Hip-hop, sacred rituals, and a child on stage: the 2026 Sinulog Festival proved that faith, culture, and creativity can collide in unforgettable ways.

Toledo City’s Tribu Masadyaon and Tagbilaran City of Bohol emerged as grand champions, each winning in separate categories while offering performances that fused devotion, culture, and innovation.

Tribu Masadyaon dominated the Free Interpretation (FI) category, sweeping the Sinulog Ritual Showdown, Street Dancing, Best in Costume, and Best in Musicality.

Their performance confronted political division, blending hip-hop...

The beat of drums and the rhythm of prayers filled the Cebu City Sports Center on Sunday as Governor Pamela Baricuatro joined Danao City’s Karansa Festival dancers in a halad (offering) dance, asking for protection from earthquakes and typhoons this year.

“I prayed to the Sto. Niño, hoping that no earthquakes or typhoons will hit us this year,” Baricuatro said backstage before performing.

The Karansa Festival dancers initially decided not to compete in this year’s Sinulog Ritual Showdown and Grand...

The vibrant spirit of Sinulog filled the streets of Barangay Pasil as residents and devotees gathered for Sinulog sa Pasil 2026 on Saturday, January 17, marking one of the most anticipated community-based celebrations in the city.

Revelers carried images of the Señor Santo Niño while dancing through water-splashed streets, moving in rhythm to the steady beat of drums and chants of “Pit Señor.” The celebration showcased the deep-rooted devotion of the community, blending faith, culture, and joyful expression that have...

As Cebu celebrates this year’s Fiesta Señor and Sinulog, Governor Pamela Baricuatro urged the faithful to look beyond the grand performances and see the celebration as a renewed commitment to faith, unity, and collective healing.

In her Sinulog message, Baricuatro emphasized that devotion to the Señor Sto. Niño is more than a festival of colors and choreography, describing it as a reflection of the values that bind Cebuanos together as a people.

She said Sinulog continues to define Cebu’s identity—one...

From early morning until midday on Saturday, January 17, nearly two million devotees filled the city’s roads for the Sinulog 2026 Solemn Foot Procession honoring the Señor Sto. Niño.

Authorities estimated that around 1.9 million faithful joined the penitential walk, a marked increase from the 1.4 million participants recorded in 2025, according to city officials.

Devotees walked barefoot along the 5.5-kilometer route that began at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu and passed through major roads and surrounding...

Music, lights, and a crowd of more than 40,000 filled SM Seaside Grounds on January 16, 2026, but the rhythm of the night carried more than Sinulog celebration—it carried a message of solidarity for Cebu’s disaster-hit communities.

AirAsia announced P15 million in support of disaster rehabilitation and recovery in the city through its ASEAN-wide “To the Philippines With Love” campaign during the Concert for a Cause, held alongside the Sinulog festivities.

The campaign followed the reopening of AirAsia Philippines’ Cebu...

DOH 7 URGES SAFE, HEALTHY SINULOG CELEBRATION

As Cebu gears up for Sinulog 2026, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH 7) has released a set of health advisories to ensure that the annual festivities are enjoyed safely and responsibly.

In a public advisory, DOH 7 emphasized the importance of preparing for both heat and rain during the festival.

Revelers were advised to bring protective items such as umbrellas, hats, hand fans, raincoats, or other gear to shield themselves...

Festival-goers and devotees can expect better weather conditions during the major Sinulog events this weekend, as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)–Mactan announced improving weather starting Saturday.

PAGASA said the light to moderate, and at times heavy, rainfall experienced on Friday, January 16, was caused by Tropical Storm Ada.

PAGASA-Mactan weather specialist Jhomar Eclarino explained that while the storm brought rains over Metro Cebu, the province remains outside any Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal.

Despite the weather...

The blessed images of the Sagrada Familia safely arrived in Lapu-Lapu City on Friday morning, January 16, despite intermittent rains brought by Tropical Storm Ada, marking another major event of the 461st Fiesta Señor celebrations.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King-Chan formally welcomed the holy images from Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, where the images of the Holy Family had stayed overnight following the Traslacion.

City officials, members of the city council, and Rev. Fr. Benido Tumol, parish priest...

As pilgrims streamed into the city for Sinulog, Cebu City on Friday rolled out two free electric buses to ferry devotees to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.

Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. introduced the e-buses during a ceremonial ride on Friday, January 16, as the city officially opened Devotee City 2026 for pilgrims arriving from outside Cebu.

The buses will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the Sinulog period, offering free rides along two major routes serving...

Stefanie Collamar Przewodnik of the Municipality of Asturias dominated the stage at the Cebu City Sports Complex on January 16, winning the Sinulog Festival Queen 2026 crown and multiple major, special, and minor awards.

Judges placed Mary Yasmin Fabian of Carcar City as 1st Runner-Up, Kyra Rei Hopkins of Tribu Septimo, Dumanjug as 2nd Runner-Up, Clarissa Marie Angelina Gambalan Westram of Cotabato as 3rd Runner-Up, and Chanel Frenzie O. Catao of Inayawan Talents Guild as 4th Runner-Up.

The winners...

Despite a revised schedule, thousands of devotees gathered on Wednesday, January 15, to witness the Traslacion 2026 from the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu to the National Shrine of Saint Joseph in Mandaue City.

Police Colonel Cirilo Acosta Jr., chief of the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), said an estimated 20,000 people attended the religious event—higher than last year’s crowd estimate of 17,000.

Of the total, about 17,300 devotees lined the procession route during the ceremonial turnover, while...

Besting 12 other hopefuls, Maricel Bingga of Talisay City emerged as the Grand Champion of Sinulog Idol Season 17 during the finals night held at the Fuente Osmeña Circle, January 15.

Winner: Maricel Bingga - Talisay City

2nd: Francis Alinsonorin - Naga City

3rd: Porsche Malingin - Carcar City

4th: Martin Lausa - Toledo City

5th: Evan Villacastin - Carcar City

6th: Kj Remoto - Cebu City

Photo from Sebastian Estrera/Sinulog Foundation Inc.

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Long before sunrise on Thursday, Cebu’s streets were already alive with prayer as more than 200,000 devotees took part in the annual Walk with Mary, one of the most solemn and symbolic rites of the Fiesta Señor.

Carrying candles and images of the Santo Niño, devotees walked quietly through the early morning darkness, their footsteps and whispered prayers guiding them toward the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu for the Traslacion Mass.

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, chair of...

AirAsia Philippines is helping Cebuanos and festival-goers make the most of Sinulog 2026, offering low-cost flights and a free concert while supporting local communities.

As Sinulog, Dinagyang, and Ati-atihan celebrations light up the Visayas this month, AirAsia encourages travelers to join in the festivities with its AirAsia Fiesta Sale.

One-way base fares start at just P115 for select domestic destinations, available until January 25, 2026, with travel from January 12 to November 30.

AirAsia Philippines President and CEO Capt....

All 17 barangay contingents that participated in this year’s Sinulog sa Dakbayan will take part in the Sinulog 2026 Grand Parade on January 18.

Mayor Nestor Archival said in a press conference on Monday, January 12, that the city deliberately allowed all Dakbayan groups to perform, including those that did not place in earlier competitions, to give every barangay a full opportunity to showcase their devotion to Señor Santo Niño.

“Hatagan nato og chance,” Archival said, noting that some groups...

Spectators and participants heading to Sinulog weekend events in Cebu City are advised to prepare for possible rain showers and generally fair but unsettled weather, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Pagasa attributed the conditions to easterlies—warm and humid winds from the Pacific—that continue to influence much of the Visayas, including Cebu.

A shear line is affecting eastern Southern Luzon, while the northeast monsoon remains dominant over northern Luzon.

In its weekend forecast, the Pagasa Visayas...

The Sinulog Festival 2026 officially came to life on Friday, January 9, as Cebu City launched weeks of celebration with the traditional Opening Salvo—blending prayer, pageantry, and civic unity in a program rooted in devotion to the Señor Santo Niño.

The opening rites began early Friday afternoon at the Cebu City Sports Center, drawing devotees, performers, students, and city officials ahead of the procession to the Pilgrim Center.

At the heart of the Opening Salvo was a Mass sponsored by...

Barangay Mabolo’s pride, Lambo Mabolo, rose above the rest as it clinched the championship in the Ritual Showdown of Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2026, capping off a strong and multi-awarded performance in this year’s festivities.

Outshining 16 other barangay contingents, Lambo Mabolo delivered a powerful and polished presentation that earned them the top honor in the highly anticipated showdown held at the Cebu City Sports Center on Saturday, January 10.

The Mabolo contingent also proved its versatility in the Street Dance...

As preparations for Sinulog 2026 gain momentum, organizers have drawn a firm line on who can join the float parade: only official sponsors will be allowed.

Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) spokesperson and Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak said the new policy aims to restore order, focus, and the spiritual essence of one of Cebu’s largest celebrations.

“Lahi na gyud karon ang sistema sa floats,” Tumulak said in an interview on Wednesday, January 7. “Sa una, bisan kinsa puwede moapil. Karon,...

Despite a significantly reduced budget, Mandaue City’s Sinulog contingent is already 90 percent ready for the Sinulog 2026 Grand Parade, with city officials assuring that the quality of the performance remains intact.

Mandaue Investment Promotions Tourism Action Center (MIPTAC) Executive Director Kristian Mark Cabahug said preparations began as early as November after Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano directed the team to start early rehearsals while keeping spending tight.

“We are already 90 percent ready. Early on, the mayor gave us...

As the image of the Sto. Niño de Cebu is set to stay overnight in Mandaue City for this year’s Fiesta Señor celebrations, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) will deploy personnel around the clock to ensure public safety throughout the Traslacion and related activities.

CDRRMO head Buddy Ybañez said the extended stay of the revered image required a more comprehensive operational plan than in previous years.

Preparations were coordinated with Cebu City, the Basilica Minore...

Not all Sinulog celebrations begin with a drumbeat—some start with a pair of heels, a cause, and a community coming together.

As Sinulog Week approaches, Cebu’s drag scene is set to deliver more than spectacle with Dragdagulan Na Sa Sinulog 2026 – Benefit Show, presented by Wosh ka Et? Production.

The event will take place on January 10, 2026 (Saturday) at 10:00 PM at From Here, Crossroads, with part of the proceeds going to Angat Cebu BPO to support...

Faith and devotion filled Cebu City’s main thoroughfares before dawn on Thursday as more than 240,000 devotees joined the annual Walk with Jesus, marking the peaceful opening of the Fiesta Señor 2026 celebrations.

City officials said the turnout was significantly higher than in previous years, underscoring the enduring devotion of Cebuanos and pilgrims to the Sto. Niño.

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, head of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC), said the crowd estimate was calculated...

Organizers of the 461st Fiesta Señor will bar politicians from boarding the galleon during the January 2026 fluvial procession to preserve the solemn and purely religious nature of one of Cebu’s most significant faith traditions.

Rev. Fr. Jules Van Villa Almerez, OSA, media liaison friar-in-charge of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu (BMSN) fluvial procession, said the final passenger list has been prepared and deliberately limits participation to Church leaders and religious partners.

“For the galleon, we already...

The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) will open the viewing decks of Piers 1 to 5 for devotees attending the fluvial procession on January 17, 2026.

Officials said there will be no fixed attendance limit as long as safety protocols are observed.

CPA Ground Commander Inspector Jomar Lumapay said the move aims to accommodate devotees wishing to witness the seaborne procession of the Santo Niño, a major highlight of the annual Fiesta Señor.

“All access points will be subject to security...

A wave of devotion is set to sweep through Cebu on Thursday, January 8, as Fiesta Señor opens at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño (BMSN).

Augustinian friars are preparing to welcome what could be up to 1 million attendees for the Walk with Jesus foot procession and other opening activities. 

Rev. Fr. Jules Van Almerez, media liaison of BMSN, said on Wednesday, January 7, that they expect at least 800,000 devotees on the first day. Last year, the dawn...

The streets of Cebu are gearing up to pulse with millions of feet, colors, and music as the city prepares for the 461st Fiesta Señor and Sinulog Grand Parade.

Up to 5 million tourists and devotees are expected to fill the streets on Sunday, January 18, 2026, Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. announced during a send-off ceremony for security and emergency personnel on Monday, January 5.

Authorities said Cebu City has finalized preparations to ensure public safety and smooth coordination...

Cebu City has been placed under Blue Alert as the city ramps up preparations for Sinulog 2026.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, a member of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) executive committee, said the city is now operating in heightened readiness mode ahead of the grand celebration on January 18, 2026.

“Sa pagka karon naa nata sa 70 percent sa tanang preparation sa Sinulog this January 18, 2026. Halos nakompleto na ang preparation. Ang D-day nalang gyud ang paabuton,” Tumulak said.

He...

Cebu City has imposed stricter rules for Sinulog 2026 to ensure a safer, more organized, and faith-centered celebration.

The Cebu City Government, in coordination with the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI), announced new measures during a meeting led by SFI Executive Director Jojo Labella and key festival partners.

Under the updated guidelines, contingents arriving at their designated pre-positioning areas along the parade route at or after 7 a.m. will not be allowed to join the procession.

Performers are also prohibited...

Phones will stay on, and social media will keep buzzing during this year’s Sinulog.

Cebu City has confirmed there will be no signal shutdown during the festival, ensuring uninterrupted communication for the public, participants, and media.

The city also issued updated guidelines to improve discipline among contingents, enhance public engagement, and make the celebration safer and more organized.

The announcement was made in a post by Cebu City News, the official social media arm of the Cebu City government....

Cebu’s grandest celebration is just around the corner, and this upcoming Sinulog Festival promises to be one of the most vibrant and most diverse yet. After months of preparation, prayer, and anticipation, organizers have officially released both the Sinulog 2026 schedule of religious and cultural activities and the final list of competing contingents for next year’s festivities.

Bringing together faith, culture, music, and movement, Sinulog 2026 carries the spirit of unity and devotion as Cebuano communities and guest performers nationwide...

Cebu City has allowed gender-nonconforming dancers to wear women’s costumes in the Sinulog 2026 Grand Parade, following a directive from Mayor Nestor Archival granting temporary approval for their participation under the Sinulog-Based category.

In a letter dated December 5, 2025, addressed to Sinulog Foundation Inc. executive director Jojo Labella, Archival said it would be impractical and unfair to require contingents to change their choreography and costumes at this stage of preparations.

“I am granting temporary approval for gender-nonconforming dancers to...

Sinulog 2026 preparations have now reached 60 percent completion as Cebu City accelerates work on staging a safer, shorter, and more devotee-centered festival next month.

In an update on Tuesday, December 9, Councilor Dave Tumulak, a member of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) executive committee, said groundwork is underway simultaneously across barangays, municipal contingents, and major festival sites.

He emphasized that preparations this year are more synchronized to ensure the city avoids the bottlenecks, delays, and crowd issues experienced...

The much-awaited Sinulog Festival continues to bring together vibrant contingents from across the country, including provincial, school, and cultural groups.

Local neighborhoods, barangays, and schools are also joining in full force, showcasing talent, culture, and community pride.

Special guest contingents from other renowned festivals and nearby provinces add even more color and excitement to this year’s celebration.

OUT OF TOWN CONTINGENTS

• KALIVUNGAN FESTIVAL PROVINCE OF COTABATO AMAS, KIDAPAWAN CITY
• ZAMBOANGA CITY HIGH SCHOOL - MAIN
• BAIS CITY
...

Cebu Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro will dance with Danao City in Sinulog 2026.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed on Monday, December 1, that Danao City will join Sinulog 2026 not as an official contingent but as guest performers supporting Baricuatro, who will dance alongside them.

The announcement surprised many, coming after Danao City Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III previously said his city would skip Sinulog to focus on recovery efforts for barangays affected by Typhoon Tino.

Archival said preparations...

Sinulog festivities in 2026 will return to a single, unified celebration as both the Cebu City Government and Cebu Provincial Government commit to working together for next year’s event.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, that Governor Pamela Baricuatro has agreed to align the province with the city’s plans for the festival, ending years of separate celebrations.

Archival said Baricuatro personally assured him of her support. 

“Niingon siya ‘Nes, we will have one Sinulog— whatever...

Thousands of devotees can look forward to a faster, more organized Sinulog next year as Cebu City moves to end the grand parade earlier and streamline festival operations.

Mayor Nestor Archival announced on November 26, 2025, that organizers will schedule closing fireworks between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., avoiding the long delays and congestion that affected previous celebrations.

Archival said he instructed organizers to finish the festival sooner to reduce participant fatigue and keep crowds moving smoothly along parade...

CEBU CITY — The #Sinulog2026 and #461stFiestaSeñor is set to ignite the streets of Cebu with faith, color, and tradition. This world-famous festival honors the Holy Child Jesus (Santo Niño) and commemorates the conversion of the Cebuano people to Christianity in the 16th century. Known for its vibrant street dances, elaborate costumes, grand parades, and solemn religious processions, Sinulog draws thousands of devotees, tourists, and cultural performers from across the Philippines and the world.

The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño...