CEBU CITY — The countdown to Sinulog 2026 is officially on, and Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed on Tuesday that 37 contingents are set to march in next January’s grand parade.

Among them are 13 out-of-town groups and two special guest performers, including Danao City — where Governor Pamela Baricuatro is expected to dance — and the famous MassKara Festival.

Mayor Archival shared that 35 contingents will be competing, while the two guest performers will join for the spectacle but not the competition. The deadline for entries closed on 30 November, and organizers say the line-up promises a colorful, high-energy display of culture and talent.

The out-of-town contingents hail from across the country, including Las Piñas City, Tagbilaran City, Zamboanga Sibugay, Maria Clara Lobregat National High School of Zamboanga City, Malita (Davao Occidental), Antipolo City, Talon Talon National High School of Zamboanga City, Bais City, Tabaco College (Albay), Muntinlupa City, Zamboanga City High School, Amas of Kidapawan and the Kalivungan Festival of Cotabato Province.

Cebu Province will also be well-represented, with contingents from Toledo City, Carcar City, Mandaue City, Alcoy, Dumanjug and Carmen.

Meanwhile, Cebu City itself will showcase a wide array of local groups: Basak Pardo, Lumad Basakanon, Barrio Luz, Guadalupe, Banilad Binali, Mabolo, Tribu Kinaiyahan of San Nicolas Proper, Inayawan, San Roque, Tejero, Kasambagan, Babag, San Nicolas Proper, UP Cebu, Labangon and Talamban.

In other news, Mayor Archival also revealed that the Sinulog 2026 budget has been trimmed from P100 million to P78 million, with the P22 million savings earmarked for typhoon-hit area rehabilitation — proving that the festival can still shine while giving back to communities in need.