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 during the festivities.
Communication services will remain uninterrupted, with no signal shutdowns planned to support emergency response.
Security and emergency personnel will be deployed across key areas, including parade routes, procession paths, transport terminals, and other major convergence points.
The deployment involves the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Cebu City Transportation Office, Department of Health, and civilian volunteers.
The celebration will feature both religious and cultural events.
Fiesta Señor will include novena masses and processions honoring the Santo Niño, while the Sinulog Festival will showcase street dancing, cultural performances, and the grand parade, which will begin at 8 a.m. on January 18.
Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan of the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas said authorities will deploy new mobile cars, handheld radios, megaphones, and a mobile command center with real-time CCTV monitoring to maintain peace and safety.
Councilor Dave Tumulak of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. reported that preparations are 70 percent complete and confirmed that 40 dancing contingents, including three guest performers, will participate.
The festival season kicks off with the Walk with Jesus procession on Thursday, January 8, marking the start of novena masses.
Mayor Archival said national officials, including the President, Vice President, and congressional leaders, are expected to attend, though confirmations are pending.
Rev. Fr. Jules Almerez, media liaison of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, said the celebration will continue to highlight unity and inclusivity, attracting devotees and tourists from across the region.
Photo from Reymund Requina
