Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia on Sunday estimated that more than three million local and foreign tourists will attend the Sinulog and Fiesta Señor celebrations on 19 January.

The Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI), led by executive director Elmer Labella, confirmed the festival will return to its traditional date on the third Sunday of January.

“We are going back to the basics with the ‘Sinulog One Beat, One Dance, One Vision’ theme, but we are suggesting a tagline of ‘Chanting Pit Señor all over the Philippine Archipelago," Labella told the media.

A total of 43 contingents will join and compete in the Sinulog Grand Parade.

One of the biggest changes this year is the return to the original venue: the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), formerly known as the Abellana Sports Complex. In 2023 and 2024, former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama moved the event to the South Road Properties, sparking disagreements with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Labella noted that the traditional parade route, which is closer to downtown, will also be used this year. The route covers General Maxilom Avenue, Fuente Osmena Circle, Osmena Boulevard, Pantaleon del Rosario Street, and Imus Avenue.

Labella also disclosed that the Sinulog sa Lalawigan (Sinulog in the Province), which features youth performances from Cebu’s municipalities and cities, will no longer be a separate event. Instead, the contingents will join the grand parade and showdown at the CCSC on January 19.

The Sinulog sa Dakbayan (Sinulog in the City) will be held on January 12 at the CCSC, showcasing performances from Cebu City’s barangays and elementary schools.