Pit Señor is more than just an expression, it has a much deeper meaning that is connected to reason for the Sinulog celebration. The expression is a shortened version of the Cebuano phrase “sangpit sa señor.” The phrase means to ask or plead to Señor Santo Niño. It comes from two Cebuano words, “sangpit” and “señor.”
While the expression is strictly not supposed to be used to greet other people, it has become a practice among locals and visitors to greet each other during the Sinulog season. The expression is supposed to be directed to Señor Santo Niño, The celebration starts off with a nine-day novena at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.