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 routes.
“It’s about time that we set a time limit. First of all, if we consume too much time with a program that is so long, spectators will go home,” he said.
The mayor noted that previous Sinulog celebrations faced issues such as overly long programs, floats lacking clear specifications, and an excessive number of contingents.
He added that the city had learned from these mistakes, reducing the number of contingents, setting an earlier finish time, and establishing clear specifications for floats.
The city currently allocates P100 million for Sinulog 2026, but Archival said officials may review the budget due to recent calamities, including typhoon Tino.
He also emphasized that public funds will not cover parties, requiring private organizers to secure permits.
Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) proposed rules to improve safety and festival flow, including capping contingents at 35, early float inspections, and qualifying rounds for some categories.
Float height will be limited to 12 feet, and all entrants must submit designs for review.
Meanwhile, several local governments in Cebu have opted out of next year’s Sinulog to focus on disaster recovery.
Aside from Sinulog, Talisay City canceled all Christmas activities and its Charter Day concert, while Danao City scrapped its lantern parade and festival participation after 14 barangays suffered damage.
Archival said city officials will prioritize crowd control and public safety during the 2026 celebration.
Plans include operating shuttle buses for northern and southern routes, enforcing stricter liquor regulations, and limiting concerts and parties to venues outside the city center, such as the South Road Properties.
