural tapestry of the event.
Cebu City will be well-represented with contingents like Barangay Kamagayan – Landonian Tribe, Asian College of Technology – International Education Foundation, and Lumad Basakanon, alongside community-based groups such as Aktivong Binaliwhanon, Banay San Nicolasnon, and Barrio Basak Pardo. The province of Cebu will also have a strong presence with eight contingents from cities like Talisay, Toledo, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Danao, as well as from the towns of Consolacion and Liloan.
The return to the Cebu City Sports Center is set to reignite the spirit of the Sinulog Festival, with dancers and performers ready to honor Señor Santo Niño through their spectacular performances.