The local government of Cebu City on Sunday disclosed that more than 3 million local and foreign tourists are expected to join the Sinulog and Fiesta Señor celebration on 19 January 2025.
This year, the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI), led by executive director Elmer Labella, confirmed that the festival day is going back to the tradition of celebrating it on the third Sunday of the month.
“We are going back to the basic ‘Sinulog One Beat, One Dance, One Vision’ theme, but we are suggesting a tagline of ‘Chanting Pit Señor all over the Philippine Archipelago,’” Labella said.
There are 43 contingents that are joining and competing in the Sinulog Grand Parade.
One of the biggest changes for this year’s celebration is the return to the original venue: the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), known formerly as the Abellana Sports Complex.
In 2023 and 2024, then Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama moved to hold the Sinulog Grand Festival at the South Road Properties, which led to disagreements between Rama and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.
Labella cited that the traditional route for parade day will be closer to the city’s downtown area.
The traditional route is back, which covers General Maxilom Avenue, Fuente Osmena Circle, Osmeña Boulevard, Pantaleon del Rosario Street, and Imus Avenue.
Labella revealed that Sinulog sa Lalawigan (Sinulog in the Province), which features performances from the youth of Cebu’s municipalities and cities, will no longer be a separate event. Instead, contingents will join the grand parade and showdown on 19 January at the CCSC.
The Sinulog sa Dakbayan (Sinulog in the City) will be on 12 January at the CCSC which will showcase performances from Cebu City’s barangays and elementary schools.