CEBU, Philippines – Thousands of locals and tourists came to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu in Cebu City on Friday, January 10, for the opening ceremony of the Sinulog Festival 2025.
56-year-old Claudio Dapiton, a Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus) devotee from Barangay Hipodromo, attended the ceremony with his family to join in the mass and witness Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia declare the start of the Sinulog festivities.
Dapiton told Rappler he’s excited to see more action this year, especially because the festival celebrations are being brought back to the streets of Cebu City.
“Katong South Road Properties (SRP) siya gihold, naa ra mi sa balay kay layo man pero lipay mi kay muagi na man sa amoa,” the devotee said.
(When it was held in the SRP, we were just at home because it was far but we are happy now because it will pass by our place this time)
In 2023 and 2024, the Sinulog grand festival was held at the SRP under orders of then-Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama. Residents expressed their concern over the holding of the event there due to possible traffic congestion and the venue’s muddy terrain.
It was also at the center of disagreements on the holding of the celebration between Rama and Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia.
The incumbent mayor, Raymond, announced that the grand culmination of the festival on January 19 would now be held in the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), formerly known as the Abellana Sports Complex — the original celebration venue.
After the mayor declared the beginning of Sinulog festivities, performers from different parts of Cebu started the celebration with the traditional Sinulog ritual dance prayer and a parade spanning the streets of downtown Cebu City to the CCSC.
One devotee that caught the attention of people at the Basilica was 66-year-old Abet Zafra, who was so overjoyed by the celebration that he began performing the Sinulog ritual dance.
Zafra, who is from Talisay City, told Rappler that he does this every year and knows that doing so will please the Santo Niño.
“Ganahan ko kay makakita na ko sa pista karong umaabot January 19 ug isayaw gihapon nako ni siya (I like it because I can finally see the fiesta this coming January 19 and I’m still going to dance with this guy),” Zafra said, referring to his replica of the Santo Niño.
– Rappler.com