Your Guide to Grander Sinulog 2020

Find out what's on Sinulog 2020 (Sinulog Festival, Schedule of Activities, Events, Survival Tips, Places to Stay in Cebu, Photos, Videos)

If sometime in the past you made a leisure tour of the Philippines without experiencing the thrills and excitement of the SINULOG FESTIVAL in Cebu, you should beat the panties out of your travel agent or tour operator. You have been shortchanged. It's like booking you on a Brazil tour and not discovering what CARNIVAL IN RIO was all about. Ok. Perhaps your schedule didn't run parallel to its grand festivities which happen only in January. Fine. The next time around just make sure you do your bookings with a genuine Cebuana. You'll know she's a Cebuana if she's beautiful and shapely and smiles instead of slapping you, if you get fresh.

Photos By: Don Pobre and Louie Plaza

The Sinulog Festival

Sinulog, pronounced as "See-noo-log" is a Cebuano word meaning "like the movement of water currents". And like a strong undercurrent that can grip you...this...one of the most festive, colorful events in the cultural spectrum of the country can hold you in awe. Like a delectable, mouth-watering Kobe steak served on your table, it sizzles. Its frenetic, mantra-like beat from the hundreds of drums during the grand parade cries out for you to let your hair down, join the street dancing and go wild.

Sinulog is actually an ancient ethnic dance performed by the early Cebuanos to pay homage to their gods. With Ferdinand Magellan's coming in 1521 and his gift of a Sto. Niño (Child Jesus) statue to Rajah Humabon's wife, the event not only introduced Christianity to Cebu but it became a foundation for the Sinulog's relevance. A depiction of Queen Juana raising the Sto Nino and blessing her subjects to ward off illnesses and demons became an integral part of the Sinulog Festival.

Sinulog Anthem 2020 By John Carlo Burgos

The Sinulog Grand Parade

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, devotees and tourists take part particularly in this grandest of parades. It consists of multi-colored, earthy street pageantry with participants donning vibrant hues and styles made of silk and trimmed or fastened with feathers. In a frenzied mood they dance in the streets to the spell-binding beat of drums and gongs and the mantral cries of "Pit Señor" (Long live the Christ child!) Then, there is also this frenetic whole week of religious and cultural activities climaxing in an all-day, almost all-night street dancing and parading in multi-colored costumes to a heart-thumping beat of native drums, trumpets and gongs. Resonating in the air are cult-like mantras wildly and loudly uttered by half-naked men and women with painted faces, stomping their feet on the ground as if preparing to go on a friendly warpath. This New Orleans-like Mardi Gras happens every 3rd Sunday of January, immediately a day after a mass celebration in the basilica is held in honor of Santo Niño de Cebu, long regarded as the city's patron saint. No invitations are handed out. You just let your hair down and join the fever- pitch revelry in the street.

Photos by: Robespierre Paderanga

Sinulog 2020 Festival Grand Parade Day Route Map
January 19, 2020 (Sunday) – Sinulog Grand Parade 9:00AM – Sinulog 2020 Grand Parade Kick Off at Cebu City Sports Center

The Sinulog Solemn Mass

Like the Hunger Games starting gong, SINULOG also has an official kickoff (in a peaceful way of course) through a solemn mass held at the Basilica del Santo Niño. It's the start of the 9 days novena mass to be attended and completed by thousands (if not millions) of devotees. Most say you get a wish if you complete it, give it a try and expect an unbelievably huge crowd of wishers (or thankers and faithfuls) and witness the heartwarming faith-in-humanity-restoring 'Bato Balani'.

Photos by: Ronald Tagra

Sinulog Solemn Procession Route on January 18, 2020
1:00PM – Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of the Santo Niño

The Sinulog Fluvial Procession

As part of the tradition of bringing the Child Jesus to his parents in the different parishes of Cebu, a fluvial procession is held a day before the grand celebration. The image, encased in glass and bedecked with flowers is brought by watercraft representing a Spanish galleon.

Photos by: Oscar B. Machacon Jr.

Along with the busiest and wildest streets is also a holy and peaceful tradition held at the sea. It's kept alive by the promises of devotees. Almost a hundred (if not more than) yellow, gold and red flower-decorated, small to medium sized boats, sail at dawn with the holy Child Jesus. Fluvial procession faithful attendees will surely surprise you with inexplicable joy whenever their boat gets a chance to be near with the float of Sr. Santo Niño, it's considered a blessing. Not to mention the flowers that are showered at the bridge. Goose bumps everywhere.

The Sinulog Festival Queen

If there's a festival, there's always a queen. This is one of the title by the very own reigning Miss Earth, Jamie Herrell. This is a search for the Lead Dancer from the contingents participating in the Sinulog Grand Parade based on exceptional beauty and dancing skills. The Festival queen should be able to dance with rhythm and grace accompanied with all artistic considerations (we're talking about some skillful slant-body pose with a huge smile).

Survival Tips for Sinulog 2020

Preps

Arrival
Never book a flight on a Sinulog weekend. The city's probably already a chaos by the time you arrive. As for travelers by sea, reserve tickets as early as possible.

Accommodation
September, October and November are good months for hotel bookings. A little too early and a little too late might just disappoint you and your pockets. See Places to Stay in Cebu during Sinulog 2020.

During

Adhere
Adhere to your body needs like enough rest, food and water. You're gonna need all the energy out in the streets so get enough rest, eat properly and make sure to pack up water before heading out.
Attire
Keep it simple. Shirts, shorts, hats, and sneakers are on top on the list when venturing. In fact, it all goes down on how you style your SINULOG attire. And oh, sunblock and umbrellas too.
Attitude
Keep calm and cool. Keeping it festive is all you need to bear with the huge crowd, constant pushing, paint/beer showers and longer lines. Remember, it-'s all about having fun!
Attention
Keep your belongings at watch (especially for foreigners). The not-so-good people are also at bay during this occasion so really its better safe than sorry.
Account
Take lots and lots of pictures. Share your fun and experience though pictures and social media updates. The internet is a better way to communicate with your friends since mobile networks are most of the time down during SINULOG.

Places to Stay in Cebu during Sinulog 2020

Casa Escano Bed and Breakfast Hotel

Juana OSmena | Cebu City

A place that evokes rich memories Cebuanos growing up 60's -70's....

USD 69 Book Now

Century Plaza Hotel

Juana Osmeñ a Street | Cebu City

Century Plaza Hotel understands your need to be in touch with your business. Designed with you in mind, the hotel gives you the convenience of quick and easy access to other...

USD 36 Book Now

City Suites

F. Ramos Street | Cebu City

While other places force travelers to choose between comfort and accessibility, City Suites Ramos Tower in Cebu City, Philippines stands out by providing them with both plus so...

USD 53 Book Now

Crown Regency Hotel and Towers Cebu

Tower 1, Fuente Towers, Osmena Boulevard | Sta. Cruz, Cebu City

A majestic view of uptown Cebu City satiates the eyes at the 40-storey hotel tower, the Crown Regency Hotel and Towers. Comfort and luxury are the main components of each of the...

USD 68 Book Now

Diplomat Hotel

90 F. Ramos Street | Cebu City

Diplomat Hotel is located across the heart of the City. They have Guest room and Function rooms...

USD 30 Book Now

Well Hotel

F. Ramos St., Cogon Ramos, | Cebu City

The hotel is just 30-45 minute drive from the Mactan Cebu International Airport and approximately 2-3 minute drive to Robinson's Place and Fuente Circle....

USD 29 Book Now

Gran Prix Econotel

3rd Floor Coast Pacific Building. F. Ramos St. corner Gen. Maxilom Ave. | Cebu City

Business and leisure travelers who seek inexpensive yet charmingly chic spaces book at Gran Prix Econotel Cebu. Offering rooms bathed in warm lighting and fitted with amenities...

USD 29 Book Now

Sampaguita Suites

2nd Floor, JRG Bldg., Gen. Maxilom Avenue | Cebu City

For MyHometel's second hotel, we got our inspiration from two successful business entrepreneurs: Jeff Bezos (founder of the popular online boom store Amazon.com) and Walt Disney...

USD 30 Book Now

St. Mark Hotel

Queens Road, Redemptorist Plaza, Brgy. Camputhaw | Cebu City

St. Mark is a boutique hotel with 5 star amenities that caters to travellers coming to Cebu for either business or leisure. The hotel is the premiere hospitality venture of Terre...

USD 51 Book Now

Summit Circle

Fuente Osmeñ a Street | Cebu City

Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), one of the Philippines' leading real estate companies, is involved in the development and operation of shopping malls and hotels, and is also one...

USD 57 Book Now

Apple Tree Suites Cebu

22 J. Llorente St. Capitol Site | Cebu City

APPLE TREE SUITES is a brand new hotel that started opening its doors to today's business and leisure travelers on May 28, 2006. It is conveniently situated in a peaceful...

USD 35 Book Now

Capitol Central Hotel and Suites

Escario Street, Corner F. Ramos Extension, Capitol Site | Cebu City

It doesn't get any more central than this! Situated right across the historic Cebu Provincial Capitol. This newly-renovated hotel boasts of a very convenient location in...

USD 38 Book Now

Diamond Suites and Residences

No. 8 Apitong Street , Escario Streets | Cebu City

Business should be a pleasure, which is why the Diamond Suites & Residences furnishes each of its 129 fully-functional guestrooms and residences with the best of both.

USD 49 Book Now

Cebu Grand Hotel

Cebu Capitol Commercial Complex North Escario St. | Cebu City

Our hotel in Cebu takes pride in bringing you close to the celebrations and festivities that the province is famous for Sinulog.

USD 60 Book Now

Cebu Parklane Hotel

Archbishop Reyes Avenue cor Escario Street, | Cebu City

Cebu Parklane International Hotel is located at the corner of Archbishop Reyes Avenue and Escario Streets, an area renowned for its vibrance and cosmopolitan charm. Just a few...

USD 63 Book Now

Cebu R Hotel

101 Don Mariano Cui St., Capitol Site, | Cebu City

That's something we can't define for you in words, but you'll know once you step into our spaces. We have created spaces for you that are unique in both appearance and appeal....

USD 25 Book Now

Dynasty Tourist Inn

Jasmin St. Capitol Site | Cebu City

In 2011, Dynasty Touist Inn took its transition to a more Modern Oriental themed hotel. From the modern fa?ade that welcomes you at first hand down to the hallways and lobbies...

USD 27 Book Now

Escario Central Hotel

Escario Central Mall , Escario Street | Cebu City

A 46-room, sprawling type accommodation in a fusion of modern and zen design filled with striking shades of red and orange. The hotel radiates an atmosphere of rare comfort in its...

USD 39 Book Now

Golden Prince Hotel

Archbishop Reyes Avenue, | Cebu City

Golden Prince Hotel and Suites brings the Golden Brand of Hospitality to a whole new level. Conveniently located at the heart of Cebu Business Park, this prestigious eight-story...

USD 45 Book Now

Harolds Hotel

Gorordo Avenue corner Rosal St. | Cebu City

HAROLDS HOTEL offers a vantage point for guests with business or leisure reasons in the city. Situated in the uptown area of Cebu City, about 30 minutes away from Mactan...

USD 70 Book Now

Hotel Elizabeth, Cebu

Archbishop Reyes Avenue (across Ayala Center Cebu) | Cebu City

Established shortly after its predecessor in Baguio, Hotel Elizabeth Cebu has over 131 stately guest rooms and suites. Situated conveniently in one of Cebu's bustling district, the...

USD 106 Book Now

Hotel Stella

Don Gil Garcia Street Capitol Site | Cebu City

The Hotel Stella boast having 40 fully airconditioned rooms, flat screen television, Wi-fi, and a standby generator to make sure you that you will remail comfortable and safe.

USD 31 Book Now

M Citi Suites

J. Llorente Street cor Don Gil Garcia Street | Cebu CIty

We want you to enjoy your total Cebu experience which begins with a most comfortable place to stay. We see your comfort and convenience as a fulfillment of our goal to deliver true...

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Mandarin Plaza Hotel

Archbishop Reyes Avenue Corner Escario Street, | Cebu City

If what you're looking for is a conveniently located hotel in Cebu, look no further than Mandarin Plaza Hotel. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city...

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Tune Hotel

36 Archbishop Reyes Avenue, | Cebu City

Tune Hotels core proposition is to offer a great night's sleep at a great price. All of the Tune hotels feature space-efficient, streamlined rooms focusing on high-quality basics:...

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Regal Business Park

Archbishop Reyes Avenue (across Ayala Center Cebu) | Cebu City

Regal Business Park Hotel is located at the heart of Cebu's main business district - the Cebu Business Park. It is strategically situated right across Cebu's primary lifestyle mall...

Quest Hotel

Archbishop Reyes Avenue, | Cebu City

Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu is the first Quest Hotel in the Philippines with over 400 rooms. It is a 3 star hotel with an affordable lifestyle. It aims to combine the...

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Premiere Citi Suites

M. P. Yap Street | Cebu City

Premiere Citi Suites is a new brand of fresh and modern rooms for those who come to Cebu for business or leisure. The hotel is located at the heart of the city, and is a short...

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Paragon Suites

J. Osmena Street | Cebu City

The Queen City of the South is teeming with R & R options and pleasure opportunities for globetrotters and vacationers to indulge, being one of the most visited cities in the...

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NS Royal Pensione

Juana OSmena | Cebu City

Cebu, the queen city of the south, has long been admired by tourists for its pristine white sand beaches, hospitable community, rich cultural background and a bustling business...

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The Maxwell

Escario Street | Cebu City

Econotels with convenient place in the City...

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Tonros Apartelle

Gorordo Avenue | Cebu City

TONROS APARTELLE is a budget hotel (rooms at Php750/night) located a mere 7 minute walk to Cebu Business Park (AYALA CENTER). It is situated along the main road, accessibility to...

Verbena Pension House

584 - Don Gil Garcia St. Capitol Site | Cebu City

Verbena's drive towards uncompromising excellence in customer service and accommodation springs from a history that had become pivotal to this customer-focused business.

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Wellcome Hotel

No. 18 Molave Street, Escario, | Cebu City

Wellcome Hotel has 68 reasonably-priced guest rooms with facilities resembling that of a three star hotel which will provide one with a special experience in one's stay in Cebu!...

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Sinulog 2020 Schedule of Activities

Pre-Sinulog Kick-off Activities

January 1-31, 2020 – Sinulog Street Fair at Osmeña Boulevard
January 1-21, 2020 – Sinulog Nightly Acitivies at Plaza Independencia & Fuente Osmeña Circle
January 9-19, 2020 – Balik Cebu Booth at Level 1, Ayala Center Cebu
January 9-20, 2020 – Sto. Niño Exhibit at Level 1, Ayala Center Cebu
January 13-20, 2020 – Fiesta at the Park 2020 at Cebu Business Park

SINULOG WEEK ACTIVITIES

January 10, 2020 (Thursday) – Walk with Jesus, Opening Salvo

3:30AM – Assembly at Fuente Osmeña (Fuente Osmeña – Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño)
4:00AM – Start of walk from Fuente Osmeña to Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño
5:30AM – Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2020
3:00PM – Sinulog Trade Fair at SM City Cebu by DTI
7:00PM – GMA-7 / DYSS Variety Show at Plaza Independencia

January 10, 2020 (Friday) – Sinulog 2020 Kick Off

2:30PM – Solemn Mass at Basilica Del Santo Niño – Opening Salvo Sinulog 2020
3:30PM – Assembly time for the Sinulog 2020 Launching Parade (Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center)
5:00PM – Sinulog 2020 Grand Launching at Cebu City Sports Center
7:00PM – Opening: Sugbuanong Musika at Fuente Osmeña Circle | Sinulog Idol Launching at Plaza Independencia
8:30PM – PNP Combo @ Fuente Osmeña Circle

January 11, 2020 (Saturday) – Sinulog sa Lalawigan

1:00PM – Parade of Participants (Capitol Grounds to Cebu City Sports Center)
2:00PM – Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan at Cebu City Sports Center
6:00PM – Cultural Show at Fuente Osmeña Circle by Department of Education – Cebu Province
6:30PM – Variety Show at Fuente Osmeña Circle
7:00PM – Sugbuanong Musika Elimination at Fuente Osmeña Circle
7:00PM – Sinulog Idol Elimination Day 1 at Plaza Independencia
8:30PM – Hiphop Dance Competition with Variety Show at Plaza Independencia

January 12, 2020 (Sunday) – Sinulog sa Barangay

10:00AM – Parade of Participants (Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center)
1:00PM – Sinulog sa Barangay at Cebu City Sports Center
6:00PM – Cultural Show at Fuente Osmeña Circle by UV & Mandaue City Science High School
6:30PM – Variety Show at Fuente Osmeña Circle
7:00PM – Sugbuanong Musika Elimination at Fuente Osmeña Circle
7:00PM – Sinulog Idol Elimination Day 2 at Plaza Independencia
8:30PM – PAL Night Concert at Plaza Independencia

January 13, 2020 (Monday)

6:00PM – Cultural Show at Fuente Osmeña Circle by USPF & CIT University
6:30PM – Variety Show at Fuente Osmeña Circle
7:00PM – Sugbuanong Musika Elimination at Fuente Osmeña Circle
7:00PM – Sinulog Idol Elimination Day 3 at Plaza Independencia
8:30PM – CCTN Night at Plaza Independencia

January 14, 2020 (Tuesday)

6:00PM – Cultural Show at Fuente Osmeña Circle by CTU Danao & USJR
6:30PM – Variety Show at Fuente Osmeña Circle
7:00PM – Sugbuanong Musika Elimination at Fuente Osmeña Circle
7:00PM – Sinulog Idol Elimination Day 4 at Plaza Independencia

January 15, 2020 (Wednesday)

6:00PM – Cultural Show at Fuente Osmeña Circle by DepEd Cebu City & UC
6:30PM – Variety Show at Fuente Osmeña Circle
7:00PM – Sinulog 2020 Festival Queen: Presentation of Candidates at SM Seaside City Cebu
7:00PM – Sugbuanong Musika Elimination at Fuente Osmeña Circle
7:00PM – Sinulog Idol Elimination Day 4 at Plaza Independencia
8:30PM – Cignal Night at Plaza Independencia

January 16, 2020 (Thursday)

5:00PM – Sinulog Festival Queen 2020: Runway Competition at SM City Cebu Northwing Atrium
6:00PM – Balik Cebu Dinner at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu
6:00PM – Cultural Show at Fuente Osmeña Circle by USC & SIT
6:30PM – Variety Show at Fuente Osmeña Circle
7:00PM – Sinulog Idol 2020 Grand Finals at Fuente Osmeña Circle
8:30PM – SMB Night at Fuente Osmeña Circle
8:30PM – SKY Night at Plaza Independencia

January 17, 2020 (Friday)

4:00AM – Walk with Mary (Our Lady of Guadalupe Church – Fuente Osmeña – Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño)
7:00AM – Translacion. Walk with Mary. Cebu City to National Shrine of St. Joseph Mandaue.
4:00PM – Opening of Devotee City at Companya Maritima
5:00PM – Sinulog 2020 Festival Queen Coronation Night at Cebu City Sports Center
6:00PM – Cultural Show at Fuente Osmeña Circle by Mandaue City School for the Arts
8:30PM – Coke Studio Night at Fuente Osmeña Circle
8:30PM – SUN Night at Plaza Independencia

January 18, 2020 (Saturday)

2:00AM – Mass at National Shrine of St. Joseph
3:00AM – Mandaue-Lapu-Lapu Traslacion
6:00AM – Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of the Santo Niño (NAVFORCEN Lapu-Lapu to Pier 1)
9:00AM – Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana & Rajah Humabon at Basilica Del Santo Niño
1:00PM – Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of the Santo Niño
6:00PM – Wonju Dynamic Dancing Carnival (Korean Cultural Dance) at Fuente Osmeña Circle
7:00PM – Battle of the Best Pyro Competition (Fireworks Display) at SM City Cebu
8:30PM – Sugbuanong Musika Grand Finals at Fuente Osmeña Circle
8:30PM – IPI Night at Plaza Independencia

January 19, 2020 (Sunday) – Sinulog Grand Parade

4:00AM – Mañanita Mass at Basilica Del Santo Niño
6:00AM – Pontifical Mass at Basilica Del Santo Niño
6:30AM – Holy Mass at Cebu City Sports Center
9:00AM – Sinulog 2020 Grand Parade Kick Off at Cebu City Sports Center
5:00PM – Sinulog 2020 Grand Finale at Cebu City Sports Center
7:00PM – Wonju Dynamic Dancing Carnival (Korean Cultural Dance) at Plaza Independencia
7:00PM – Pyro Musical Show (Fireworks Display) at SM City Cebu
8:00PM – Extraordinary Pyro Magic in the Sky (Fireworks Display) at SM Seaside City Cebu
9:00PM – Festival of Lights – Grand Fireworks Display at Cebu Business Park

POST-SINULOG ACTIVITIES

January 20, 2020 (Monday) – Awarding Ceremonies, 1:00PM at Cebu City Sports Center
January 24, 2020 (Friday) – “HUBO Mass”, 4:00PM at Basilica Minore del Sto.Niño
January 27-28, 2020 – Judging Sinulog 2020 Short Film, Documentation and Music Video Contest
January 28, 2020 (Tuesday) – Judging Sinulog 2020 Photo Contest
February 1, 2020 (Saturday) – Awarding: Sinulog Photo Contest & Short Film Contest at SM Seaside City Cebu
February 1-10, 2020 – Photo Exhibit of Sinulog 2020 Winning Photos at SM Seaside City Cebu