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 that did not win initially have historically shone during the grand parade itself.
He added that the decision reflects the inclusive spirit of Sinulog.
Archival also acknowledged the financial burden on barangay contingents.
While the city provides about P1 million to each group, many still spend between P3 million and P4 million to prepare their performances.
“Imagine spending millions just to perform for five minutes,” he said.
The 17 Dakbayan contingents are part of the 40 groups scheduled for the grand parade.
Allowing all of them to perform ensures families and supporters—many of whom could not attend the Sinulog sa Dakbayan competitions—can witness their barangay’s offering.
“We are not taking away their chance to offer this to the Santo Niño,” Archival said.
Despite the increased number of contingents, the mayor expressed confidence that the parade will conclude early, possibly by 7 p.m.
He attributed this to new rules banning lighted or illuminated props, which previously required some performances to be staged at night.
The ban, imposed by the Sinulog Foundation Inc., aims to level the playing field and streamline the schedule.
Earlier, the Cebu City government formally confirmed that all 17 Sinulog sa Dakbayan groups qualified for the grand parade as part of Sinulog 2026 preparations.
Archival described the routines as more than competition pieces, calling them expressions of faith, unity, and gratitude that capture the true spirit of the festival.
He encouraged Cebuanos and visiting devotees to support the performers when they return to the streets.
The announcement follows Barangay Mabolo’s strong showing in the Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2026 competitions. Its contingent, Lambo Mabolo, won the Ritual Showdown championship on January 10 at the Cebu City Sports Center, outperforming 16 other barangay groups.
The group also finished first runner-up in the Street Dance competition, won by Lumad Basakanon, and took home major special awards, including Best in Costume and first runner-up in Best in Musicality. (LLP)
Photo by Edward Charles Tinga
