Celebrating Festivals is a huge part of Filipino Culture. All Cities even provinces celebrate Feast. I remember during my High School days and Elementary days I used to join a cultural dance troupe to represent our school. It goes the same way how Sinulog is being celebrated, different schools or universities around Cebu City and provinces and even people outside Cebu travel all the way to represent their respective provinces to showcase their talents.
When moving to Cebu back in 2015 November I was pretty excited because finally, I can witness how they celebrate Sinulog Festival which is very popular here in the Philippines where a lot of tourists outside the country look forward to as well.
But when I first experienced it in 2016 and saw how the streets are congested even the malls I went back and just never tried it.
My workmates are encouraging me to join and watch the parade, even go out and watch concerts at Fuente Circle but I always declined. I remember that one time due to crowded places and clubs there was a stampede so that made me concerned but instead my friends told me that I am a kill joy. Lol
So each year I constantly decided to stay home watch the shows during Sinulog on YouTube or FB live. Still, I have friends constantly asking me to go out to watch the parade or concerts but always say NO.
I have a friend who ask me if she can stay at my place as she is going to visit Cebu and celebrate Sinulog. Pick her up at the mall from the airport and give her a little tour, but we were accompanied by one of our friends too. Though I wasn't able to be with her during the parade I tour her around the mall where you can see the spirit of the Festival. Gladly she was able to enjoy the stay but she was also unsuccessful in convincing me to do some fun things during the Sinulog.
If it wasn't for my cousins who visited that year I won't be able to experience the fun and dirty part of Sinulog.
One of my cousins was able to visit Cebu before if I remember correctly 2012 to experience Sinulog but the other one was her first time. I don't have a choice as they are both staying with me and they are pretty persistent and I can't say No. 馃槄
It was pretty fun and tiring at the same time. Imagine that jeepneys at that time can't go through and just have to stop and we just have to walk to reach the spot where the parade is going. Fast food and small food restaurant were very crowded.
Painted faces and colorful headdresses plus colorful Sinulog shirts around you are pretty overwhelming.
Can you imagine how big this Festival is? As mentioned it was always crowded and people outside Cebu put an effort to witness the festival, dorms, hostels, hotels, and even condominiums that are up for rent were fully booked 2 months before Sinulog.
You're lucky if you have friends or relatives in Cebu that you can stay with during this period.
Since the pandemic started that same year, the celebration of Sinulog is far from what the people are used to. No parade of stars, no concerts but we Filipinos are very resourceful that even though we are still facing the pandemic we still find ways to celebrate it at home, and even inside the malls, you can still feel the spirit of Sinulog Festival through music, decorations and by faith.
That's the story of my Sinulog experience, how about yours?
(Disclaimer: Some photos used in this blog is owned by my cousin)
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